The Nigerian equities market concluded the shortened trading week with a positive trajectory, registering a 0.6% gain in the NGX All-Share Index (ASI). This upward movement was achieved despite a slight decline recorded on Thursday, June 11.
On Thursday, the benchmark index saw a decrease of 0.05%, closing at 244,738.74 points. Consequently, the market capitalization fell by N72.74 billion, settling at N156.97 trillion from the previous session's N157.05 trillion. However, earlier gains in the week were substantial enough to ensure a positive weekly outcome.
This performance marks a recovery from the preceding week, which experienced the market's steepest decline of 2026, a fall of 3.11%, attributed to broad-based profit-taking.
Investor participation saw a considerable strengthening on Thursday, with trading volume increasing by 40.29% to 1.72 billion shares and value traded rising by 35.96% to N52.81 billion. The number of deals, however, decreased by 8.09% to 49,807.
The market's resilience throughout the week was largely propelled by consistent buying interest in several key stocks:
- Airtel Africa saw a gain of +10.0%.
- First HoldCo advanced by +11.5%.
- Oando rose by +10.4%.
- MTN Nigeria appreciated by +3.2%.
- GTCO added +0.9%.
These heavyweight stocks played a crucial role in reversing the sharp post-holiday sell-off observed at the week's commencement, ultimately securing a positive close.
At the close of trading, the market's month-to-date return stood at +1.0%, while the year-to-date return reached +57.3%.
Thursday's Session Performance
Despite the marginal dip on Thursday, investor activity was notably robust. The ASI closed at 244,738.74 points, down 0.05%. Market capitalization was N156.97 trillion, a decrease of N72.74 billion.
Volume traded was 1.72 billion shares, up 40.29%, and value traded was N52.81 billion, up 35.96%. Deals concluded were 49,807, a decrease of 8.09%.
Market breadth was neutral, with 31 gainers exactly matching 31 losers, indicating a balanced sentiment supported by renewed demand for large-cap and fundamentally sound stocks.
Sector Performance
Sectoral performance on Thursday showed mixed results:
- Insurance Index: +0.73%
- Oil & Gas Index: +0.10%
- Industrial Goods Index: +0.09%
- Consumer Goods Index: -0.23%
- Banking Index: -0.17%
- Commodity Index: flat
Top Movers
Among the top gainers, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings, Enamelware Plc (ENAMELWA), Learn Africa Plc (LEARNAFRICA), and University Press Limited all appreciated by 10.00%. Consolidated Hallmark Holdings closed at N8.25, Enamelware Plc at N40.70, Learn Africa Plc at N11.00, and University Press Limited at N5.50.
ABC Transport (ABCTRANS) gained 9.86% to close at N7.80. The Initiates Plc (TIP) advanced by 9.85% to N33.45 per share.
On the downside, International Energy Insurance led the losers with a 10.00% decline, closing at N7.11. May & Baker Nigeria followed with an 8.51% loss, settling at N43.00, while Tripple Gee and Company fell by 8.47% to N4.00.
Abbey Mortgage Bank dropped 7.69% to N11.40, and AXA Mansard Insurance shed 6.67% to close at N12.60 per share.
Top volume movers included FCMB Group (FCMB) with 584.87 million shares valued at N5.92 billion, and Access Corporation (ACCESSCORP) with 579.82 million shares valued at N13.95 billion. United Bank for Africa (UBA) also featured prominently in volume traded.
