Equities Open Week Positive, Gain N47bn Monday

By Dipo Olowookere

Local equities recorded a third consecutive growth on Monday to open the week positive after a 0.31 percent at the close of business.

This was boosted by buying interest in banking stocks led by Access Bank, which sold 37.8 million units worth N408.6 million, while Zenith Bank trailed with 35.0 million units valued at N790.4 million.

GTBank traded 33.6 million for N1.2 billion, FBN Holdings transacted 22.8 million shares worth N171.9 million, while UBA exchanged 18.1 million equities valued at N160.7 million.

However, on the gainers’ chart, Total Nigeria claimed the top spot after gaining N10 to finish at N117 per share, while MTN Nigeria rose by N1.70 to settle at N128.30 per unit.

BUA Cement appreciated by N1 to end at N37 per share, Cadbury Nigeria improved by 85 kobo to sell at N10.85 per unit, while NASCON increased by 70 kobo to quote at N15.70 pershare.

At the other side, Nestle Nigeria topped the losers’ table after losing N89.90 of its share value to trade at N1380 per unit, while Unilever Nigeria fell by 50 kobo to close at N18 per unit.

NCR Nigeria depreciated by 40 kobo to trade at N3.65 per share, Oando declined by 18 kobo to quote at N3.52 per unit, while International Breweries depreciated by 10 kobo to trade at N9 per share.

During the session, a total of 267.0 million shares worth N4.2 billion exchanged hands compared with the 325.0 million shares worth N3.6 billion traded last Friday by investors.

Also, the All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 92.04 points during the session to 29,710.56 points, while the market capitalisation appreciated by N47.4 billion to settle at N15.304 trillion.