By Taiye Olayemi
The Nigerian equities market closed the week on a positive note on Friday, as investors gained N392 billion.
The rally was driven by improved corporate earnings for the 2025 financial year released by companies on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. platform.
The uptrend was also supported by gains in stocks such as Trans-Nationwide Express, International Breweries, CHAMS, Guinness and 20 other advancing equities.
Market capitalisation rose by 0.30 per cent to N131.165 trillion from N130.773 trillion, representing a gain of N392 billion.
Similarly, the All-Share Index increased by 608.62 points, or 0.30 per cent, to close at 203,770.43 from 203,161.81 recorded in the previous session.
Consequently, the Year-to-Date return rose to 30.95 per cent.
However, with the positive performance, market breadth closed negative, with 34 losers and 24 gainers.
Omatek Ventures led the losers’ chart with a 10 per cent decline to close at N2.07 per share.
Austinlaz followed, dropping by 9.93 per cent to N3.99, while Coronation Insurance shed 9.88 per cent to close at N2.92 per share.
Also, Zichis Agro-Allied Industries declined by 9.58 per cent to N12.55, while Cornerstone Insurance lost 8.77 per cent to close at N5.20 per share.
On the gainers’ chart, FG202033S6 appreciated by 36.30 per cent to close at N115.86.
Trans-Nationwide Express gained 9.91 per cent to N3.77, while International Breweries rose by 9.88 per cent to close at N13.35 per share.
CHAMS also increased by 9.84 per cent to N3.35, while Guinness advanced by 9.38 per cent to close at N462.90 per share.
Meanwhile, trading activity declined, with total volume traded dropping by 15.97 per cent to 548.60 million shares valued at N31.46 billion in 48,538 deals.
Access Corporation topped the activity chart for the third consecutive session, recording 52.7 million shares worth N1.37 billion.
Zenith Bank followed with 47.8 million shares valued at N5.34 billion, while United Bank for Africa traded 38.9 million shares worth N1.83 billion.
Also, Secure Electronic Technology traded 36.7 million shares valued at N35.4 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded 34.9 million shares worth N4.63 billion.
Aradel Holdings posted the highest value of trades at N6.49 billion, accounting for 20.64 per cent of the total value traded for the day.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa