Upward trend sustained by a modest 0.51% gain
Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today- Tuesday March 10th 2015, was bullish, as Brent crude oil fell toward $58.45 a barrel, as the dollar strengthened and a supply glut pushed global oil inventories to record highs. The equity market closed green due to positive performances from all NSE subsectors (banking, oil & gas, insurance and consumer goods). Trading activities increased in volume as 528.86 million shares worth N5.30 billion in 4,955 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 466.16 million shares worth N5.04 billion in 5,601 trades carried out on Monday. Topping in volume terms was Diamond Bank Plc. FCMB Group Plc. and FBN Holdings Plc., while FBN Holdings Plc. and Guaranty Bank Plc. ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.
The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 0.51% (+159.35) increase to 31,355.28 from 31,195.93 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N10.46 trillion from N10.41 trillion the prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index closed also closed positive with a 0.60% increase to close at 132.52 from 131.72 the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N9.59 trillion from N9.53 trillion the previous trading day.
A total number of 26 stocks gained on the bourse today while 18 stocks declined, leaving 62 stocks unchanged. AIICO Insurance Plc. emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 6.74% to close at N0.95 per share. It was followed by Fidelity Bank Plc. with a gain of 1.51% to close at N1.51 per share. Others on the gainers chart include; Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. Continental Reinsurance Plc. and Skye Bank Plc. On the decliners’ list, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated led with a loss of 3.52% to close at N17.83 per share. It was followed Honeywell Flour Mill Plc. with a loss of 3.45% to close at N2.80 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are; Mansard Insurance Plc. International Breweries Plc. and Mobil Oil Nig Plc.