Downward trend persists as ASI declines by meagre 0.04%

Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Tuesday, August 2, 2016 closed bearish as the stock market closed red due to cautious trading. However, this was further highlighted by negative performances from all the NSE sub-sectors: Banking, Insurance, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas. Trading activities decreased in volume as 275.74 million shares worth N3.15 billion in 4,126 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 331.69 million shares worth N4.75 billion in 4,114 deals exchanged on Friday. Topping in volume terms was Zenith Bank Plc, Transcorp Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc while Zenith Bank Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with a 0.04% (-11.05) decrease to close at 27,831.95 from 27,843.00 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N9.56 trillion from N9.56 trillion of prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index also followed suit with a decrease of 0.05% to close at 115.32 from 115.37 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.98 trillion from N8.98 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 17 stocks gained on the bourse today while 26 stocks declined, 56 leaving stocks unchanged. Oando Plc emerged the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.06% to close at N5.58 per share. It was followed by PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc with a gain of 4.83% to close at N18.45 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Access Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Sterling Bank Plc while on the decliners’ list; FCMB Group Plc led with a loss of 5.67% to close at N1.33 per share. It was followed by Fidelity Bank Plc with a loss of 5.13% to close at N1.11 per share. Others on the losers list include: Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd, Lafarge Africa Plc and Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc