Upward trend consolidated with modest 0.47% gain
Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today- Monday March 9th 2015, was bullish, as Brent crude oil fell toward $59 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 banking, insurance and consumer goods sub sectors, despite the oil & gas sector closing red. Trading activities decreased in volume as 466.16 million shares worth N5.04 billion in 5,601 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from the 601.34 million shares worth N7.46 billion in 4,713 trades carried out on Friday. Topping in volume terms was Zenith Bank Plc. FCMB Group Plc. and FBN Holdings Plc., while Zenith Bank Plc. and Guaranty Bank Plc. ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.
The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 0.47% (+146.56) increase to 31,195.93 from 31,049.37 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N10.41 trillion from N10.36 trillion the prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index closed also closed positive with a 0.50% increase to close at 131.72 from 131.07 the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N9.53 trillion from N9.48 trillion the previous trading day.
A total number of 28 stocks gained on the bourse today while 15 stocks declined, leaving 58 stocks unchanged. Cadbury Nigeria Plc. emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 8.92% to close at N41.28 per share. It was followed by Continental Reinsurance Plc. with a gain of 4.88% to close at N0.86 per share. Others on the gainers chart include; Skye Bank Plc. AIICO Insurance Plc. and FCMB Group Plc. On the decliners’ list, Livestock Feeds Plc. led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N2.09 per share. It was followed Presco Plc. with a loss of 4.97% to close at N29.24 per share. Others on the decliners’ list are; Mobil Oil Nig Plc. Ashaka Cem Plc. and Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc.