Equity market records 4 days dull trading

Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today- Thursday May 7th 2015 was bearish as Brent crude oil declined by $1.51 to close at $66.39 a barrel. The equity market closed red today. Performances were positive from both the Banking and Oil and gas sectors save insurance and consumer sectors.

Trading activities decreased in volume as N330.6million shares worth N3.751billion in 5238 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from N473.56million shares worth N3.4billion in 5110 deals trades carried out the previous day. Topping in volume terms was Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., Access Bank Plc. and UBA Plc. While Unilever Plc and Guaranty Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with a -0.08% (-26.55) decrease to 34,400.48 from 34,427.12 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N11.683 trillion from N11.691 trillion the prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index also closed negative with a 0.15% decrease to close at 144.30 from 144.52 the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N10.663 trillion from N10.680 trillion the previous trading day.

A total number of 24 stocks gained on the bourse today while 20 stocks declined, leaving 76 stocks unchanged. Eco bank Transnational Incorporated. Plc. emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.19 % to close at N 24.55 per share. It was followed by C & I Leasing Plc. with a gain of 7.14 % to close at N 0.60 per share. Others on the gainers list include Fidson Healthcare Plc, CAP Plc and Honeywell Flour Mill Plc. On the decliners’ list, Unity Bank Plc led with a loss of -9.54 % to close at N2.75 per share. It was followed by Associated Bus Company Plc. with a loss of -5.00 % to close at N 0.57per share. Others on the losers list include; Guinness Nig Plc, Cement Co. Of North. Nig. Plc and Mcnichols Plc.