Equity market closes today on a positive note

Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today- Wednesday May 27th 2015 was bullish as Brent crude oil price fell 83 cents traded around $62.89 a barrel. The equity market closed red due to negative performance from all the NSE sub sectors. Trading activities increased in volume as N309.7million shares worth N3.715billion in 5386 deals exchanged hands today. This is an increase from N220.475million shares worth N2.75billion in 3612 deals carried out on Topping in volume terms was Mansard Plc., Sterling bank Plc. and UBA Plc. While Nestle Plc and Guaranty trust bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with a 0.17% (56.67) decrease to 34,272.09 from 34,355.31 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N11.603 trillion from N11.644 trillion the prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index also closed positive with a 0.16% decrease to close at 142.79 from 142.57 the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N10.642 trillion from N10.625 trillion the previous trading day.

A total number of 31stocks gained on the bourse today while 15 stocks declined, leaving 62 stocks unchanged. Total Plc. emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.50% to close at N152.60 per share. It was followed by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. with a gain of 4.44% to close at N6.35 per share. Others on the gainers list include Wema Bank Plc., Honeywell Flour Mill Plc and Oando Plc. On the decliners’ list, National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc led with a loss of 3.31% to close at N7.30 per share. It was followed by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited with a loss of 2.86 % to close at N340.00 per share. Others on the losers list include; Fidelity Bank Plc, Mobil Oil Nig Plc. and Presco Plc.