Bargain hunting resumes as index gains by 0.68%
Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today-Tuesday August 18th, 2015 was bullish as the stock market closed green today, due to renewed optimism and positive earnings declaration by companies. Despite the bullish activities in the capital market, there were negative performances from all the NSE sub sectors; Consumer Goods, Insurance, Oil & gas and Banking. Trading activities decreased in volume as 307.99 million shares worth N3.62 billion in 3,267 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 476.36 million shares worth N3.65 billion in 3,841 deals carried out on Monday. Topping in volume terms was E-Tranzact International Plc, UBA Plc and Access Bank Plc, while Nestle Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.
The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 0.68% (+203.18) increase to 30,112.62 from 29,909.44 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N10.32 trillion from N10.25 trillion of prior trading day. The Thisday BGL 50 Index also followed suit with a 0.78% increase to close at 127.08 from 126.10 of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 9.65 trillion from 9.57 trillion of the previous trading day.
A total number of 12 stocks gained on the bourse today while 33 stocks declined, leaving 58 stocks unchanged. Dangote Cement Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.97% to close at N180.00 per share. It was followed by FCMB Group Plc with a gain of 3.98% to close at N2.35 per share. Others on the gainers list include; Wema Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc. On the decliners’ list, PZ Cussons Plc led with a loss of 9.74% to close at N29.83 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc with a loss of 5.00% to close at N2.66 per share. Others on the losers list include; Unity bank Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Flour Mills Nigeria Plc.