The value of listed equities on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose by circa N57bn yesterday despite negative sentiment be- devilling stocks. The value increase was driven by 26 stocks that recorded price increase compared with 19 stocks that lost their values. Forte Oil plc led the pack of gainers after its share price rose by N6.93, from N190.05 to N196.98; followed by Lafarge Africa plc which rallied from N80.4 to N84, after gaining N3.6. Guinness Nigeria plc also rose by N3, N126 to N129. Stanbic IBTC plc appreciated from N26 to N27.14, adding N1.14; while International Breweries plc gained N0.8, from N17.2 to N18. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (ASI) increased by 0.58 percent, while the Year- to-Date (YtD) return stood at -14.86 percent.
The All Share Index closed yesterday at 29,505.47 points against the preceding trading day level of 29,334.23 points, while market capitalisation rose to N9.846 trillion as against preceding day’s N9.789 trillion. In 3,271 deals, equity dealers exchanged 611.716 million units valued at N5.617bn. Chemical and Allied Products plc lost N2.29, from N36.29 to N34; followed by Cadbury Nigeria plc which dipped by N2.05, from N41.28 to N39.23. Also, UAC of Nigeria plc declined from N36 to N34.2, after losing N1.8; while Flour Mills Nigeria plc lost N0.67, from N32.67 to N32.
