Salamatu Ejembi, Lagos
Trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) continued their upward trajectory on Wednesday, as equities closed with a 1.50% gain — marking the third consecutive bullish session of the week.
The positive momentum was largely driven by increased investor confidence in Dangote Cement Plc (+6.50%), MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (+4.17%), and Aradel Holdings Plc (+5.98%).
As a result, the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 2,279.34 points to close at 153,736.25 basis points, up from 151,456.91 recorded in the previous session.
Similarly, Market Capitalisation appreciated by ₦1.45 trillion, settling at ₦97.58 trillion, compared to ₦96.13 trillion on Tuesday.
Consequently, the Month-to-Date (MtD) and Year-to-Date (YtD) returns climbed to +7.7% and +49.4%, respectively.
Market activity also improved, as the total volume of shares traded rose by 6.81% to 589.49 million units, while value traded increased by 16.91% to ₦24.01 billion, exchanged across 28,485 deals.
Fidelity Bank Plc emerged as the most traded stock by volume, accounting for 94.74 million units, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) led by value, recording transactions worth ₦7.39 billion.
Market sentiment remained positive, with 32 gainers outpacing 31 losers.
Aso Savings and Loans Plc topped the gainers’ chart, rising by 10.00% (₦0.05k), followed by Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, which gained 9.99% (₦9.00), and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust, which appreciated by 8.16% (₦0.60k).
On the flip side, The Initiates Plc led the laggards with a -5.73% (₦0.79k) decline, trailed by Legend Internet Plc (-5.69%, ₦0.35k) and Royal Exchange Plc (-4.76%, ₦0.11k).
Sectoral performance was mixed, with the Industrial Goods (+3.5%), Oil & Gas (+2.1%), and Consumer Goods (+0.3%) indices recording gains, while the Insurance (-0.5%) and Banking (-0.4%) sectors closed in the red.
The steady rally reflects renewed optimism in the market, supported by strong performances in heavyweight stocks and growing investor appetite across key sectors.