The Nigerian Stock Exchange rebounded on Friday as investors gained N234 billion, ending a four-day losing streak amid renewed buying interest in key equities.
The market capitalization rose by 0.15 percent, from N155.359 trillion to N155.593 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) gained 366 points, closing at 242,593.31 from 242,227.31 in the previous session. The market’s year-to-date return improved to 55.90 percent.
Market breadth was positive, with 39 stocks advancing compared to 11 decliners, signaling growing investor confidence. Abbey Mortgage Bank, International Energy Insurance, and Daar Communications led the gainers, each rising 10 percent to close at N9.35, N7.26, and N1.98, respectively. Zichis Agro Allied Industries and Sovereign Trust Insurance gained 9.39 percent and 8.70 percent to close at N32.38 and N2.50 per share.
On the downside, Academy Press fell 9.84 percent to N8.25, University Press declined 9.73 percent to N5.10, and VFD Group dropped 7.59 percent to N10.35. Other losers included Africa Prudential (-2.63% to N12.95) and CHAMS (-2.44% to N4.00).
Trading activity improved, with total volume up 3.40 percent to 608.49 million shares valued at N32.03 billion in 53,826 deals. Abbey Mortgage Bank was the most traded stock by volume, accounting for 164.08 million shares, or 26.97 percent of total volume, while Seplat led in value terms with transactions worth N9.74 billion, representing 30.39 percent of total market turnover.
The rebound reflects renewed investor interest in key equities and signals optimism in the Nigerian capital market.
