The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed Wednesday’s trading session on a mixed but largely positive note, as investors pushed turnover sharply higher despite a slight decline in deal count.
At the end of the session, a total of 822.73 million shares were traded in 43,514 deals, with an aggregate value of ₦24.93 billion.
News.ng recalls that in the previous trading day (Tuesday, January 20), market activity showed a 3 per cent increase in trading volume and a significant 25 per cent jump in turnover, reflecting stronger participation in higher-value stocks. However, the number of deals dipped by 4 per cent, indicating fewer but larger transactions.
Market capitalisation remained robust at ₦106.5 trillion, underscoring continued investor confidence in the equities market amid selective bargain-hunting and sector rotation.
Trading activity spanned 130 listed equities, with market breadth closing firmly positive. Fifty-four stocks recorded price gains, while 24 equities declined, highlighting a bullish bias across the market.
NCR Nigeria topped the gainers’ chart with a 10 per cent appreciation, closing at ₦171.05 per share. It was closely followed by McNichols Plc, RT Briscoe, and Jaiz Bank, all of which also posted gains of 10 per cent, with Jaiz Bank settling just shy at 9.99 per cent.
On the downside, UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust led the losers after shedding 9.68 per cent to close at ₦8.40 per unit. Other notable decliners included Champion Breweries (-9.31%), Secure Electronic Technology (-6.78%), and Coronation Insurance (-6.69%).
Activity by volume was driven largely by mid- and large-cap stocks. Zichis Agro Allied Industries emerged as the most actively traded equity, with 69.2 million shares exchanged. Secure Electronic Technology followed with 54.8 million shares, while heavyweight stocks Access Holdings and Zenith Bank recorded volumes of 40.1 million and 38.1 million shares, respectively.
Analysts note that the sharp rise in turnover, despite fewer deals, suggests growing interest in fundamentally strong stocks and increased institutional participation. With market capitalisation holding firm above the ₦106 trillion mark, the NGX appears well-positioned for continued momentum, although profit-taking in select counters may temper short-term gains.
Investors are expected to remain cautious but opportunistic, closely watching corporate earnings, macroeconomic signals, and liquidity conditions for further direction in the days ahead.
