THE equities market opened the week lower on Monday, as indices dipped by 0.25 per cent due to profit-taking in medium and large-capitalised stocks.
Market capitalisation fell by N246 billion, or 0.25 per cent, closing at N97.582 trillion, compared with Friday’s N97.828 trillion.
Similarly, the All-Share Index lost 387.35 points, or 0.25 per cent, settling at 153,739.11.
Consequently, the year-to-date return declined to 49.37 per cent.
Market breadth closed negative, with 38 losers against 19 gainers.
Honeywell Flour Mill led the losers’ chart, dropping 10 per cent to N18 per share.
Northern Nigeria Flour Mills fell by 9.98 per cent, closing at N84.30, while Aradel Holdings declined 9.21 per cent to N710.
Ja Paul Gold dropped 7.95 per cent to N2.20, and Ikeja Hotel shed 7.71 per cent to close at N17.35.
Conversely, Union Dicon Salt topped the gainers’ table, rising 9.93 per cent to N7.75.
Omatek Ventures appreciated 9.92 per cent to N1.33, while NAHCO advanced 7.62 per cent to N113.
International Breweries gained 6.35 per cent to N13.40, and Champion Breweries rose 6.33 per cent to N15.95.
The market analysis showed increased deals, but lower value and volume, with 627.5 million shares worth N25 billion traded in 36,425 deals.
This contrasts with 5.2 billion shares valued at N45.2 billion exchanged in 30,598 deals on Friday.
United Bank for Africa recorded the highest volume and value, trading 136.84 million shares worth N5.54 billion.
Aso Savings and Loans followed with 108.94 million shares valued at N120.4 million, while Access Holdings traded 68.2 million shares worth N1.62 billion.
GTCO exchanged 49.8 million shares valued at N4.55 billion, and Zenith Bank transacted 31.8 million shares worth N2 billion. (NAN)
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