Trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed south Monday as All share Index (ASI) declined by 2.2 per cent or 664.20 points to close at 29,214.13 points while market capitalization lost N227.7 billion to close at N10 trillion.
Similarly, all sectoral indices closed negative except the NSE Oil and Gas index which appreciated by 0.53 per cent to close at 336.13 points.
NSE banking index lost 3.2 per cent to close at 285.58 points, while NSE 30 index dropped 2.1 per cent to close at 1,317.24 points.
NSE Lotus Islamic Index depreciated 1.9 per cent to close at 2,122.41 points, while NSE Industrial Index and NSE Pension Index reduced 1.8 per cent to close at 2,188.23 and 862.18 points respectively.
The NSE Insurance index declined 1.6 per cent to close at 131.43 points as the Consumer Goods Index trailed with a 1.2 per cent loss to close at 744 points, while the Alternative Securities Market closed flat.
Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Plc led today’s nine equity gainers as it appreciated by 9.09 per cent or 10 kobo to close at N1.20 kobo per share followed by Wema Bank Plc. which gained 8.75 per cent or 7 kobo to close at 87 kobo per share.
Flourmill Nigeria Plc. which declared its half year result yesterday, posting a 65 per cent profit loss also gained 4.99 per cent or N1.25 to close at N26.32 per share.
Forte Oil Plc added 4.55 per cent or N10.40 to close at N239.10 per share while Dangote Flour Plc. improved by 1.05 per cent or 3 kobo to close at N2.90 per share.
On the other hand, 46 companies led by PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc. were recorded as equity losers in the course of Monday’s transactions.
PZ declined by 9.72 per cent or N2.90 to close at N26.93 per share while Vono Products Plc. lost 8.79 per cent or 8 kobo to close at 83 kobo per share.
Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. depreciated 7.20 per cent or 17 kobo to close at N2.19 per share while Seplat Petroleum Plc. decreased 5 per cent or N12.26 to close at N233.04 per share.
Red Star Express Plc. also dropped by 5 per cent or 20 kobo to close at N3.80 per share.
In all Investors on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange traded N257.7 million shares worth N2.8 billion in 4,247 deals.
By Pita Ochai
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