Transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) improved from the last three trading sessions decline as All share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.3 per cent or 84.10 points to close at 28,221.75 points while market capitalization rose N28.90 billion to close at N9.7 trillion.
Similarly, seven sectoral indices closed positive. They sectoral gainers were led by the NSE Banking Index with a rise of 0.8 per cent to close at 275.08 points, followed by NSE Premium and Pension Index which gained 0.5 per cent each to close at 1,554.2 and 831.61 points respectively.
The NSE 30 Index increased 0.4 per cent to close at 1,256.76 points while the NSE Main Board appreciated 0.2 per cent to close at 1,321.55 points.
NSE Insurance and Industrial Index gained 0.1 per cent each to close at 130.61 and 2,127.20 points respectively.
The NSE Consumer Goods Index led three sectoral decliners with a loss of 0.4 per cent to close at 704.47 points trailed by the Oil and gas Index which fell 0.3 per cent to close at 326.88 points while the Lotus Islamic index dropped 0.2 per cent to close at 2,043.26 points.
The Alternative Securities Market closed flat. Skye Bank Plc led 20 equity gainers as it appreciated by 9.79 per cent or 19 kobo to close at N2.13 per share followed by Vitafoam Plc which gained 6.96 per cent or 40 kobo to close at N6.15 per share.
Guinness Nigeria Plc also gained 4.99 per cent or N5.49 to close at N115.50 per share, while Diamond Bank Plc. added 4.71 per cent or 13 kobo to close N2.89 per share. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc also increased 4.50 per cent or N1.85 to close at N43 per share.
On the other hand, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc led 31 equity losers with a decline of 9.73 per cent or N2.56 to close at N23.76 per share followed by PZ Cussons Nig. Plc which dropped 9.69 per cent or N2.24 to close at N20.87 while Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. also lost 9.20 per cent or 23 kobo to close at N2.27 per share.
RT Briscoe Plc. depreciated 7.27 per cent or 4 kobo to close at 51 kobo per share while E-Tranzact Plc. decreased 5 per cent or 15 kobo to close at N2.85 per share.
At the sound of the closing gong today, investors on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange had traded N333.2 million shares worth N2.8 billion in 4,444 deals.
By Pita Ochai
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