Equities market drops by 0.11% to commence April on profit-taking

At the start of April 2025 trading activities, the equities market closed in decline as the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index NGX ASI) fell by 0.11 per cent to 105,547.16 basis points.

Consequently, the market capitalisation also dropped by 0.11 per cent to N66.19 trillion, reflecting an N71.16 billion loss in equities by the session’s end.

The overall market downturn dampened investor sentiment, resulting in weak market breadth—25 stocks advanced while 33 declined. Leading the gainers were UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust, Africa Prudential, VFD Group, Union Dicon Salt and May & Baker Nigeria, having appreciated in share value by 10.0 percent, 9.96 percent, 9.96 percent, 9.28 percent and 6.17 percent, respectively.Conversely, the top decliners included UAC of Nigeria, University Press, Sunu Assurance Nigeria, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings and Learn Africa, after their respective share prices dipped by 10.0 percent, 9.95 percent, 9.92 percent, 9.78 percent and 9.64 percent.Sectoral performance was largely negative.

The Insurance, Consumer Goods, Oil & Gas, and Commodity sectors recorded losses of 2.61 percent, 0.01 percent, 0.49 percent, and 0.17 percent, respectively, while the Banking sector edged up by 0.07 percent and the Commodities sector remained flat. Trading activity was subdued, with total transaction volume and value declining by 19.99 percent and 44.41 percent, respectively. However, the number of deals surged by 30.52 percent, with 17,286 transactions recorded, amounting to N12.02 billion in value and 438.09 million units traded.Fidelity Bank was the most traded stock by volume at 41.73 million units, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company was the most trade stock by value at N2.30 billion