Market capitalization slides by 0.10%

Market transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed on the negative on Thursday, as the market capitalisation fell by N12 billion or 0.10 per cent.

The All Share Index (ASI) also slid by 35.21 basis point to 36224.45 from 36259.66 point, recorded the previous day.

Investors staked N2.874 billion on 323.685 million shares in 5027 deals. This is against 188.459 million shares valued at N2.542 billion traded the previous day in 5062 deals.

An analysis of yesterday's trading showed that Royalex recorded the highest volume of activity exchanging 66.172 million shares worth N36.394 million. Access Bank Plc followed with account of 36.230 million shares valued at N380.201 million while Unity Bank exchanged 28.051 million shares worth N14.160 million.

Vono Products came fourth with a total of 22.498 million shares cost N35.494 million and Continental Reinsurance traded 21.989 million shares worth N26.351 million.               On the price movement chart, Nestle Nigeria led the losers' table, dropping by 3.99 kobo to close at N935.00 per share. Northern Nigeria Flour Mills trailed with a loss of 2.84 kobo to close at N25.65 per share while Nigerian Breweries, UAC Property and FBN Holding Plc loss 1.52 kobo, 1.18 kobo and 0.60 kobo respectively to close at N163.48, N15.00 and N15.20 per share.

On the other hand, Julius Berger topped the gainers table, appreciating by 2.95 kobo to close at N76.95 per share. Unilever Nigeria Plc followed with a gain of 2.75 kobo to close at N58.75 per share while Dangote Cement improved by 1.50 kobo to close at N193.00per share. Other stocks that recorded price appreciation were Guinness Nigeria Plc and PZ Cussons, which enhanced by 1.00 and 0.76 kobo to close at N248.50 and N39.90 per share.