Nigeria’s stock market ended Thursday on a softer note as investors shed N169.9 billion following mild profit-taking across key sectors on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
Market capitalisation declined from N161.84 trillion recorded on Wednesday to N161.67 trillion at the close of trading on Thursday.
The All-Share Index (ASI) also dipped by 265.08 points to close at 252,243.11 points, down from 252,508.19 Points.
Despite the pullback, the market maintained a solid weekly performance overall having advanced significantly earlier in the week.
The ASI averaged 250,484.87 points during the trading week sessions, with a high of 252,508.19 points and a low of 244,775.83 points.
Sector performance was mixed as traders rotated out of some counters.
The NGX Banking Index slipped to 2,393.89 points from 2,416.08, reflecting selling in bank stocks. The NGX 30 Index eased to 9,135.68 points, while the NGX Main Board Index dropped to 11,497.09 points.
Similarly, the NGX Consumer Goods Index declined slightly to 5,067.86 points from 5,074.45 points, while the NGX Oil and Gas Index slipped to 6,097.42 points from 6,098.63 points.
However, some indices posted gains. The NGX Growth Index rose sharply to 41,665.19 points from 39,657.00 points, while the NGX Pension Index advanced to 12,436.88 points from 12,419.79 points, reflecting continued interest in growth and pension-compliant stocks.
The NGX Industrial Index also edged higher to 12,415.67 points from 12,419.48 points, while the NGX Lotus Islamic Index closed at 27,456.71 points.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate remained unchanged at 26.50 per cent.
