Wema Bank Plc, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Berger Paints Plc, Skye Bank Plc and University Press Plc have emerged top five gainers as Nigeria equities, on Wednesday, returned to gains after losing in three straight days.
Wema Bank shares gained N0.06 (eight per cent) to close at N0.81 from N0.75, as those of Julius Berger appreciated by N2.42 (4.99 per cent) to close at N50.93 from N48.51. The share price of Berger Paints closed at N7.67 from N7.31, rising by N0.36 (4.92 per cent), as that of Skye Bank closed at N1.09 from N1.04, appreciating by N0.05 (4.81 per cent).
University Press shares rallied by N0.21 (4.81 per cent) to close at N4.58 from N4.37.
Other gainers were FBN Holdings Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, NEM Insurance Company Nigeria Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Law Union and Rocks Insurance Plc, United Capital Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank of Africa Plc, Tiger Branded Consumer Goods Plc, Africa Prudential Registrars Plc, Forte Oil Plc, 7-UP Bottling company Plc and Flour Mills Nigeria Plc
The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index appreciated by 0.8 per cent to close at 29,812.91 basis points from 29,575.24 basis points after the close of trading on the floor of the Exchange. The NSE market capitalisation also rose to N10.239tn from N10.157tn.
An aggregate of 305.813 million shares valued at N2.856bn exchanged hands in 4,640 deals.
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The market recorded a highest index point of 31,071.25 basis points in the course of trading, while the lowest and average index points stood at 29,575.24 and 30,189.86 basis points, respectively.
A total of 24 stocks recorded gains of various degrees, while 16 closed in red.
Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc also recorded gains in their share prices.
On the other hand, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Ashaka Cement Plc, Champion Breweries Plc, UAC Property Development Company Plc and Trans-national Express Plc emerged as the top five losers.