Stock market records N289bn loss

The Nigerian stock market extended its decline on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with key performance indices falling by 0.44 per cent, signalling continued bearish sentiment among investors.

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) dropped by N289 billion or 0.44 per cent to N65.789 trillion, from N66.078 trillion recorded on Tuesday.

The All-Share Index also declined by 460.56 points or 0.44 per cent to close at 104,915.13, compared with 105,375.69 posted the previous day.

Market breadth ended negative, with 37 equities declining and only 13 recording gains, reflecting weak investor confidence across various sectors.

Livestock Feeds led the losers’ chart, shedding 10 per cent to close at N8.49 per share, while eTranzact International fell 9.40 per cent to N5.30 per share.

WAPIC Insurance declined 9.27 per cent to N2.35 per share, and MRS Oil Nigeria dropped 8.99 per cent, closing at N162.00 per share.

May & Baker Nigeria also lost 8.05 per cent, ending the day at N8.00 per share, contributing to the overall market downturn.

On the gainers’ chart, Julius Berger Nigeria appreciated 8.47 per cent, closing at N137.00 per share, while Omatek Ventures rose 6.15 per cent to 69k.

Stock market investors lose N265bn

UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust advanced by 2.69 per cent to N3.05 per share, and Wema Bank increased by 2.43 per cent to N10.55 per share.

Unilever Nigeria also recorded gains, rising by 2.12 per cent to close at N38.50 per share at the close of trade.

Total trade volume reached 1.37 billion shares worth N12.375 billion across 12,012 deals, showing significant activity in the stock market.

This compares with 349.99 million shares worth N8.221 billion exchanged in 11,230 deals in the previous trading session.

Sovereign Trust Insurance led the activity chart, with 1.009 billion shares valued at N989 million changing hands.

Fidelity Bank followed, trading 42.796 million shares worth N723.151 million, while Access Corporation sold 30.614 million shares for N698 million.

Jaiz Bank accounted for 23.950 million shares valued at N85.036 million, and Zenith Bank traded 21.630 million shares worth N1.024 billion.

The Star