Investors traded shares worth N207.52 billion on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) during the four trading sessions that ended on June 11, as market capitalisation rose to N156.97 trillion amid sustained buying interest.

Trading activities were limited to four days following the Federal Government’s declaration of June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate Democracy Day.

Analysis of NGX data showed that a total of 4.96 billion shares were exchanged in 235,966 deals during the week.

This represents an 18.14 per cent increase in value compared to the N175.66 billion recorded from the trading of 3.97 billion shares in 343,587 deals in the preceding week.

The positive sentiment in the market lifted the NGX market capitalisation by 0.88 per cent to N156.97 trillion on Thursday, up from N155.59 trillion recorded at the close of the previous week. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) gained 2,145.43 points, rising from 242,593.31 to 244,738.74.

Sectoral analysis showed that the financial services industry dominated trading activities, accounting for 4.12 billion shares valued at N84.61 billion in 96,165 deals. The sector contributed 82.92 per cent of the total trading volume and 40.77 per cent of the total value traded.

The services industry ranked second with 232.48 million shares worth N4.96 billion traded in 17,614 deals, while the industrial goods sector came third with 144.99 million shares valued at N39.08 billion exchanged in 24,775 deals.

Among individual stocks, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Access Holdings Plc emerged as the most actively traded equities by volume. Together, the three companies accounted for 2.88 billion shares worth N36.19 billion in 15,533 deals, representing 58.09 per cent of the total trading volume and 17.44 per cent of the market’s total value turnover.

On the gainers’ chart, Associated Bus Company Plc led the pack after its share price appreciated by 25.6 per cent, rising from N6.21 to N7.80 per share. Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc followed with a gain of N1.55, closing at N8.25 from N6.70, while Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc advanced by N2.05 to settle at N11.40 from N9.35.

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc also posted strong gains, adding N1.90 to close at N11.25 from N9.35, while Austin Laz & Company Plc rounded out the top five gainers after its share price increased by N0.57 to N4.33 from N3.76.

On the losers’ table, Fidson Healthcare Plc recorded the steepest decline, shedding N35.30 to close at N101.20 from N136.50. Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc lost N2.05 to settle at N8.55 from N10.60, while UH Real Estate Investment Trust declined by N14.70 to close at N70 from N84.70.

Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc fell by N0.51 to N3.97 from N4.48, while Unilever Nigeria Plc dropped N16, closing at N140 per share compared to N156 recorded at the beginning of the week.