The Nigerian Exchange Group began the week on a strong footing, adding N263 billion in market capitalisation as investors piled into consumer goods and insurance equities. The session, which saw interest in companies such as PZ Cussons Nigeria and University Press Plc, lifted overall market sentiment.

By the close of trading on Monday, the market capitalisation of listed securities climbed to N88.2 trillion, compared with N87.9 trillion at the previous session. The benchmark All-Share Index also advanced by 414.74 points, representing a 0.3 per cent rise, to settle at 139,394.75 points.

Turnover for the day showed that 947.83 million shares valued at N17.96 billion exchanged hands in 36,006 transactions. This figure reflected a 48 per cent decline in trading volume compared with the prior session, though turnover grew by 12 per cent while the number of deals increased by 46 per cent.

Market breadth leaned in favour of the bulls, closing with 41 gainers against 18 losers. PZ Cussons Nigeria stood at the forefront, appreciating 10 per cent to close at N35.20 per share. It was trailed by University Press Plc, which equally advanced 10 per cent, finishing at N5.50 per share. Ellah Lakes Plc rose by 9.94 per cent to N14.27, while Legend Internet gained 9.90 per cent to close at N5.44 per share.

On the other hand, Nigerian Enamelware Plc led the day’s losers, sliding 10 per cent to close at N35.10 per share. Industrial and Medical Gases Nigeria Plc also fell by 10 per cent, ending at N33.30 per share. Union Dicon Salt Plc and Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc both shed 10 per cent, closing at N10.80 and N2.70 per share, respectively.

Investors Focus On FCMB, Zenith Bank

In terms of trading activity, FCMB Group Plc dominated by volume, accounting for 460.95 million shares valued at N4.73 billion. Universal Insurance followed with 42.22 million shares worth N53.39 million, while Royal Exchange transacted 35.22 million shares valued at N72.49 million.

Zenith Bank also attracted significant attention, recording 26.73 million shares worth N1.73 billion. On the value chart, FCMB retained its lead with trades amounting to N4.73 billion, while Zenith Bank followed at N1.73 billion. GTCO contributed N1.60 billion, Dangote Sugar traded N1.41 billion, and Nestle Nigeria posted N930.13 million.

Sectoral indices painted a largely positive picture. The NGX Insurance Index emerged as the day’s best performer with a 3.16 per cent gain, followed by the NGX Consumer Goods Index, which advanced by 0.6 per cent. The NGX Main Board Index increased by 0.54 per cent, the NGX Top 30 Index edged higher by 0.11 per cent, while the NGX Industrial Index added 0.02 per cent. The NGX Oil and Gas Index, however, remained flat.

Despite Monday’s upturn, the market remains under pressure when viewed over longer periods. The NGX recorded a one-week loss of 0.64 per cent and a four-week decline of 4.36 per cent. Still, the exchange has preserved a year-to-date gain of 35.43 per cent, underlining persistent investor appetite for select blue-chip stocks.

As the week unfolds, analysts suggest that investor positioning in key sectors such as consumer goods, insurance, and banking will continue to shape market direction.