Positive sentiment pesisted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday, as price appreciation in 36 stocks lifted market capitalisation further by N254 billion.

At the close of trading, the all-share index (ASI) gained by 401.36 points, representing a growth of 0.29 per cent to close at 139,796.11 points.

Also, market capitalisation gained N254 billion to close at N88.453 trillion.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are Lafarge Africa, MeCure Industries, eTranzact International, AXA Mansard Insurance and PZ Cussons Nigeria.

Market sentiment remained strong, evidenced by a positive breadth with 36 stocks advancing against 18 decliners. Regency Alliance Insurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N1.43 kobo.

MeCure Industries followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N21.60 kobo, while eTranzact International up by 9.73 per cent to close at N12.40 kobo. DAAR Communications rose by 9.57 per cent to close at N1.03, while Deap Capital Management & Trust appreciated by 9.52 per cent to close at N1.84 kobo.

On the other hand, Unilever Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 9.79 per cent to close at N63.15 kobo. FTN Cocoa Processors followed with a decline of 9.40 per cent to close at N5.40, while Ellah Lakes declined by 8.76 per cent to close at N13.02 kobo.

Linkage Assurance depreciated by 6.85 per cent to close at N2.04, while Berger Paints declined by 6.33 per cent to close at N35.50 kobo.

Performance across sectors was mixed, with the banking sector increasing by 0.43 per cent. The insurance sector followed with 0.96 per cent. The consumer goods sector advanced by 0.28 per cent while the industrial sector increased by 0.85 per cent. In contrast, the oil and gas sector is the sole loser, slipped by 0.05 per cent yesterday.

The total volume traded declined 30.46 per cent to 659.17 million units, valued at N12.51 billion, and exchanged in 25,334 deals.

Transactions in the shares of FCMB Group topped the activity chart with 202.488 million shares valued at N2.097 billion.

Universal Insurance followed with 63.14 million shares worth N79.391 million, while First Holdco traded 44.227 million shares valued at N1.339 billion. Regency Alliance Insurance traded 30.982 million shares valued at N43.841 million, while Access Holdings sold 26.125 million shares valued N676.419 million.