Losses in GTCO, Lafarge WAPCO, others drag indices further by N35b

The bears sustained dominance on the equities sector of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday, following losses suffered by many blue-chip stocks, especially GTCO and Lafarge WAPCO, thus, causing market capitalisation to dip further by N35 billion.

The All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 65.47 absolute points, representing a decrease of 0.12 per cent to close at 55,722.90 points. Accordingly, investors lost N35 billion in value as market capitalisation declined to N30.356 trillion.

The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; GTCO, Lafarge Africa, United Capital, Wema Bank and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).

On market outlook, GTI Securities Limited said: “All sectors lost yesterday aside from the marginal rise in consumer goods. Boosted trades are expected to move towards safe stocks as telecommunication and banking stocks recorded the highest values for the day.”

Vetiva Dealings and Brokerage said: “Sell-offs persisted in the banking sector, with recovery seen in FBNH. While this might be an attractive entry point for some of these counters, we expect investors to trade cautiously in the market.”

Market breadth closed negative as nine stocks gained relative to 17 decliners. Nigeria Enamelware recorded the highest price gain of 9.57 per cent to close at N17.75, per share. FTN Cocoa processors followed with a gain of 7.69 per cent to close at 28 kobo, while Sterling Bank gained 3.42 per cent to close at N1.51, per share.

UAC of Nigeria (UACN) appreciated by 3.26 per cent to close at N9.50, while Nigerian Exchange Group gained 2.69 per cent to close at N26.70, per share.

Honeywell Flourmills gained 1.82 per cent to close at N2.24 kobo. FBN Holdings appreciated by 1.40 kobo to close at N10.90 kobo. Fidelity Bank improved by 1.36 per cent to close at N5.20 kobo. CWG improved by 1.02 per cent to close at 99 kobo.

On the other hand, Chams Holding Company led the losers’ chart by 8.00 per cent to close at 23 kobo, per share. Prestige Assurance followed with a decline of 7.32 per cent to close at 38 kobo, while Linkage Assurance declined by 6.82 per cent to close at 41 kobo, per share.

UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) shed 6.80 per cent to close at 96 kobo, while Wema Bank shed 6.05 per cent to close at N4.04, per share.
Mansard lost 4.76 per cent to close at N2 while Lasaco depreciated by 3.92 per cent to close at 98 kobo. GTCO dropped 3.08 per cent to close at N25.20 kobo.

Mutual Benefit fell by 3.03 per cent to close at 32 kobo. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) shed 2.38 per cent to close at N8.20 kobo. United Capital declined by 2.04 per cent to close at N14.40 kobo. Lafarge WAPCO also shed 1.92 per cent to close at N25.50 kobo.

Meanwhile the total volume of trades dipped by 35.14 per cent to 199.269 million units, valued at N2.814 billion, and exchanged in 3,898 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sterling Bank topped the activity chart with 31.093 million shares valued at N46.913 million.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals followed with 20.178 million shares worth N31.676 million, while Zenith Bank traded 16.511 million shares valued at N412.519 million. Chams Holding Company traded 16.113 million shares valued at N3.763 million, while United Capital transacted 12.760 million shares worth N185.870 million.