The Nigerian equities market crossed N150 trillion mark yesterday as market capitalisation appreciated by N5.554 trillion, crossing the N150 trillion in one day.

Yesterday, the all-share index gained by 8,625.79 per cent, representing a growth of 3.77 per cent to close at 237,205.59 points. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value rose by N5.554 trillion to close at N152.728 trillion.

The market positive performance was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; Airtel Africa, Aradel Holdings, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), Beta Glass and Dangote Cement.

Looking ahead, Cowry Assets Management Limited said the market is expected to maintain its bullish bias, underpinned by continued investor positioning ahead of anticipated full-year dividend announcements, which typically spur accumulation at this stage of the earnings cycle.

Market breadth remained positive with 48 gainers outpacing 42 decliners. Chemical and Allied Products (CAP), UACN, Zichis Agro Allied Industry and Airtel Africa recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N132, N165, N19.80 and N3,021.30 kobo respectively.

Jaiz Bank followed with a gain of 9.99 per cent to close at N8.81, while PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 9.96 per cent to close at N98.80 kobo.

On the other hand, Cadbury Nigeria and John Holt led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N66.15 and N12.60 respectively, while eTranzact International followed with a decline of 9.97 per cent to close at N15.80 kobo.

Morison Industries lost 9.92 per cent to close at N10.62, while Haldane McCall declined by 9.74 per cent to close at N3.43 kobo.

The total volume traded advanced by 38.96 per cent to 1.334 million units, valued at N69.089 billion, and exchanged in 83.445 deals. Transactions in the shares of Access Holdings topped the activity chart with 242.2 million shares valued at N6.272 billion.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with 149.102 million shares worth N6.462 billion, while Lasaco Assurance traded 73.97 million shares valued at N144.487 million.

Wema Bank traded 55.078 million shares valued at N1;897 billion, while Zenith Bank transacted 44.562 million shares worth N5.545 billion.