EQUITY transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange re-opened in an upbeat yesterday, following price gains recorded by major blue chip companies, causing market capitalisation to rise by N48 billion.

Specifically, at the closed of transactions yesterday, market capitalisation rose by 0.58per cent, adding N48 billion to close at N8.241 trillion from N8,194 trillion recorded on Friday.

The NSEASI appreciated by 0.58per cent, adding 137.14 points in today’s trading to close at 23,963.64, relative to the previous day trading session closing figure of 23,826.50.

The turnover by volume of transaction decreased by 78.59per cent relative to the previous day trading session closing figure.

Major transaction volume was driven by activities in the banking and conglomerates sector led by Zenith Bank, UBA, Transcorp, Guaranty and FBN Holdings. Others include FCMB, Oando, Stanbic IBTC, Unity Bank and Access Bank.

At the end of today’s trading, 25 stocks appreciated in value while 16 stocks depreciated in value and 52stocks remain unchanged making a total of 93 stocks that were actively transacted in today’s trading.

Guinness topped the gainers chart with 10.24 per cent to close at N112.28 per share. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company followed with 9.55 per cent to close at N3.90 per share.

Zenith Bank added 7.79 per cent to close at N12.18 per share. First City Monument Bank gained 7.07 per cent to close at N1.06 per share.

Other gainers of yesterday’s transactions include; Guaranty Trust Bank, Flourmills, African Prudential, adding 6.05,6.02 and 5.88 per cent to close at N16.29,N17.95 and N2.52 per share.
Seplat gained 5.00 per cent to close at N164.54 per share. Cadbury also garnered 4.97 per cent to close at N14.58 per share.

On the other hand, Berger paints led others on the losers chart with 9.63 per cent to close at N9.01 per share. Learn Africa followed with 8.43 per cent to close at N0.76 per share.

FBN Holdings shed 5.11 per cent to close at N4.27 per share. Champion Breweries also lost 4.95 per cent to close at N3.07 percent.