By Helen Oji

Despite lingering concerns over global market disruptions tied to tariffs, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited witnessed a rebound yesterday, as investors gained N100 billion.

The all-share index (ASI) gained by 159.86 points, representing a growth of 0.15 per cent to close at 104,376.73 points.

Also, market capitalisation gained N100 billion to close at N65.589 trillion.

The recovery was largely driven by renewed interest in medium- and large-cap stocks, including VFD Group, Zenith Bank, First HoldCo, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

However, market breadth was negative, as 16 stocks advanced against 42 decliners.

Sectoral performance was mixed as the banking and oil & gas sectors recorded gains of 1.89 per cent and 0.04 per cent, respectively, while the insurance, consumer goods and industrial goods sectors declined by 4.07 per cent, 0.16 per cent and 0.11 per cent. The commodity sector remained flat.

On what will shape the market in the next trading session, analysts at Vetiva Dealings and Brokerage said: “In the next trading session, market direction will likely be shaped by follow-through momentum in banking stocks, alongside potential bargain-hunting in the beaten-down insurance sector, which may spark a mild sectoral rebound.”

Secure Electronic Technology recorded the highest price gain of 8.89 per cent to close at 49 kobo. Abbey Mortgage Bank followed with a gain of 8.35 per cent to close at N5.58 kobo, while Sterling Financial Holdings Company up by 6.85 per cent to close at N5.15 kobo.

VFD Group rose by 5.26 per cent to close at N66, while Mutual Benefits Assurance also appreciated by 4.55 per cent to close at 92 kobo.

On the other hand, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) led the losers’ chart by 9.94 per cent to close at N62.95 kobo. NEM Insurance followed with a decline of 9.92 per cent to close at N11.80, while Lasaco Assurance declined by 9.86 per cent to close at N1.92 kobo.

Royal Exchange depreciated by 9.78 per cent to close at 83 kobo, while UPDC declined by 9.76 per cent to close at N2.68 kobo.

Also, the total volume traded increased by 3.71 per cent to 460.565 million units, valued at N10.105 billion, and exchanged in 14,528 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Access Holdings topped the activity chart with 56.498 million shares valued at N1.185 billion. GTCO followed with 51.556 million shares worth N3.430 billion, while Fidelity Bank traded 24.067 million shares valued at N431.615 million.

FCMB Group traded 23.346 million shares valued at N208.101 million, while United Capital sold 23.305 million shares worth N319.858 million.