NGX All-Share Index declined by 0.41% to close at 193,567.81 points

The Nigerian equities market extended its losing streak for the third consecutive session, as sustained profit-taking dragged the benchmark index lower.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 0.41% to close at 193,567.81 points, trimming the year-to-date return to 24.39% from 24.91% recorded in the previous session. In tandem, market capitalisation shed 0.41% to settle at N124.24 trillion.

The negative performance was primarily driven by notable declines in WAPCO (-8.21%), TRANSCORP (-7.27%), and ZENITHBANK (-2.20%), which more than offset gains in FIRSTHOLDCO (+4.85%), UNILEVER (+5.44%), and CHAMPION (+9.38%).

Trading activity weakened considerably, with total volume and value traded falling by 36.87% and 31.85%, respectively, reflecting a more cautious investor stance. JAIZBANK (-9.98%) led the volume chart with 78.94 million shares exchanged, while ZENITHBANK topped the value chart with trades worth N4.10 billion.

Market breadth closed negative at 0.78x, underscoring a broader sell-side bias, as 40 stocks declined compared to 31 gainers, while the rest closed flat. FTNCOCOA (+10.00%) emerged as the top gainer, whereas JAIZBANK (-9.98%) recorded the steepest loss of the session.