DANGCEM, MTN, SEPLAT push market indices higher

As a result of strong buying interest in DANGCEM (+3.0%), MTNN (+1.8%) and SEPLAT (+8.8%), the All-Share index appreciated 154bps to 40,963.14points. Consequently, the YTD return improved to 1.7% while market capitalisation advanced by ₦325.3bn to settle at ₦21.4tn. Activity level rebounded as volume and value traded rose 72.9% and 27.9% respectively to 809.4m units and ₦8.9bn. The most traded stocks by volume were TRANSCORP (136.6m units), MBENEFIT (70.6m units) and GUARANTY (69.0m units) while GUARANTY (₦2.3bn), WAPCO (₦1.4bn) and ZENITH (₦1.1bn) topped by value.

Performance across sectors was positive as all indices under our coverage gained. The Insurance index maintained dominance, advancing 5.3% due to price uptick in MANSARD (+9.4%), WAPIC (+8.7%) and AIICO (+1.7%). Similarly, the Oil & Gas and Banking indices appreciated 5.2% and 2.4% respectively due to buying interest in SEPLAT (+8.8%), ARDOVA (+9.3%), GUARANTY (+1.9%), and ZENITH (+1.9%). The Industrial and Consumer Goods indices also gained 1.7% and 0.7% respectively as DANGCEM (+3.0%), WAPCO (+4.0%), DANGSUGAR (+3.6%), and NASCON (+9.7%) ticked higher. Lastly, the AFR-ICT index increased 72bps on the back of price appreciation in MTNN (+1.8%). 

Investor sentiment as measured by market breadth (advance/decline ratio) surged to 6.9x from the 1.9x recorded previously as 48 stocks advanced against 7 decliners. CHAMPION (+9.8%), NASCON (+9.7%) and MANSARD (+9.4%) were the best-performing tickers while COURTVILLE (-8.3%), NEIMETH (-6.4%) and UNIONDAC (-3.1%) were the losers. We are optimistic that the market will close on a positive note this week.

Market Statistics for Thursday, 14th January 2021