The equities market of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) wrapped up the January 30 session on a mixed yet generally balanced note, showing selective risk-taking across sectors amid steady trading activity.
Market data from the Premium, Main, and Growth boards recorded 41,539 trades, with investors exchanging 667.38 million shares. Market capitalisation inched up 0.18 per cent to N106.153 trillion.
Trading was strong on Friday, with 41,539 deals covering 667 million shares worth N14.98 billion.
Financial services dominated the session with more than 15,000 trades and 344.19 million shares, making up over half of the market’s total volume. The sector saw sharp price swings, especially among mortgage and niche financial institutions. Abbey Mortgage Bank jumped 9.94 per cent, while Living Trust Mortgage Bank dropped 10.00 per cent, underscoring the volatility that still marks smaller financial players. Core banking stocks, on the other hand, stayed within a tight range, showing the steadiness of large-cap names.
The services sector followed as the second most active, posting 3,060 trades and a volume of 137.53 million shares. Secure Electronic Technology emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume across the entire market, with over 79 million shares exchanged, alongside a price appreciation of 9.52 per cent. Aviation-related equities also attracted interest, with Nigerian Aviation Handling Company advancing by 5.08 per cent, reflecting renewed optimism around travel and logistics-linked earnings.
Information and communications technology stocks recorded 1,982 trades and 52.48 million shares, with Omatek Ventures gaining 9.89 per cent among the top gainers. Consumer goods equities posted 4,354 trades and 32.65 million shares but closed largely weaker, weighed down by losses in diversified consumer stocks, which declined by 3.74 per cent. Oil and gas equities saw 1,749 trades and 36.63 million shares, with price movements remaining subdued across the sector.
Industrial goods stocks recorded 1,821 trades and 13.13 million shares, closing in negative territory with chemical-related stocks falling by as much as 9.61 per cent. Healthcare equities posted 2,305 trades and 18.67 million shares, though Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals declined by 8.41 per cent despite strong volume. Real estate showed mixed performance, as Haldane McCall gained 9.90 per cent while UPDC declined by 4.13 per cent.
Overall market breadth was marginally positive, with 28 gainers against 24 losers among actively traded stocks. The day’s strongest advances were recorded in small and mid-cap names, led by Zichis Agro Allied Industries, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Haldane McCall, Omatek Ventures and Secure Electronic Technology, all posting gains close to 10 per cent. On the downside, losses were led by Learn Africa, Living Trust Mortgage Bank and DEAP Capital Management and Trust, each declining by approximately 10 per cent.
Trading in large-cap stocks remained largely stable, with minimal price changes in bellwether counters such as MTN Nigeria Communications, Dangote Cement and BUA Foods, reflecting a wait-and-see posture among institutional investors. Despite pockets of volatility, overall sentiment suggested cautious optimism, with gains slightly outweighing losses and investor interest tilted toward technology, services and select real estate names, while healthcare and industrial goods continued to face selling pressure.
