Emmanuel OchayiEquity Market Shows Volatility Amid Mixed Sentiment
The Nigerian equity market experienced a decline on Thursday, dropping by 0.25% as investors showed caution amid mixed sentiments.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) fell from 97,477.81 points to 97,233.07 points, aligning with analysts’ expectations of fluctuating market performance.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Investors are navigating a mix of profit-taking and conservative buying, making the market less predictable,” explained market analyst Ola Adigun.
Top Losers Lead the Equity Market Decline
Prominent stocks like Conoil and BUA Cement took significant hits. Conoil’s shares dropped from N260 to N244, losing N16, or 6.15%. BUA Cement followed suit, declining from N97.80 to N92, representing a 5.93% loss.
“The market is seeing a shift as investors evaluate recent gains and wait for new economic indicators,” remarked Adigun, noting that the volatility might persist in the near term.
High Trade Volume Amid Decline
Despite the decline, the day saw a high trading volume with 291,534,428 shares exchanged in 7,931 deals, totaling a value of N7.816 billion.
READ ALSO: Equity Market Rises By 0.22% On Bargain Hunting At NGX
Top traded stocks included Access Holdings, UBA, Zenith Bank, Oando, and United Capital, indicating a strong interest in the financial sector even as the overall market faced downward pressure.
Analysts Warn of Continued Caution in the Market
Financial analysts suggest that investor caution may continue to affect the equity market in the coming weeks. “This trend of mixed sentiment is likely to continue,” commented Tunde Ogundele, a market strategist.
“The equity market could see more conservative moves until stronger economic signals emerge.”
Looking Forward: What to Expect from Nigeria’s Equity Market
As market uncertainty lingers, investors and analysts alike remain cautious. Ogundele added, “While the market may seem volatile, this period offers a unique opportunity for careful investors.”
He highlighted that long-term investors may find valuable entry points as the equity market continues to stabilise.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
