Gains in banking stocks comprising Stanbic (+5.9 per cent), Zenith (+3%) and Guaranty (+2.4%), saw the market capitalisation advanced by ₦124.9 billion to settle at ₦22.1 trillion, while return improved to 4.7% on Thursday.

The All share index pushed higher by 57bps to close at 42,169.41 points.

Activity level was mixed as volume traded rose 2.2% to 555.3m units while value traded dipped 21.3% to ₦5.8bn.

The most traded stocks by volume were Transcorp (76.2m units), UBN (75.9m units) and Zenith (35.2m units) while Zenith (₦936.8m), Wapco (₦726.7m) and Guaranty (₦708.7m) led by value.

Performance across sectors under review was mixed as 3 indicators advanced, 2 lost and the AFR-ICT index closed flat.

The Banking index led the gainers, up 2.1% following buying interest in Stanbic (+5.9%), Zenith (+3.0%) and Guaranty (+2.4%).

Analysts anticipate the market to end the week on a positive note.

Daily Trust