Investors trimmed positions on the Nigerian Exchange on Monday, wiping out N76 billion in equity value as traders took profits in several large and mid-cap names to start the new week. The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) eased by 0.05%, finishing at 247,238.74 basis points after opening at 247,357.40 basis points.
The pullback also reduced the total market capitalisation of listed equities. It fell from N159.587 trillion at the start of trading to N159.511 trillion by the close, a decline of N76 billion. Market breadth ended in negative territory, with 28 stocks advancing and 32 declining, reinforcing that selling pressure was present across much of the tape rather than concentrated in a single segment.
Among the day’s gainers, CNIF led the board, climbing 9.95% from N127.60 to N140.30. Other notable advancers included Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc (CHH), and Chams Holding Company Plc.
On the downside, SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc lost 10.00%. It was followed by Transcorp Power Plc, International Breweries Plc, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, and Austin Laz & Company Plc, all of which recorded declines as the session tilted toward profit-taking.
Overall investor sentiment stayed cautious throughout the session, with selling outweighing bargain interest. While there was still some support for pockets of the market—particularly insurance and consumer goods—negative breadth suggested many participants preferred to secure gains following prior market strength.
