ASI drops 2.1% on profit taking, IPWA, BOC Gases lead gainers

The benchmark index of equities closed on a bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took profit from the gains recorded the preceding day.

Specifically, the All Share index lost 2.07 per cent to close at 34,089.01 points, as against the increase of 1.48 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,810.25 points.

Market capitalisation depreciated by N23bn to close at N10.91trn, in contrast to the appreciation of N2bn recorded the preceding day to close at N11.14trn.

The Consumer Goods index led the sectorial indices with 1.56 per cent to close at 1007.03 points, followed by the Insurance index with 0.39 per cent to close at 147.07 points.

The Banking index lost 2.60 per cent to close at 402.54 points, while the NSE 30-index shed 1.85 per cent to close at 1629.58 points.

The Lotus Islamic index depreciated by 1.17 per cent to close at 2306.13 per cent, while the Oil and Gas index declined by 0.79 per cent to close at 203.47 points.

IPWA Plc led the gainers’ table with six kobo or ten per cent to close at 66 kobo per share, followed by B.O.C Gas Plc with 79 kobo or 9.95 per cent to close at N8.73 per share.

Prestige Assurance Plc rose by six kobo or 9.68 per cent to close at 68 kobo per share, while Paint Manufacturing Company Plc declined by 15 kobo or 9.43 per cent to close at N1.74 per share.

Wapic Insurance Plc appreciated by ten kobo or 9.43 per cent to close at N1.16 per share.

On the flip side, Diamond Bank lost 70 kobo or ten per cent to close at N6.30 per share, while United Bank for Africa Plc fell by 80 kobo or 9.99 per cent to close at N7.21 per share.

Eterna Plc dipped by 35 kobo or 9.97 per cent to close at N3.16 per share, while A.G Leventis Plc declined by 16 kobo or 9.94 per cent to close at N1.45 per share.

Costain Plc depreciated by 26 kobo or 9.77 per cent to close at N2.40 per share.