By TAIYE OLAYEMI

The Nigerian equities market closed the year on a strong footing on Wednesday, extending its consecutive gain with N533 billion to investors’ wealth.

The positive performance was driven by Aluminium Extrusion Industries, Austinlaz, Meyer, Cileasing, Union Dicon Salt and 42 other advancing stocks.

Specifically, the market capitalisation, which opened at N99.376 trillion, added N533 billion to close at N98,843 trillion.

The All-Share Index also gained 0.37 per cent or 578.31 points, to settle at 155,613.03 against 155,034.72 recorded on Tuesday.

While the year-to-date return closed the year at 51.19 per cent, the market breadth closed positive, recording 47 gainers and 16 losers.

Aluminium Extrusion Industries led the gainers’ chart by 9.90 per cent, closing at N21.65, Austinlaz trailed by 9.82 per cent, settling at N4.25 while Meyer grew by 9.75 per cent, ending the session at N12.95 per share.

Also, Cileasing soared by 9.60 per cent, finishing at N6.85 and Union Dicon Salt increased by 9.52 per cent, closing at N6.90 per share.

On the other hand, Neimeth International Pharmaceutical led the losers’ chart by 9.38 per cent, finishing at N5.80, Tantalizer followed by 6.72 per cent, settling at N2.50 and International Breweries shed by 4.44 per cent, closing at N14 per share.

NPF Microfinance Bank dropped by 3.13 per cent, ending the session at N3.71 while Vitafoam dipped by 3.06 per cent, finishing at N92 per share.

Meanwhile, Chams led the activity chart, recording the highest volume with 710.28 million shares traded, while Aradel recorded the highest value at N9.52 billion. (NAN)

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