FTN Cocoa, McNichols drive N26.5bn gain for investors

Trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited closed on a positive note on Tuesday, driven by investor demand for agricultural and consumer goods stocks.
The benchmark market capitalisation rose as key equities posted gains, led by FTN Cocoa Processors Plc and McNichols Consolidated Plc, which both recorded maximum daily price surges.
FTN Cocoa Processors Plc gained 10 per cent to close at N8.25 per share, up from its previous closing price of N7.50. McNichols Consolidated Plc similarly appreciated 10 per cent, closing at N4.95 per share from N4.50.
Other top performers on the gainers’ table included Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc, which rose 9.94 per cent to close at N3.43; Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, which appreciated 9.57 per cent to N2.06; and Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, which gained 9.52 per cent to finish at N4.60 per share.
In terms of absolute price increases, May & Baker Nigeria Plc led in value, gaining N3.50 to close at N40.50. Aradel Holdings Plc advanced by N124.90 to close at N1,539.90, while Nestlé Nigeria Plc posted an appreciation of N165 to settle at N2,995 per share.
On the flip side, 19 equities logged price declines at the end of the trading session. Tripple Gee and Company Plc topped the losers’ chart, dropping 9.72 per cent to close at N2.60 per share. ABC Transport Plc followed with a 9.52 per cent loss to close at N4.75.
Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc dipped 9.22 per cent to N136.35, while R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc declined 9.21 per cent to close at N10.35 per share.
A total of 651,240,201 shares valued across 43,674 deals were traded in the main equity market.
In the Exchange Traded Funds sector, Meristem Value Exchange Traded Fund led the gainers, surging 7.84 per cent to close at N150.
Meanwhile, the Debt sector saw notable activity, with the FGS202768 bond climbing 14.12 per cent to close at N97.



