The stock market extended its positive performance yesterday as gains in bellwether counters pushed the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited All-Share Index (ASI) by 0.5 per cent to close at 38,418,04. Similarly, market capitalisation added N103.2 billion to close at N20.026 trillion. The market, which rebounded last week had opened the week with a marginal gain of 0.02 per cent on Monday.
However, the positive trend was sustained yesterday as investors swooped on interim dividends paying firms such as Seplat Energy Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc. In all, 28 equities appreciated compared with 10 stocks that depreciated.
Market analysts had envisaged a bull market, saying expectations for half-year (H1) earnings seasons would retain the market in the bulls’ territory as investors position for interim dividends.