Volume trades were up with the banks retaining their traditional hold on overall activity. UBA buoyed by strategic Transactions traded a whooping 324.4million units, while Fidelity Bank came in next with 60million.



The upbeat tempo on the shares of Union Bank continued today, racing up the Price ladder at market open, it however showed signs of weakness at mid session but renewed enthusiasm ensured a quick recovery. It closed up 5%.



First Bank continued to secure healthy gains as speculators seem unsatisfied with its current market Price, an indication that further Mark ups would be required to stimulate Supply .



Beverage Companies 7UP and NBC, had mixed fortunes. NBC (down 0.90%) traded strongly and initially held steady at the N50.45 Mark before succumbing to profit takers as many Retail Investors continue to cash Out despite its strong quarterly interim.



7UP on the other hand Rose by 2.06% in weak, speculator-driven Trading . For National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), the “bears” seem not to be through yet as the Stock took another 2.86% shaving from its share Price to close at N17.00. Resistance from shareholders however was much noticeable in today’s session, an indication that a turn around is quite imminent.


Cornerstone rode on the back of a positive feed back over its second quarter performance, chalking up 2.54%. The Stock which hitherto had been on full “offer” at mid-session was revived by its result as bids hit the screens to take it Out of the doldrums. It eventually closed at N4.04. The likes of Equity Assurance , International Energy Insurance , Guinea Insurance and Oasis Insurance continued to bask in the spotlight, notching up the usual maximum points lift.