STOCK MARKET STARTS WEEK LOWER AS INVESTORS LOSE ₦77BN

Nigeria’s stock market opened the week on a negative note, with investors recording a ₦77 billion loss as selling pressure in selected stocks dragged overall market performance lower.

The decline reduced the Nigerian Exchange’s market capitalisation, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing economic uncertainties and profit-taking activities. Market analysts said losses in key sectors weighed on the benchmark index despite continued interest in fundamentally strong companies.

They noted that investors are closely monitoring corporate earnings, monetary policy developments, inflation trends, and foreign exchange movements, all of which continue to influence trading decisions.

Despite the weak start to the week, analysts remain optimistic about the long-term outlook of the market, citing improving corporate performance and opportunities in fundamentally sound stocks. They advised investors to maintain a long-term investment strategy rather than react to short-term market fluctuations.

Market experts added that sustained investor confidence, stable economic policies, and stronger corporate earnings will be critical to supporting a recovery in the equities market and attracting more domestic and foreign investment.