The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange began the trading week on a negative note, as selling pressure across selected securities pushed its benchmark NASD Security Index (NSI) down by 0.23 per cent to 4,240.00 points.
The decline was accompanied by a 0.24 per cent reduction in market capitalisation to N2.55 trillion, moderating the market’s year-to-date return to 19.65 per cent from the previous 19.92 per cent.
Trading activity also weakened during the session, with investors recording lower transactions across key market indicators. Total volume traded fell to 1.68 million units, while the value of transactions declined to N18.57 million.
The number of deals executed also decreased to 27, pointing to subdued participation as the market opened the week.
Despite the broader market decline, some securities recorded positive price movements. SDFOODCPT led the gainers’ chart with an appreciation of 10.00 per cent, followed by SDIGIPLC, which gained 9.33 per cent.
Other advancers included SDGEFLUID, which rose by 0.25 per cent, and SDUBNPROP, which appreciated by 0.19 per cent.
On the losing side, SDCSC recorded the steepest decline, shedding 2.48 per cent. SDAFRILAND followed with a 2.41 per cent loss, while SDFSTTRUSTM declined by 0.91 per cent.
The mixed performance among listed securities, alongside the decline in the benchmark index and market capitalisation, left the NASD OTC market with a weaker opening to the trading week.
Market direction in subsequent sessions will depend on investor demand for available securities and the level of trading activity across the platform.
