Trading on the Nigerian Exchange closed almost flat on Friday, with the All-Share Index settling at 245,315.26 points.

Market capitalisation, however, edged higher by ₦7.15 billion to close at ₦158.35 trillion, reflecting marginal gains despite a mixed trading session.

Market sentiment remained slightly negative as 33 stocks recorded gains, 34 declined and seven closed unchanged. CONHALLPLC topped the gainers' chart with a 10 per cent increase to ₦8.36, while ETERNA and REGALINS also posted 10 per cent gains. FTGINSURE led the losers after shedding 10 per cent to close at ₦2.34.

AVACAP emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 90.87 million shares, while SEPLAT recorded the highest value of trades. A total of 649.13 million shares worth ₦42.15 billion were exchanged in 51,433 deals during the trading session.