The Nigerian Exchange closed higher on Friday as the All-Share Index gained 832.22 points, or 0.34 per cent, to settle at 242,977.83.

Market capitalisation also increased by ₦536.86 billion to close at ₦156.74 trillion, reflecting sustained investor interest across key sectors of the market.

Market sentiment remained positive, with 33 stocks recording gains, 23 declining and two closing unchanged. HMCALL led the gainers after rising 9.94 per cent to ₦3.65, followed by LivingTrust Mortgage Bank and Wapic Insurance, while Red Star Express posted the day's biggest loss, shedding 9.50 per cent to close at ₦20.00.

Trading activity was led by First HoldCo, which recorded the highest volume of shares exchanged at more than 190 million.