Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in January bought and sold 10.94 billion shares worth N81.8 billion traded in 128,489 deals..

The statistics from the NSE, for the period under review, yesterday, showed this is against the 5.15 billion shares valued at N46.55 billion exchanged in 72,421 deals in December.

The statistics also showed that the difference in the turnover volumes is 5.89 billion shares higher or 112.43 per cent higher than that of December.

Also, the net-worth of investors, on the NSE, appreciated by 13.44 per cent in January while the All-Share Index closed higher at 31,853.19 from the 28,078.81 achieved in December.

The market capitalisation also rose by N1.22 trillion to close at N10.19 trillion as against the N8.97 trillion recorded in December.

NAN reports that the rise in the capital market indices was due to price gains posted by blue chips.

The index measures the growth of the bourse, while the capitalisation captures the daily worth of all listed securities.

Eterna Oil, during the period under review, appreciated by 144.72 per cent to close at N4.87 per share.

Forte Oil grew by 116.43 per cent to close at N16.73 while CCNN increased by 92.83 per cent to close at N10.22 per share.

On the other hand, John Holt recorded the highest loss of 50 per cent to close at N1.7 per share.

Morrison depreciated by 25.65 per cent to close at N2.58 while DN Meyer declined by 18.71 per cent to close at N1.26 per share.

Some stakeholders attributed the market growth in January to rising investors' confidence and expectations of improved 2012 full year results. (NAN)