Despite the downturn, some stocks defied the odds. Mutual Benefits Assurance led the charge, soaring by 10 per cent to close at 88k per share. Close behind, Royal Exchange surged 9.88 per cent to hit 89k, NEM Insurance climbed 9.84 per cent to N13.40, and Lasaco Assurance jumped 9.56 per cent to N2.75 per share.