The Nigerian Exchange extended its positive momentum in the new trading year on Tuesday, as sustained buying interest across key stocks lifted total market capitalisation by about N468bn, reinforcing investor optimism and consolidating the market’s position above the N100tn milestone.
At the close of trading, total equities market capitalisation rose to N102.28tn from N101.81tn recorded in the previous session, reflecting a 0.46 per cent increase in market value within one trading day. The gain underscores continued bullish sentiment following the strong opening to the 2026 trading year.
The All-Share Index advanced by 0.46 per cent, adding 732.86 points to close at 159,951.08 points, compared with 159,218.22 points on Monday. The performance pushed the market’s year-to-date return to 2.79 per cent, highlighting a firm start to the year amid renewed portfolio positioning by investors.
Market activity showed notable improvement, with a total of 758.93m shares exchanged in 54,199 deals, valued at N19.83bn. Compared with the previous trading day, trading volume increased by 9 per cent, while turnover rose by seven per cent, despite a four per cent decline in the number of deals executed.
The increase in volume and value points to stronger participation by investors, particularly in actively traded stocks, even as transactions were concentrated in fewer but larger trades.
In aggregate, 130 listed equities participated in trading during the session. Market breadth closed positive, with 65 gainers against 21 losers, indicating broad investor participation and a generally upbeat sentiment across the market.
Meyer Plc topped the gainers’ chart, appreciating by the maximum 10 per cent to close at N14.30 per share. Jaiz Bank Plc followed with a 10 per cent gain, while Associated Bus Company Plc rose by 9.98 per cent. Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc also posted strong performance, advancing by 9.94 per cent.
On the losing side, Aluminium Extrusion Industries Plc recorded the steepest decline, shedding 9.96 per cent to close at N21.70 per share. Learn Africa Plc fell by 9.16 per cent, and Oando Plc declined by 7.69 per cent, while United Bank for Africa Plc lost 6.22 per cent.
Trading by volume was led by Linkage Assurance Plc, which recorded 51.6m shares traded. Sterling Bank Plc followed with 49.1m shares, while Access Holdings Plc and Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc recorded volumes of 48.7m and 34.7m shares, respectively.
Market performance during the session was driven largely by activity in heavyweight stocks, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Access Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc, which together accounted for a significant share of market turnover and index movement.
Overall, the equities market closed the session bullish, extending the early-year rally and keeping total market capitalisation comfortably above N100tn. Analysts note that the sustained gains reflect renewed investor confidence, selective bargain hunting, and positioning ahead of expected corporate earnings releases and macroeconomic developments.
Meanwhile, broader market indicators remained supportive. At the close of trading, Brent crude oil traded at $61.82 per barrel, while gold stood at $4,418.82 per ounce on the international commodities market, providing additional context for global risk sentiment.
With market capitalisation now at N102.28tn and trading activity strengthening, the NGX appears set to maintain positive momentum in the early days of 2026, barring any adverse macroeconomic or policy shocks.
