Banking Sector Leads Market Decline In June As NGX Index Slumps 11.56%

The banking sector emerged as the biggest drag on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in June 2026, with the NGX Banking Index declining by 11.56 per cent month-on-month to close at 2,070.11 points amid widespread profit-taking and concerns over proposed regulatory changes.

Data from the NGX showed that all major sectoral indices ended the month in negative territory, reflecting a broad-based market correction that wiped N13.29 trillion off investors’ wealth. Total market capitalisation fell to N147.22 trillion at the end of June from N160.51 trillion recorded in May.

Market analysts attributed the banking sector’s sharp decline to sustained profit-taking following strong gains recorded earlier in the year, as both institutional and retail investors reduced their exposure to highly traded banking stocks.

Among the banking stocks, Wema Bank recorded the steepest monthly decline, shedding 21.21 per cent. Zenith Bank lost 14.63 per cent, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) declined by 13.32 per cent.

Other notable losers included FCMB Group, which fell by 10.00 per cent; Fidelity Bank, by 9.38 per cent; Access Holdings, by 8.33 per cent; Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), by 8.09 per cent; and Jaiz Bank, by 7.47 per cent.

In its June 2026 market review, Comercio Partners Limited said uncertainty surrounding the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposed regulations for financial holding companies further weakened investor sentiment.

According to the firm, the draft regulations raised concerns over capital adequacy, dividend sustainability and the possibility of additional capital raising for HoldCo-structured banks.

It noted that the uncertainty weighed particularly on major banking groups, including Access Holdings, GTCO, First HoldCo and FCMB, as investors became increasingly cautious about potential share dilution and tighter regulatory requirements.

Comercio Partners stated that despite the banking sector’s strong fundamentals, June’s performance reflected valuation adjustments, regulatory concerns and investor risk reduction rather than weaker earnings expectations.

Looking ahead, the firm expects the sector to witness renewed bargain hunting in July following the sharp sell-off, especially in fundamentally strong tier-one banks.

However, it cautioned that the recovery could be uneven as investors continue to monitor regulatory developments by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the progress of bank recapitalisation and the potential impact of fresh capital raising on shareholders.

Similarly, Cowry Assets Management Limited said the Banking Index retreated by 12.22 per cent during the month despite the sector’s robust earnings outlook and the continued benefit of elevated interest rates, which have supported banks’ net interest margins.

The firm attributed the decline mainly to portfolio rebalancing and valuation-driven profit-taking as investors awaited the release of half-year financial results and further regulatory guidance.