Stock Market Capitalisation Hits N160trn Amid Strong Buying Interest

The Nigerian equities market sustained its bullish momentum at the start of the trading week, with market capitalisation crossing the historic N160 trillion threshold as strong buying interest lifted investors’ wealth by N3.2 trillion.

The rally pushed the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index higher by 5,709.71 points, representing a 2.33 per cent increase to close at 250,485.54 points.

Market capitalisation also advanced by N3.162 trillion to settle at N160.256 trillion.

Analysts attributed the strong market performance to renewed investor appetite for large- and medium-capitalised stocks, particularly Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), NASCON Allied Industries, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and BUA Cement.

Commenting on the market outlook, Imperial Asset Managers Limited said the positive momentum is expected to continue, driven by the ongoing first quarter 2026 earnings season and sustained dividend-related investment flows.

The firm stated, “Looking ahead, we expect the market to sustain a broadly constructive tone, supported by the ongoing Q1 2026 earnings season and continued dividend-related flows. Banking and Industrial Goods remain our preferred sectors, underpinned by strong earnings delivery. We advise investors to remain selective and disciplined on entry prices, given the market’s substantial year-to-date appreciation.”

Investor sentiment remained upbeat, with market breadth closing positive at 58 gainers against 21 losers.

Chams Holding Company, FTN Cocoa Processors, International Energy Insurance, Livestock Feeds and R.T. Briscoe led the gainers’ chart with 10 per cent appreciation each, closing at N3.41, N9.13, N2.86, N8.80 and N16.50, respectively, per share.

MeCure Industries and Berger Paints followed with gains of 9.99 per cent each to close at N79.85 and N119.45 respectively, while Zichis Agro Allied Industry appreciated by 9.98 per cent to close at N36.69 per share.

On the losers’ table, Prestige Assurance recorded the highest decline of 10 per cent to close at N1.44 per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance fell by 9.96 per cent to close at N2.26, while University Press shed 9.09 per cent to close at N4.00 per share.

Ellah Lakes lost 9.05 per cent to close at N10.05, while Tantalizer declined by 7.69 per cent to close at N4.20 per share.

Trading activity also improved significantly as total volume traded rose by 28.63 per cent to 1.486 billion units valued at N68.455 billion exchanged in 94,834 deals.

Veritas Kapital Assurance dominated the activity chart with 194.545 million shares worth N299.075 million traded. Access Holdings followed with 172.077 million shares valued at N4.179 billion, while First Holdco recorded 131.974 million shares worth N9.796 billion.

FCMB Group traded 123.892 million shares valued at N1.415 billion, while Champion Breweries accounted for 82.991 million shares worth N1.251 billion.