NGX Gains ₦935bn Naira in One Day as Five Firms Lead Rally
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) recorded its largest single-day increase in market capitalisation, adding N953 billion to investors’ wealth in one trading session. The rally, driven largely by strong performances from five Nigerian companies, reflects renewed confidence in the equities market amid improving sentiment and sustained buying pressure.
At the close of trading, total market capitalisation rose to about N103.7 trillion, from roughly N102.8 trillion in the previous session. The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) climbed by nearly 1%, reinforcing the bullish tone that has characterized recent market activities.
Market Overview
The NGX rally was broad-based, with gains across multiple sectors reflecting positive sentiment in both domestic and foreign investor circles. The All-Share Index (ASI) surged by 0.93%, closing at 162,298.08 points, up from 160,806.56 points in the previous trading session. Total market capitalisation climbed from N102.822 trillion to N103.775 trillion by market close — an extraordinary achievement in a single trading day.
This exceptional performance followed a sustained period of bullish trading on the bourse, capping a series of gains that saw both large-cap and mid-cap stocks advance significantly.
Key Stocks Leading the Rally
At the heart of this surge were five standout Nigerian firms whose share price appreciations accounted for a substantial portion of the market’s value creation. Top contributors included:
- Industrial and Medical Gases – significant price growth on Friday’s session.
- McNicholas PLC – posted strong gains, signaling robust investor appetite.
- SCOA Nigeria PLC – benefitted from renewed interest in industrial equities.
- May & Baker Nigeria Plc – consumer goods firm that attracted buying flows.
- FTN Cocoa Processors PLC – capitalized on agribusiness momentum.
Historical Volatility and Comparisons
It’s worth noting that the Nigerian equities market has experienced considerable volatility in recent months and years. Prior sessions saw sharp downturns — including a N4.6 trillion loss due to broad sell-offs in blue-chip stocks — demonstrating how swiftly sentiment can shift in response to market dynamics.
However, the current uptick marks a significant turnaround, particularly when compared with bearish episodes, and signals that investors are once again focusing on valuation opportunities on the NGX.
What This Means for Investors
The N953bn single-day gain signals a potential shift in market dynamics. For investors, it reinforces the importance of:
- Diversifying across sectors, not just large-cap stocks
- Paying attention to fundamentals, especially earnings and balance-sheet strength.
- Taking a medium- to long-term view, rather than chasing short-term price movements.
With such positive momentum early in 2026, the Nigerian Exchange remains a market to watch as global investors reassess opportunities in frontier economies, and domestic investors leverage improving market conditions to build long-term wealth
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