The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) hit ₦90.01 trillion in market capitalisation on Thursday as investors gained about ₦143.54 billion, pushing the overall equity market higher.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) added 228.25 basis points, a 0.16% increase, to close at 142,263.12 points, lifting year-to-date returns to 38.22%.
While the market index and capitalization surged, trading activity cooled sharply: total volume fell 67.64% and total value dropped 65.86% compared to the previous session.
Roughly 325.11 million units worth ₦8,417.72 million were traded across 22,770 deals, reflecting heightened selectivity among investors.
In terms of volume, ACCESSCORP led with 11.47% of total traded volume, followed by FIDELITYBK (6.32%), NSLTECH (6.10%), VERTASKAP (4.59%), and OMATEK (4.56%). On the value side, ZENITHBANK stood out, accounting for 19.10% of total trading value, underscoring its continued importance to NGX market liquidity.
Among gainers, GUINNESS stood top with a 10.00% price appreciation; close behind were EUNISELL (+9.89%), REGALINS (+9.82%), THOMASWY (+9.80%), MCNICHOLS (+9.58%), and GUINEAINS (+9.40%). On the downside, CONHALLPLC slid 7.59%, TIP fell 7.48%, NEIMETH dropped 2.71%, ELLAHLAKES was down 2.61%, ZENITHBANK declined 1.42%, and OANDO dipped 0.51%.
The market breadth closed positive with 30 gainers and 20 losers, indicating more stocks rose than fell. Sectoral performance was mixed: Banking (−0.23%) and Insurance (−1.07%) sectors retreated, while Consumer Goods (+0.75%), Oil & Gas (+0.28%), Industrial (+0.01%), and Commodity (+0.16%) sectors posted gains.
The NGX’s ability to rebound and hit ₦90 trillion in market value despite sharply lower volume and value suggests investor confidence remains in select names rather than broad market participation.
Stocks with strong upside potential, especially in Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas, are attracting buying interest, while the Banking and Insurance sectors may need catalyst news to arrest their decline.
With market momentum still positive, future sessions may hinge on how earnings, macroeconomic indicators, or external shocks impact sentiment.
