The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) rebounded on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as investors added N410.86 billion to the market value of listed equities. Market capitalisation rose by 0.26% from N159.26 trillion on Monday to N159.67 trillion, while the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) gained 632.79 points to close at 245,911.13 points, up from 245,278.34 points. The recovery followed Monday’s market decline, which wiped N1.47 trillion off the value of listed equities.
Market Summary and Trading Activity
Total trading volume stood at 348.69 million shares exchanged in 32,588 deals. This marked a decline in transaction count, which fell by 24.42% from 43,115 deals recorded in the previous session. Despite the lower number of deals, the market closed in positive territory, driven by gains in industrial and consumer goods stocks.
The NGX All-Share Index rose by 0.26% to 245,911.13 points, while market capitalisation increased to N159.67 trillion. The positive performance saw 28 stocks gain, outperforming 21 decliners, according to data from the exchange.
Top Gainers and Losers
Austin Laz and Company Plc led the gainers, rising by 9.97% to N3.53 from N3.21. ABC Transport Plc gained 9.92% to N6.65 from N6.05, while Cutix Plc advanced by 9.91% to N2.33 from N2.12. Other notable gainers included Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, which increased by 9.77% to N2.92 from N2.66, and Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, which rose by 9.76% to N4.50 from N4.10.
On the losing side, Livestock Feeds Plc fell by 9.76% to N17.10 from N18.95, making it the top decliner. Guinea Insurance Plc declined by 7.78% to N0.83 from N0.90, while NPF Microfinance Bank Plc dropped by 5.75% to N4.10 from N4.35. Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc lost 4.69% to N3.05 from N3.20, and AIICO Insurance Plc declined by 3.06% to N3.80 from N3.92.
Sectoral Performance and Indices
The market’s recovery was supported by gains in industrial and consumer goods stocks, alongside advances in selected market indices. The NGX Industrial Index rose by 118.44 points from 10,140.51 to 10,258.95 points. The NGX Lotus Islamic Index gained 197.25 points to close at 23,167.70 points. The NGX Premium Index advanced by 168.89 points to 30,540.53 points from 30,371.64 points.
The NGX Consumer Goods Index increased by 11.58 points to 4,042.08 points, while the NGX Oil and Gas Index edged up by 0.50 points to 6,190.61 points. These sectoral gains contributed to the overall positive sentiment on the exchange.
In a related development, Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its plan to purchase IPO shares in Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students. Under the proposed scheme, every qualifying student aged 18 and above would receive 10 IPO shares at no cost to themselves, with the foundation bearing the financial burden. If fully implemented, the programme could reach up to four million students.
