Nigerian Stock Market Weekly Review: Bullish Momentum and Extended Trading Hours
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) experienced a week of robust activity, with the All-Share Index climbing by 6.57% to close at 217,167.57 points. Market capitalisation also saw a notable increase of 6.60%, reaching ₦139.827 trillion, reflecting strong investor confidence and active trading across key sectors.
Market Performance and Trading Volume
During the week, a total turnover of 3.588 billion shares valued at N195.313 billion was recorded in 254,553 deals. This represents an uptick from the previous week's 3.361 billion shares worth N151.948 billion traded in 229,442 deals. The financial services sector dominated market activity, accounting for 2.498 billion shares valued at N94.005 billion in 111,052 deals, contributing 69.62% to total equity turnover volume and 48.13% to value.
Other sectors also showed significant participation:
- The services industry followed with 329.034 million shares worth N3.452 billion in 14,050 deals.
- The oil and gas industry ranked third with 152.472 million shares valued at N42.511 billion in 19,022 deals.
Trading in top equities such as Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc accounted for 1.038 billion shares worth ₦46.081 billion in 33,067 deals, representing 28.92% of total turnover volume and 23.59% of value.
Top Gainers and Decliners
Market sentiment was broadly bullish, with several equities posting strong gains:
- Trans-Nationwide Express Plc surged 60.48% to N6.05.
- Ecobank Transnational Incorporated rose 46.30% to N67.30.
- Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc increased 36.63% to N188.55.
- Royal Exchange Plc gained 29.37% to N1.85.
- Aradel Holdings Plc advanced 28.93% to N1,649.00.
However, profit-taking weighed on some stocks, leading to declines:
- Coronation Insurance Plc fell 14.38% to N2.50.
- Ikeja Hotel Plc dropped 14.36% to N33.40.
- International Energy Insurance Plc decreased 13.80% to N3.06.
- Academy Press Plc declined 12.57% to N7.65.
- Honeywell Flour Mill Plc slipped 11.01% to N19.00.
NGX Extends Trading Hours
In a separate development aimed at boosting market liquidity, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) announced an extension of daily trading hours to 4:00 p.m., effective from Monday, April 27, 2026. The market opening time will also be adjusted earlier to 9:00 a.m. from 9:30 a.m. This move, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is expected to enhance market efficiency by providing investors with more time to respond to information and execute trades, potentially increasing participation and improving overall market dynamics.
The extension aligns with global best practices and reflects the NGX's commitment to fostering a more robust and accessible trading environment for both local and international investors.
