NGX market cap rises N1.3trn WoW as All-Share Index gains 0.81%

The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) rose by about N1.3 trillion week-on-week to N155.83 trillion at the close of trading yesterday, as the All-Share Index (ASI) gained 0.81 per cent despite a sharp decline in weekly turnover.

The NGX ASI advanced by 1,947.31 points from 239,351.16 points recorded at the close of trading last week to 241,298.47 points, reflecting a 0.81 per cent week-on-week increase.

The market’s positive performance came despite a four-day trading week following the Federal Government’s declaration of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as a public holiday to mark Eid-el-Maulud.

Investors traded a total of 2.507 billion shares worth N123.223 billion in 173,561 deals during the week, compared with 6.242 billion shares valued at N157.764 billion in 186,496 deals recorded in the previous week.

The latest figures represent a 59.8 per cent decline in trading volume and a 21.9 per cent drop in turnover value week-on-week, while the number of deals fell by 6.9 per cent.

The Financial Services Industry dominated trading activity, accounting for 1.977 billion shares valued at N71.563 billion in 79,586 deals. The sector contributed 78.87 per cent of total equity turnover volume and 58.08 per cent of turnover value.

The Services Industry followed with 148.226 million shares worth N7.252 billion traded in 10,638 deals, while the ICT Industry ranked third with 117.982 million shares valued at N8.635 billion in 21,639 deals.

Trading in Fortis Global Insurance Plc, Jaiz Bank Plc and First Holdco Plc accounted for 793.104 million shares worth N26.898 billion in 14,758 deals, representing 31.64 per cent of total equity turnover volume and 21.83 per cent of turnover value.

The positive market performance was driven by gains across several key sectors, with the NGX Oil/Gas Index recording the strongest sectoral performance, rising 4.54 per cent during the week.

The NGX MERI Value Index gained 3.76 per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods Index rose 3.41 per cent. The NGX Commodity Index advanced 3.31 per cent, while the NGX Banking Index gained 2.89 per cent.

Other notable gainers included the NGX Premium Index, which rose 2.29 per cent; NGX AFR Div Yield Index, 1.80 per cent; NGX Pension Index, 1.46 per cent; NGX 30 Index, 1.03 per cent; NGX Pension Broad Index, 0.98 per cent; and NGX Sovereign Bond Index, 0.23 per cent.

However, the NGX Growth Index declined by 1.56 per cent, while the NGX MERI Growth Index fell 2.21 per cent. The NGX Lotus II Index, NGX Consumer Goods Index, NGX Insurance Index and NGX Main Board Index also recorded declines of 0.22 per cent, 0.67 per cent, 0.63 per cent and 0.10 per cent respectively.

A total of 24 equities appreciated during the week, compared with 18 in the previous week, while 55 equities declined, lower than the 59 recorded in the preceding week. Sixty-eight equities remained unchanged, compared with 70 equities in the previous week.

University Press Plc emerged as the best-performing stock, rising 18.75 per cent from N4.80 to N5.70. First Holdco Plc gained 11.58 per cent to close at N145, while Seplat Energy Plc appreciated by 10 per cent to N12,320.60.

Red Star Express Plc rose 9.86 per cent, Transcorp Hotels Plc gained 9.76 per cent, Access Holdings Plc advanced 9.26 per cent, while Cornerstone Insurance Plc increased by 9.18 per cent.

On the decliners’ chart, International Energy Insurance Plc fell 26.61 per cent from N3.87 to N2.84, while Fidson Healthcare Plc declined 17.69 per cent to N77. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc lost 15.15 per cent to close at N4.20.

Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc declined 14.71 per cent, Austin Laz & Company Plc dropped 11.97 per cent, while Ava Capital Plc and Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc fell 10.96 per cent and 10.77 per cent respectively.

In the Exchange-Traded Products (ETP) segment, investors traded 1.792 million units valued at N418.519 million in 4,785 deals, compared with 1.707 million units worth N571.966 million in 4,911 deals in the previous week.

Trading in the bond market also weakened, with 164,122 units valued at N171.540 million exchanged in 46 deals, compared with 1.476 million units worth N1.476 billion in 46 deals recorded in the previous week.

Meanwhile, the Exchange listed the July 2026 issue of Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bonds on Thursday, August 27.

The listed instruments comprised the 14.716 per cent FGN Savings Bond due July 2028, with N995.911 million issued, and the 15.716 per cent FGN Savings Bond due July 2029, with N5.197 billion issued.

The Exchange also recorded supplementary listings during the week. Prestige Assurance Plc listed an additional 2.369 billion ordinary shares arising from its private placement, increasing its total issued and fully paid-up shares to 15.622 billion.

International Energy Insurance Plc also listed an additional 8.076 billion ordinary shares arising from its public offer, taking its total issued and fully paid-up shares to 9.360 billion shares.

Despite the decline in trading activity occasioned partly by the shortened trading week, the NGX maintained its positive trajectory, with the benchmark All-Share Index and market capitalisation ending the week higher on the back of gains in key sectors, particularly oil and gas, banking and value-oriented stocks.