NGX Recovers Losses as Investors Gain ₦1.09trn
Equities Market Surges as Large-Cap Stocks Drive ₦1.09trn Gain
Nigeria’s equities market rebounded strongly on March 25, 2026, with investors gaining approximately ₦1.09 trillion in market value, driven by renewed buying interest in large and medium-capitalised stocks. The recovery follows recent losses and signals improving investor sentiment in the domestic capital market.
Market Performance and Key Indicators
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited shows that total market capitalisation rose from ₦127.75 trillion to ₦128.84 trillion, representing a 0.85% increase within a single trading session.
Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 1,691.86 points to close at 200,705.88, also reflecting a 0.85% gain. The rally pushed the year-to-date return to 28.98%, highlighting sustained bullish momentum in the market.
Market breadth remained positive, with 37 gainers outperforming 23 losers, indicating broad-based buying activity across sectors.
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Drivers of the Market Rebound
The uptrend was primarily driven by strong investor demand for select large and mid-cap stocks. Notable gainers included:
Airtel Africa
John Holt Plc
Consolidated Hallmark Holdings
Legend Internet
These stocks recorded gains of up to 10%, contributing significantly to the overall market rally.
Sectoral performance was broadly positive, with insurance, banking, consumer goods, and industrial stocks all closing higher, reinforcing the strength of the recovery.
Trading Activity Strengthens
Market activity improved notably during the session. A total of 1.3 billion shares valued at ₦65.3 billion were traded in 89,949 deals, compared to 848.8 million shares worth ₦53.3 billion in the previous session.
Access Holdings Plc recorded the highest trading volume, accounting for over 20% of total shares traded, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc led in value terms with ₦19.39 billion in transactions.
Losers and Market Corrections
Despite the positive close, some stocks recorded declines. Key laggards included:
NPF Microfinance Bank
Royal Exchange Plc
Computer Warehouse Group
Veritas Kapital Assurance
These declines highlight ongoing profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing by investors.
Market Context and Investor Sentiment
The rebound reflects renewed investor confidence following recent market dips, with bargain hunting playing a key role in driving demand for fundamentally strong stocks. Analysts note that improved liquidity and sustained interest in equities continue to support market resilience.
The Nigerian equities market has maintained strong momentum in 2026, supported by macroeconomic adjustments, earnings growth, and increased domestic participation.
Outlook
The ₦1.09 trillion gain underscores the market’s capacity to recover quickly from short-term volatility.
Going forward, sustained investor confidence, corporate earnings performance, and macroeconomic stability will remain critical drivers of market direction. For investors and policymakers, the current trajectory reinforces the Nigerian capital market’s role as a key channel for wealth creation and economic growth.
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