Trading on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed on a positive note on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as sustained buying interest lifted key indicators.
Market capitalisation increased by N710.97 billion to settle at N126.20 trillion.
The benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) climbed 0.57% to close at 196,621.96 points, up from 195,514.23 points recorded in the previous session.
The latest advance pushed the Year-to-Date return to 26.35%, showing the market’s strong run so far this year.
UACN, Aradel Hit Fresh 52-Week Highs
Market breadth finished positive, with 39 gainers against 35 losers.
Shares of UACN Plc closed at N106.70, while Aradel Holdings Plc rose to N1,300.40, both touching new 52-week highs. FTGINSURE Plc also peaked at N1.13 during the session.
Among the top advancers were UACN (10.00%), Oando Plc (9.96%), Aradel (9.07%), Custodian Investment Plc (7.84%) and Cadbury Nigeria Plc (5.76%).
On the downside, Fidson Healthcare Plc led the losers’ table, reflecting profit-taking in parts of the healthcare segment.
Trading Volume Jumps 11%
Activity levels improved compared with Monday’s outing. A total of 880.01 million shares were exchanged, representing an 11.41% increase in volume. The trades were valued at N44.51 billion across 86,761 deals.
FTGINSURE recorded the highest volume, with 58.40 million shares changing hands, accounting for 6.64 per cent of total turnover. Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc and Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc followed, contributing 6.46 per cent and 5.37 per cent respectively.
Aradel Leads in Value Terms
In value terms, Aradel dominated trading, posting N8.22 billion worth of transactions, about 18.47% of the day’s total turnover. The strong interest reveals steady investor appetite for listed oil and gas counters.
Other heavily traded stocks by value included MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, indicating that institutional funds remain concentrated in large-cap, liquid names.
Dividend Season Drives Growth
With more companies expected to release audited results in the coming weeks, dividend expectations appear to be driving sentiment.
Despite concerns around inflation and exchange rate pressures, the steady climb of the ASI toward the 200,000 mark points to the fact that investors are willing to take positions ahead of full-year earnings announcements.
Still, the presence of 35 decliners stresses that some investors are locking in profits after recent rallies, keeping the market balanced even as the tone remains upbeat.
