The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) opened the week on a strong note as total equities market capitalisation crossed the ₦100 trillion mark for the first time, buoyed by renewed investor demand and widespread price appreciation.
Data from the NGX showed that market capitalisation rose from ₦99.94 trillion at the close of trading on Friday, January 2, 2026, to ₦101.81 trillion on Monday, January 5, 2026. The gain represents a ₦1.87 trillion increase in investors’ wealth in a single trading session.
The All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 1.74%, lifting both the month-to-date and year-to-date returns to 2.32%. The rally was supported by strong buying interest in stocks such as Cadbury Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare, and Champion Breweries.
Market breadth improved significantly, with 73 equities recording gains against just eight decliners, translating to a positive breadth ratio of 9.13x.
Reacting to the milestone, Temi Popoola, group managing director and chief executive officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, said the ₦100 trillion equity capitalisation landmark reflects the growing depth of Nigeria’s capital market.
“The equities market capitalisation crossing the ₦100 trillion mark is a defining milestone for Nigeria’s capital market and a clear signal of renewed investor confidence as the year begins,” he said. “It reflects the market’s growing depth, resilience, and ability to respond positively to improving macroeconomic conditions and structural reforms.”
Popoola added that stronger collaboration among market stakeholders and regulators has improved transparency and strengthened the exchange.
“Over the past two years, closer alignment between market operators, policymakers, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has enhanced transparency, liquidity, and investor protection, reinforcing the Exchange’s role in mobilising long-term capital for economic growth,” he noted.
Offering further insight into market activity, Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, attributed the rally to rising investor confidence.
“The breadth of the market tells a positive story. We are seeing strong participation across banking, industrial, and consumer stocks, alongside rising trading volumes, which suggests growing investor confidence and a more active market at the start of the year,” he said.
Trading activity showed mixed trends during the session. Total volume traded rose by 58.13% to 695.64 million shares, while transaction value declined by 25.57% to ₦18.57 billion across 56,606 deals. Year-to-date equities turnover increased to ₦43.52 billion.
Zenith Bank led trading by value at ₦3.51 billion, followed by WAPCO with ₦2.56 billion and Aradel Holdings at ₦1.57 billion. Access Holdings and GTCO completed the top five most traded stocks by value.
Regency Assurance, Fidson Healthcare, May & Baker, PZ Cussons, and Coronation Assurance topped the gainers’ chart, each recording the maximum daily increase of 10%.
On the downside, Juli, Ikeja Hotels, and Sunu Assurance led the losers, shedding 9.93%, 9.91%, and 4.55% respectively. Sovereign Trust Insurance and Berger Paints also declined by 2.35% and 2.08%.
Across sectoral indices, the Afrinvest Bank Value Index gained 5.46%, the Afrinvest Dividend Yield Index rose by 4.99%, and the Insurance Index advanced by 4.97%. The Meristem Value Index increased by 4.85%, while the Banking Index appreciated by 4.71%.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its 2026 macroeconomic outlook, projected a bullish performance for the Nigerian stock market over the year.
