The Nigerian stock market commenced the week with significant gains, as investors recorded a total increase of N1.424 trillion in market capitalisation on Monday. This positive performance marked a strong start to trading activities for the week.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index rose by 1.29 percent, adding 2,218.73 points to close at 173,946.22, up from 171,727.49. Consequently, the overall market capitalisation grew by the same percentage to N111.658 trillion from N110.234 trillion. This advance improved the market’s year-to-date return to 11.78 percent. Market breadth remained positive, with 59 stocks advancing against 26 decliners.
The rally was predominantly fueled by robust activity in large- and mid-cap equities. CAP, May & Baker, and Daar Communications led the gainers, each hitting the maximum daily appreciation limit of 10 percent. CAP closed at N90.20, May & Baker at N43.45, and Daar Communications at N2.09 per share. Other notable advancers included RT Briscoe and Zichis Agro Allied Industries, with a total of 54 stocks finishing higher.
On the downside, Eunisell Interlinked incurred the steepest loss, declining by 9.98 percent to N134.85. It was followed by Tripple Gee, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Austinlaz, and Haldane McCall among the losers.
Trading activity showed a mixed trend. The total volume of shares traded dropped by 18.72 percent to 775.18 million units, while the transaction value fell more sharply by 35 percent to N27.9 billion. However, the number of deals executed increased by 29 percent to 65,960, indicating greater participation despite lower ticket sizes. In the prior session, 953.8 million shares worth N43.1 billion were traded in 51,005 deals.
Access Corporation dominated volume, with 67.14 million shares changing hands, representing 8.66 percent of the total. In value terms, Zenith Bank was the most active, with trades amounting to N3.43 billion, accounting for 12.29 percent of the day’s total.
This bullish opening underscores renewed investor appetite for Nigerian equities, particularly in select heavyweight stocks. The improvement in the year-to-date return suggests a resilient market trajectory amid broader economic considerations. The performance sets a constructive tone for the week, with investor focus likely to remain on sector-specific momentum and overall exchange liquidity.
