The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum for the third consecutive week, closing in positive territory despite a shortened trading week due to the Eid-el-Fitr holidays on March 19 and 20.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 1.39% week-on-week to close at 201,156.86 points, while market capitalization increased by ₦1.77 trillion to ₦129.13 trillion. Year-to-date, the ASI has advanced 29.27%, underscoring strong investor confidence and resilience in market sentiment.
Sectoral performance was mixed, with two of five major indices posting gains. Industrial goods and banking stocks led the rally, with standout performances from BUA Cement Plc (+21.00%), Premier Paints Plc (+20.62%), Zenith Bank Plc (+14.64%), Guinness Nigeria Plc (+9.92%), and Ikeja Hotel Plc (+8.33%). Meanwhile, 43 equities declined, led by Presco Plc (-18.37%), Eterna Plc (-12.77%), and Red Star Express Plc (-9.98%), reflecting profit-taking in energy, consumer, and industrial sectors.
Market activity surged, with a total turnover of 8.761 billion shares worth ₦267.253 billion in 193,473 deals, compared to 3.321 billion shares valued at ₦164.845 billion in 318,907 deals the previous week. The ICT Industry dominated trading, accounting for 5.330 billion shares valued at ₦46.825 billion, representing 60.84% of total equity turnover volume. The Financial Services Industry followed with 2.765 billion shares worth ₦95.892 billion, while Consumer Goods recorded 174.484 million shares worth ₦20.805 billion.
Top traded equities included E-TRANZACT International Plc, FCMB Group Plc, and Wema Bank Plc, which together accounted for 6.084 billion shares worth ₦40.661 billion in 5,570 deals, contributing 69.44% of total turnover volume.
Overall, forty-eight equities appreciated in price, higher than thirty-four in the previous week. Forty-three equities declined, lower than sixty-one recorded last week, while fifty-seven remained unchanged, compared to fifty-three in the prior week.
The sustained rally highlights investor optimism and sectoral strength, positioning the Nigerian equities market for continued growth in 2026.
