Lagos, Nigeria – January 7, 2026: The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) extended its positive momentum into the new trading year on Tuesday, with sustained buying interest across key stocks lifting total market capitalization by N468 billion, reinforcing investor optimism and keeping the market above the N100 trillion milestone.
At the close of trading, total equities market capitalization rose to N102.28 trillion, up from N101.81 trillion recorded in the previous session, reflecting a 0.46% increase. The All-Share Index added 732.86 points to close at 159,951.08 points, bringing the year-to-date return to 2.79%, highlighting a strong start to 2026.
Market activity improved, with 758.93 million shares exchanged in 54,199 deals, valued at N19.83 billion. Trading volume increased by 9%, while turnover rose 7%, despite a 4% decline in the number of deals executed. A total of 130 listed equities participated, with 65 gainers against 21 losers, reflecting broad-based investor participation.
Leading the gainers’ chart, Meyer Plc surged 10% to close at N14.30 per share, followed by Jaiz Bank Plc (+10%) and Associated Bus Company Plc (+9.98%). Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc rose 9.94%. On the losing side, Aluminium Extrusion Industries Plc declined 9.96%, while Learn Africa Plc (-9.16%), Oando Plc (-7.69%), and UBA Plc (-6.22%) recorded notable losses.
Trading by volume was dominated by Linkage Assurance Plc (51.6m shares), followed by Sterling Bank Plc (49.1m shares), Access Holdings Plc (48.7m shares), and Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (34.7m shares). Activity in heavyweight stocks, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Access Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and UBA Plc, drove a significant share of market turnover and index movement.
Global market conditions remained stable, with Brent crude oil at $61.82 per barrel and gold at $4,418.82 per ounce, providing additional support to investor sentiment.
Analysts attribute the continued rally to renewed investor confidence, selective bargain hunting, and strategic positioning ahead of corporate earnings releases and macroeconomic developments. The NGX appears set to maintain its positive momentum in the early days of 2026, barring any adverse macroeconomic or policy shocks.
