The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) ended Thursday’s session on a positive note, with total market capitalisation increasing by N232 billion to N105.97 trillion, reflecting sustained investor confidence amid a quieter trading day.
The All-Share Index rose 362.93 points, or 0.22%, to close at 165,527.31 points — up from Wednesday’s 165,164.38. The modest advance extended the market’s early-2026 momentum, even as overall activity cooled.
A total of 550.4 million shares changed hands in 38,635 deals, valued at N14.14 billion. Volume fell 12%, turnover declined 14%, and the number of deals dropped 8% compared with the previous session. Of the 131 equities that traded, market breadth tilted in favour of the bulls, with 41 stocks advancing and 27 declining.
RT Briscoe led the gainers, surging 10% to N7.15 per share. SCOA Nigeria and Deap Capital Management & Trust both climbed 9.91%, while Veritas Kapital Assurance rose 9.85%. On the downside, Haldane McCall recorded the steepest fall, shedding 9.84% to N3.94 per share. Union Dicon Salt dropped 9.79%, University Press declined 8%, and Legend Internet eased 7.56%.
Veritas Kapital Assurance dominated trading volume with 56.6 million shares exchanged. Guaranty Trust Holding Company followed with 26 million shares, Tantalizers with 26 million shares, and Japaul Gold and Ventures with 25.9 million shares.
The session’s performance comes after a mixed start to the week, with the market shedding value on Monday before rebounding strongly on Tuesday and Wednesday. Analysts attribute Thursday’s gain to selective buying in mid-cap and financial stocks, as investors reposition ahead of upcoming corporate earnings reports and amid hopes for improved macroeconomic stability.
With market capitalisation now exceeding N105 trillion, the NGX continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of global uncertainties and domestic challenges. The quieter trading day suggests some caution among participants, possibly due to profit-taking or anticipation of fresh catalysts.
Market watchers expect the positive sentiment to persist in the near term, supported by attractive valuations in key sectors and expectations of policy measures to bolster liquidity. For now, Thursday’s N232 billion increase underscores the underlying strength of Nigeria’s equities market as it navigates the opening month of 2026.
