The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed trading on Friday, September 18, 2026, on a bullish note, with total equity market capitalisation hitting a record ₦162.16 trillion for the first time.
The latest milestone surpassed the previous record of ₦161.8 trillion, recorded on May 13, 2026, as renewed buying interest across major stocks lifted the market.
The market capitalisation rose by ₦2.27 trillion, or 1.42 per cent, from Thursday’s ₦159.89 trillion, while the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 1.42 per cent to 249,804.56 points, from 246,315.38 points.
Trading activity saw investors exchange 525,991,720 shares in 44,239 deals.
Although trading volume declined by 52.18 per cent from the previous session’s 1.1 billion shares, market breadth remained positive, with 36 stocks gaining against 22 decliners.
Top Gainers
C&I Leasing Plc and FTG Insurance Plc led the gainers, each rising by 10 per cent to close at ₦5.50 and ₦1.65 respectively.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc gained 9.20 per cent, rising from ₦815 to ₦890 per share, while Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc advanced 9.09 per cent to ₦3.60.
Wema Bank Plc also gained 9.03 per cent to close at ₦32, while First HoldCo Plc rose 8.11 per cent to ₦160.
Top Losers
Transcorp Power Plc recorded the biggest decline, falling 9.96 per cent from ₦197.70 to ₦178.
Cadbury Nigeria Plc dropped 9.32 per cent to ₦53, while Omatek Ventures Plc declined 8.40 per cent to ₦1.20.
Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc fell 6.78 per cent to ₦2.20, while Ellah Lakes Plc shed 5.11 per cent to close at ₦8.35.
Stocks Driving Trading Activity
Banking and telecommunications stocks accounted for significant trading activity during the session.
Zenith Bank Plc recorded turnover of 30.72 million shares through 2,514 deals, while First HoldCo Plc recorded 23.80 million shares.
On the Main Board, Sterling Financial Holdings Plc led activity with 41.90 million shares, followed by Wema Bank Plc with 22.27 million shares.
MTN Nigeria also attracted strong investor interest, with 3.78 million shares changing hands as its share price surged 9.20 per cent.
Sector Performance
The financial services sector remained a major contributor to market activity, supported by gains in First HoldCo, FTG Insurance, International Energy Insurance and Mutual Benefits Assurance.
The ICT and telecommunications sector recorded 14.89 million shares in traded volume, with MTN Nigeria emerging as a key driver of the sector’s performance.
The oil and gas sector recorded 15.40 million shares in turnover. Eterna Plc gained 1.45 per cent to ₦35, while Oando Plc rose 0.44 per cent to ₦34. Aradel Holdings Plc remained unchanged at ₦1,550.
Consumer goods stocks recorded 20.49 million shares in turnover, although the sector faced mixed price movements. Dangote Sugar Refinery gained 1.63 per cent, while Cadbury Nigeria fell 9.32 per cent and Honeywell Flour Mills declined 2.50 per cent.
Positive Market Breadth
The session ended with a market breadth ratio of approximately 1.64, reflecting the stronger number of advancing stocks compared with decliners.
The positive close capped a strong week for Nigerian equities, with the NGX All-Share Index gaining 1.42 per cent to reach 249,804.56 points and total market capitalisation climbing to a record ₦162.16 trillion.
Meanwhile, Exchange Traded Funds contributed 397,194 shares to market activity, while the bond segment recorded relatively subdued trading with 51,151 units exchanged.
