Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited recorded a strong increase in trading activities last week, as investor participation rose sharply following the resumption of normal market sessions after the festive holidays. The market traded for four days during the week under review, compared to three trading sessions in the previous week, leading to a notable jump in turnover across equities.
Data from the Exchange showed that a total of 7.821 billion shares valued at N134.471 billion were bought and sold in 150,799 deals last week. This represents a significant increase when compared with the preceding week, where investors traded 2.876 billion shares worth N63.832 billion in 80,229 deals. The rise in both volume and value points to renewed investor interest as the market settles into the new year.
Market activity last week was shaped by the public holidays. Trading was suspended on Thursday to mark the New Year’s Day celebration, while the previous week recorded no trading on both Thursday and Friday due to the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays. With more trading days available, investors returned to the market with stronger appetite, especially in highly capitalised and actively traded stocks.
The financial services sector dominated trading activities during the week, maintaining its position as the most active sector on the NGX. A total of 5.992 billion shares valued at N67.024 billion were traded in 55,598 deals within the sector. This accounted for 76.61 per cent of the total trading volume and 49.84 per cent of the total market value, showing that banking and insurance stocks remained the main drivers of market liquidity.
The information and communications technology (ICT) sector also recorded strong activity, with 946.959 million shares worth N8.028 billion exchanged in 15,443 deals. This reflects sustained investor interest in technology-related stocks amid ongoing digital expansion in Nigeria. The consumer goods sector followed, as investors traded 258.820 million shares valued at N9.381 billion in 24,133 deals, supported by selective buying in food and beverage companies.
A breakdown of the most traded equities showed that Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Chams Plc and Access Holdings Plc led market activity. Together, the three stocks accounted for 5.317 billion shares worth N37.361 billion in 10,441 deals. This represented 67.97 per cent of the total trading volume and 27.78 per cent of the total value traded during the week, underlining their strong appeal to both institutional and retail investors.
Market breadth improved significantly, reflecting positive sentiment across several sectors. During the week, 73 equities recorded price appreciation, up from 44 equities in the previous week. Meanwhile, 23 equities depreciated in price, compared with 30 equities a week earlier, while 51 equities closed flat, lower than the 73 equities that ended unchanged in the preceding week. The improved breadth suggests broader participation in the ongoing market rally.
Austin Laz Plc emerged as the biggest gainer for the week, as its share price rose by 45.94 per cent to close at N4.67. Aluminium Extrusion Industries Plc followed closely with a 45.57 per cent increase to close at N23.80. Eunisell Interlinked Plc gained 43.26 per cent to settle at N126.00, while ABC Transport Plc appreciated by 37.92 per cent to close at N4.51. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc also posted a strong performance, rising by 29.58 per cent to end the week at N23.00.
On the losers’ chart, eTranzact International Plc topped the list after its share price fell by 9.92 per cent to close at N11.35. First Holdco Plc declined by 7.92 per cent to finish at N48.80, while LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc dropped by 7.61 per cent to close at N3.40. CAP Plc shed 6.76 per cent to end the week at N69.00, and Champion Breweries Plc lost 6.67 per cent to close at N14.00.
Overall, the Nigerian stock market closed the week on a positive note, supported by strong buying pressure across major sectors. The All-Share Index (ASI) gained 1.92 per cent to close at 156,492.36 points, while total market capitalisation rose by 2.09 per cent to N99.938 trillion. All other major indices also ended the week higher, reflecting widespread optimism among investors.
Market analysts say the upbeat performance suggests growing confidence in the equities market as investors position themselves for opportunities in early 2026. They note that improved liquidity, attractive valuations in some stocks and expectations around corporate earnings could continue to support market momentum in the coming weeks.
