NGX investors gain N4.5trn as market capitalisation hits N160.5trn in May

The Nigerian stock market sustained its positive momentum in May 2026, with investors gaining N4.514 trillion as renewed buying interest in financial services and consumer goods stocks lifted overall market performance.

Market capitalisation rose by 2.89 per cent to close at N160.508 trillion in May, compared with N155.994 trillion recorded at the beginning of the month.

The All-Share Index (ASI) also advanced by 8,107.66 points, or 3.35 per cent, to settle at 250,385.47 from 242,277.81 at the close of April.

The performance, however, trailed the exceptional rally recorded in April when investors gained N26.185 trillion.

The market rally in May was largely driven by gains in financial services, consumer goods, and selected industrial stocks.

The market recorded 18 trading sessions during the month, comprising 11 bullish sessions and seven bearish sessions.

Analysis of trading activities showed that investors traded 21.120 billion shares valued at N971.628 billion in 1,453,439 deals during the review period.

This represented an improvement compared with the 15.596 billion shares worth N848.972 billion exchanged in 1,113,650 transactions in April.

Among the major gainers, Guaranty Trust Holding Company rose from N135 to N137, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated advanced from N80.60 to N97.40.

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First Holdco appreciated from N64.65 to N70, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) gained from N42.75 to N44.50.

Airtel Africa climbed from N3,021.30 to N3,655.70, Eterna increased from N32.80 to N34.45, while Learn Africa appreciated from N9.30 to N12.75.

Berger Paints also posted significant growth, rising from N81.75 to N147.60 during the month.

On the losers’ chart, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company declined from N258 to N189.50, while Guinness Nigeria fell from N497 to N402.60.

Access Holdings depreciated from N27 to N24.05, MTN Nigeria dropped from N915 to N820, while Aradel Holdings dipped from N2,024 to N1,933.80.

The share prices of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria and Conoil remained unchanged at N640 and N194 respectively throughout the month.

Nigeria will transition to a T+1 settlement cycle from Monday, June 1.