Stock market capitalisation hits record N129trn as investors gain N1.97trn

The Nigerian stock market recorded a major milestone on Monday, March 16, 2026, as market capitalisation rose to N129.329 trillion from N127.360 trillion, representing a gain of about N1.97 trillion for investors.

The NGX All-Share Index also crossed the 201,000-point mark for the first time.

The benchmark index rose by 1.55 per cent to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points recorded in the previous trading session.

This was driven by strong investor demand and widespread gains across key sectors.

With the rally, the market’s month-to-date (MTD) return climbed to 4.48 per cent, while the year-to-date (YTD) return advanced to 29.47 per cent, reflecting sustained bullish momentum in the equities market.

Market sentiment remained positive, with 38 stocks closing higher compared to 30 decliners, indicating broad-based buying interest across the market.

BUA Cement led the gainers’ chart by 10 per cent, ending the session at N297, Premier Paints trailed by 9.79 per cent, settling at N21.30, while John Holt gained by 9.52 per cent, closing at N10.35 per share.

Naira trades N1,357/$ at official market

Guinea Insurance increased by 9.38 per cent, finishing at N1.40, and Fortis Global Insurance added by 9.32 per cent, closing at N1.29 per share.

Conversely, VFD Group led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent, finishing at N11.25.

Royal Exchange followed by 9.63 per cent, settling at N1.69, and Omatek Ventures dropped by 9.62 per cent, ending the session at N2.35 per share.

Sovereign Trust Insurance fell by nine per cent, closing at N1.92, while Regency Alliance shed by 8.94 per cent, settling at N1.12 per share.

Trading activity remained robust, with total deals rising to 72,735 while investors exchanged 948.2 million shares valued at N49.17 billion.

Financial services stocks dominated transactions by volume, reflecting heightened investor interest in the sector.

Sovereign Trust Insurance recorded the highest volume with 72.56 million traded shares, accounting for 7.65 per cent of the volume traded for the day.

Zenith Bank recorded the highest value with N5.96 billion, accounting for 12.11 per cent of the day’s total value.

The Star