Nigeria’s stock market reached a fresh milestone after total market capitalization crossed N140 trillion for the first time, while the All Share Index climbed above 218,000 points in another bullish trading session.
The benchmark index gained 0.44 percent to close at 218,113.84 points, extending the market’s strong upward run. Despite lower trading volume than the previous session, investor appetite remained solid, with equities continuing to attract strong demand.
Banking and large-cap stocks played a major role in the rally. Access Holdings led volume traded, while Zenith Bank and Aradel Holdings dominated transactions by value. Gains in major financial stocks helped maintain strong momentum across the exchange.
Among the day’s best performers were Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and Union Dicon Salt, both posting the maximum daily rise.
Fidelity Bank, Access Holdings, and Trans Nationwide Express also recorded strong advances. On the downside, Stanbic IBTC Holdings and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank led the list of decliners after profit-taking emerged in selected counters.
The News Chronicle understands that the market has now returned more than 40 percent since the start of the year, underlining one of the strongest rallies in recent times. Analysts say sustained interest in banking shares and other fundamentally strong companies could push the benchmark closer to the 220,000 mark if current sentiment remains intact.
With fresh records being set and liquidity still supporting demand, investors are closely watching whether the Nigerian Exchange can maintain its pace in the sessions ahead.
