Equities gain 1.74% as investors pile into banking, consumer goods, and energy stocks
The Nigerian stock market reached a historic milestone on January 5, 2026, as total market capitalisation surged past the ₦100 trillion threshold following a broad-based rally across major stocks.
Equity value rose from ₦99.90 trillion to ₦101.5 trillion, driven by renewed investor appetite for mid- and large-cap stocks. The rally lifted the All-Share Index (ASI) by 2,725.8 points, representing a 1.74 per cent gain, to close at 159,218.2, up from 156,730.7 in the previous session.
With the latest advance, the benchmark index is now within close range of the 160,000-point level, supported by strong market sentiment and multiple stocks hitting the 10 per cent daily price appreciation limit.
Market Performance Snapshot
The day’s gain pushed the market’s year-to-date return to 2.32 per cent, underscoring sustained investor confidence early in the new trading year.
Several stocks closed at their maximum allowable gains, led by NSLTECH, Champion Breweries, Fidson Healthcare, May & Baker, and PZ Cussons, all of which advanced by 10 per cent.
On the flip side, Juli Plc and Ikeja Hotel topped the losers’ chart, declining by 9.93 per cent and 9.91 per cent, respectively.
Trading Activity and Value
Market activity improved significantly, with Tantalizers and Zenith Bank emerging as the most actively traded stocks by volume, exchanging 71.7 million and 53.3 million shares, respectively.
In terms of transaction value, Zenith Bank led the market with trades worth ₦3.5 billion, followed by WAPCO at ₦2.5 billion and Aradel Holdings at ₦1.5 billion.
Big Stocks Lead the Charge
Investor interest was particularly strong among heavyweight equities.
Within the SWOOTs category (stocks valued above ₦1 trillion), Aradel Holdings climbed 7.18 per cent, International Breweries gained 6.67 per cent, while Nigerian Breweries advanced 4.28 per cent.
Banking stocks on the FUGAZ list also recorded solid gains, with Access Holdings jumping 8.7 per cent, Zenith Bank rising 3.88 per cent, GTCO adding 5.09 per cent, and UBA gaining 6.63 per cent.
Why the Rally Matters
The strong performance reflects growing optimism among investors, with gains spread across key sectors such as banking, consumer goods, and energy. Analysts say the rally suggests a return of institutional investors following the holiday period, positioning the market for a robust start to 2026.
Crossing the ₦100 trillion market capitalisation mark is widely viewed as a psychological boost that reinforces confidence in the market’s medium-term outlook.
Market Outlook
With the ASI firmly above 159,000 points and momentum building across large- and mid-cap stocks, analysts believe the market could extend its upward trend. Sustained buying interest may see the index break above the 160,000-point level in the near term.
Market watchers will also be tracking previously dormant and underperforming stocks for signs of renewed activity and bargain-hunting opportunities in the weeks ahead.
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