The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) wrapped up the trading week ended April 10, 2026, on a high note, proving that investor appetite for local equities remains strong even after the Easter festivities. Despite a shortened four-day trading week, the bulls maintained their grip on the market, pushing the total valuation of listed companies to a historic N131.1 trillion. This milestone reflects a massive N1.37 trillion gain for investors in just four sessions.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) climbed by 1.03% during the week to settle at an all-time high of 203,770.43 points. This steady climb has pushed the Year-to-Date (YTD) return to a staggering 30.95%, positioning the Nigerian market as one of the best-performing globally for the first quarter of 2026.
The review week performance was boosted by notable gains in the Banking sector, as Investor sentiment remained largely positive. The market saw a rotation out of some insurance and growth stocks into heavyweights. While the previous week’s activity was high, this week saw a total turnover of 3.3 billion shares valued at N151.9 billion in 229,442 deals.
The NGX Premium Index posted a gain of 2.26%, driven by gains in Zenith Bank (+8.74%), Seplat (+4.95%), First Holdco (+4.10%), UBA (+2.29%), and Access Holdings (+0.19%).
The NGX 30 Index and the NGX Main Board Index also rose by 1.06% and 0.83%, respectively.
During the week, 25 equities appreciated in price, 54 declined in price, while 67 equities remained unchanged
Sectoral Performance
The NGX Banking Index led the market with 5.10%% as investors renewed their confidence in high-cap financial stocks following the holiday break. The upward momentum was dominated by GTCO, which posted a significant 10.66% gain, and Zenith Bank, which followed closely with a robust 8.74% increase. Others include First Holdco (+4.10%), Stanbic IBTC (+3.68%), UBA (+2.29%), Fidelity Bank (+1.04%), and Access Holdings (+0.19%).
The NGX Oil and Gas Index also advanced by 2.67%, driven primarily by gains in Seplat, which rose 4.95%, alongside a slight increase in Eterna, up 0.29%.
The NGX Consumer Goods Index gained 1.10%, indicating steady buying interest across the sector throughout the week. In the same vein, the NGX Industrial Goods Index edged higher, posting a 0.80% increase
On the downside, the NGX Insurance Index fell by 3.64%, pressured by broad-based losses across insurance stocks.
Market Highlight
ASI Weekly Close: 203,770.43 points
Month-on-month Change: 1.23%
Year-to-Date Return: 30.95%
Market Capitalization: N131.166 trillion
Top Gainers
- Trans-Nationwide Express Plc: up 32.75%
- Nigerian Exchange Group Plc: up 13.94%
- Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc: up 10.66%
- Nascon Allied Industries Plc: up 9.52%
- Guinness Nigeria Plc: up 9.38%
- Zenith Bank Plc: up 8.74%
Top Losers
- Daar Communications Plc: down 21.47%
- R.T. Briscoe Plc: down 20.00%
- Deap Capital Management & Trust Plc: down 16.81%
- Ellah Lakes Plc: down 16.67%
- Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc: down 16.29%
- Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc: down 13.55%
