Nigeria’s equities market extended its bullish run on April 13, 2026, as the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Exchange Group surged past the 204,000 mark for the first time, closing at 204,458.9 points.
The milestone represents a 0.34% increase from the previous session’s 203,770.4 points, reinforcing the market’s sustained upward trajectory and investor confidence.
Despite the historic rise, trading activity weakened. Total volume declined to 470 million shares, down from 548 million shares recorded in the prior session, indicating reduced participation even as prices advanced.
Market capitalisation also rose to approximately ₦131.6 trillion, up from ₦131.1 trillion, reflecting gains in key equities that supported the index’s climb. Investor sentiment remained broadly positive, with the market maintaining a year-to-date return of about 31.4%.
Gains were driven by strong performances in select stocks, particularly within the consumer goods and financial sectors. Top gainers during the session included NGX Group and Trans Nationwide Express, both posting near double-digit percentage increases.
On the downside, stocks such as Berger Paints and Academy Press recorded notable declines due to profit-taking activities. In terms of activity, banking and large-cap stocks dominated trading volumes, with Access Holdings, GTCO, and Zenith Bank leading transactions.
By value, Aradel Holdings emerged as the most traded stock, followed by GTCO and Zenith Bank. The session highlights a divergence in market dynamics rising prices amid declining volumes—suggesting that while bullish momentum persists, participation breadth is narrowing, and gains are increasingly concentrated in a smaller set of influential stocks.
Source: Nairametrics
