As renewed investor demand increased market capitalization by N542 billion in a single session, the Nigerian stocks market maintained its bullish momentum at the beginning of the week, extending its year-end surge.
With year-to-date (YTD) returns reaching 50% for the first time since late October, the advance—which was mostly fueled by positioning ahead of the new year—pushed the benchmark index back to a symbolic milestone.
The All-Share Index (ASI) ended trading at 154,389.53 points, up 849.70 points, or 0.55 percent. Concurrently, the market’s overall capitalization increased to N98.432 trillion, demonstrating the strength of the resurgent confidence that permeates the market despite modest trading volumes.
Strong price growth in a variety of large- and mid-cap equities, especially in the consumer goods and financial services industries, served as the rally’s anchor.
Guinness Nigeria, BUA Foods, UACN, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), and Eunisell Interlinked were notable drivers of the day’s gain, indicating a clear preference for fundamentally sound names as investors adjust portfolios ahead of 2026.
According to market watchers, the most recent surge supports the story of a robust Nigerian equities market, which is bolstered by strengthening macroeconomic indicators and selective bargain hunting after periods of profit-taking earlier in the quarter.
United Capital Plc predicts that the market will continue to be cautiously optimistic in the coming days. According to a note from the investment firm, “the Nigerian equity market is likely to trade cautiously positive this week, supported by steady GDP growth, strong external reserves, and broad-based sector gains.”
“While profit-taking may limit sharp rallies, investors will concentrate on fundamentally strong stocks in consumer goods, banking, and industrials.”
Market sentiment is raised by broad-based gains.
Gainers just outweighed losers, reflecting improving sentiment in the market’s breadth. In contrast to 37 decliners, 41 equities closed in positive territory, indicating widespread participation rather than a rally spearheaded by a few heavyweights.
The top gainers were Austin Laz & Company and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, both of which closed at N3.52 and N41.80, respectively, after appreciating by the maximum 10%. As fresh interest in mid-cap names continued to pick up steam, Eunisell Interlinked followed closely, gaining by 9.95 percent to close at N96.70 per share.
