The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) extended its positive run on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as sustained buying interest across key sectors pushed total market capitalisation to a record N163.06 trillion.
The latest gain represents an increase of N374.14 billion, or 0.23 per cent, from the N162.68 trillion recorded at the close of trading on Tuesday.
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI), the exchange’s benchmark indicator, also strengthened, gaining 576.36 points to close at 251,191.02 points, compared with 250,614.66 points in the previous session.
The positive performance came amid a sharp increase in trading activity, with investors exchanging 1.59 billion shares in 49,736 deals during the session.
Trading volume rose by 89.91 per cent from the 837.22 million shares recorded on Tuesday. However, the number of transactions declined by 4.45 per cent, indicating that the significant increase in volume was concentrated in a relatively smaller number of trades.
The Main Board accounted for the largest share of activity, recording 1.46 billion shares traded in 31,617 deals. The Premium Board contributed another 113.01 million shares across 15,135 deals.
Fortis Global Insurance dominates volume chart
Fortis Global Insurance Plc emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume, with 860.31 million shares changing hands in 164 deals.
Fidelity Bank Plc followed with 170.72 million shares, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) recorded 86.19 million shares.
The strong activity in these equities contributed significantly to the day's overall trading volume as investors maintained interest in selected banking and insurance stocks.
ETERNA leads gainers
ETERNA Plc emerged as the best-performing stock of the session, climbing 10 per cent to close at N38.50 per share.
Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc followed closely, gaining 9.88 per cent to N2.78. Critical Minerals Financing Corp Plc, Haldane McCall Plc and Omatek Ventures Plc also recorded gains of more than nine per cent.
The broad gains helped keep overall market breadth firmly positive, with 43 equities advancing against 20 stocks that closed lower.
Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc recorded the steepest decline, falling 9.09 per cent to N4.00.
University Press Plc was the second-biggest decliner, shedding nine per cent to close at N4.55. WAPIC, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc and United Capital Plc also recorded losses during the session.
Most sectors close higher
Sectoral performance was predominantly positive, with several major market indices recording gains.
The NGX Banking Index rose to 2,748.63 points, reflecting continued strength in the financial services segment. The Insurance, Consumer Goods, Pension and Oil/Gas indices also closed higher.
The NGX Premium and Growth indices equally recorded gains, reinforcing the broad-based nature of the session's positive performance.
The Industrial Index was the notable exception, emerging as the only major sectoral benchmark to decline. It eased to 10,463.54 points, with modest price declines in Dangote Cement Plc and HBM Nigeria Plc contributing to the sector's weaker performance.
Positive momentum continues
Wednesday's session underscored continued investor participation in the domestic equities market, with stronger trading volume accompanying gains in both the benchmark index and overall market capitalisation.
The combination of 43 advancing stocks against 20 decliners, increased turnover and gains across most sectoral indices points to broad buying interest, although individual stocks continued to experience significant price movements.
With the All-Share Index closing at 251,191.02 points and market capitalisation reaching N163.06 trillion, the NGX ended Wednesday's session at fresh highs for the week, extending the positive momentum seen in the market.