…The NASD Security Index (NSI) and market capitalisation gaining 2.19%
By theG&BJournal
SAT FEB 21 2026-theGBJournal| The domestic stock market maintained a bullish trajectory this week, recording gains in four of five trading sessions, as investors positioned portfolios ahead of a crucial interest Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate decision.
The rally, primarily driven by strong buying interest in MTNN (+10.0%), DANGCEM (+10.1%), BUAFOODS (+5.8%), BUACEMENT (+9.4%) and SEPLAT (+8.3%), reflects renewed optimism that policymakers may either hold rates steady or signal a shift toward easing, following recent signs of moderating inflation and improved foreign exchange stability.
The 2025FY earnings releases due next week also has a big influence.
The All-Share Index advanced by 7.1% to 194,989.77 points consequently, bringing the month-to-date and year-to-date returns to +17.9% and +25.3%, respectively. Market capitalization equally rose to new high of N125.164 trillion.
Similarly, all other indices finished higher with the exception of NGX Growth index which depreciated by 15.06% while the NGX Sovereign Bond index closed flat.
Market participation also improved with total trading volume and value increasing by 148.4% w/w and 87.1% w/w, respectively.
Sectoral performance was broadly in line with the overall market sentiment, as market participants intensified buying across Industrial Goods (+10.1%), Oil & Gas (+8.7%), Consumer Goods (+6.1%), Banking (+5.7%) and Insurance (+4.7%) stocks, pushing key indices higher in consecutive trading sessions.
Trading in the top three equities, namely FCMB Group Plc, Access Holdings Plc and Zenith Bank Plc (measured by volume), accounted for 3.594 billion shares worth N69.147 billion in 33,802 deals, contributing 46.90% and 27.38% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
Analysts say the bullish momentum is driven by expectations that a dovish stance from the MPC could lower borrowing costs, stimulate corporate earnings and further strengthen investor confidence in the equities market.
Meanwhile, the NASD closed Friday’s session in the green rebounding from previous losses, with the NASD Security Index (NSI) and market capitalisation gaining 2.19%, closing at 3,994.32 points and N2.39trn, respectively.
Market activity however declined, as transaction volume and value depreciated by 92.03% and 59.42% respectively.
SDFSTTRUSTMB (+9.17%) led the market gainers, while SDIGIPLC (-11.11%) led the decliners.
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