Nigeria’s equities market ended February on a weak note as bearish sentiment swept across the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, wiping off about N1.40 trillion in investor value within a week.
Market data showed that the NGX All-Share Index declined by 1.11 percent to close at 192,826.78 points, reflecting reduced investor confidence. Similarly, total market capitalisation slipped by 1.12 percent to settle at N123.763 trillion, highlighting a cautious mood among traders navigating economic uncertainties.
Investor participation also slowed during the week. A total of 5.494 billion shares worth N196.709 billion were traded in 370,233 deals — a noticeable drop from the 7.662 billion shares valued at N252.566 billion recorded the previous week. This decline signals growing hesitation among investors amid market volatility.
Despite the downturn, the Financial Services sector maintained its stronghold as the most active segment, accounting for nearly 59 percent of total equity turnover. Trading activity was largely driven by Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc, Fortis Global Insurance Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc, which together contributed 28.68 percent of the week’s total trading volume.
Market breadth painted a negative picture as 69 stocks declined, significantly higher than the previous week’s 41 losers. Only 32 equities posted gains. Still, Fortis Global Insurance Plc stood out with a remarkable 56.67 percent share price jump to close at N0.94, followed by strong performances from Okomu Oil Palm Plc and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc. On the flip side, Associated Bus Company Plc led the losers after shedding 25 percent of its value.
In a notable regulatory move aimed at protecting investors, the Exchange suspended trading in the shares of Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc effective February 23, 2026. The action, taken under Rule 7.0 of the Exchange’s rulebook, is expected to remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation into the company’s trading activities.
source: punch