The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) extended its bullish run on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as investors added about N1.18 trillion to the value of listed equities, pushing total NGX market capitalization to N159.9 trillion. The market closed higher from the N158.71 trillion recorded in the previous trading session, while the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) climbed 0.62% to 246,315.38 points from 244,791.79 points.
Trading activity also picked up significantly, with investors exchanging 1.1 billion shares in 54,026 deals, representing a 66.06% increase in volume from the 662.35 million shares traded a day earlier. The latest gain extended the NGX’s winning streak to five consecutive trading sessions, with the ASI rising from its weekly low of 243,052.74 points recorded on September 11. The market’s latest close also marked its highest index level for the week, reflecting sustained buying interest across several major stocks.
Beta Glass Plc led the gainers after its share price jumped 10% from N465 to N511.50, while UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings also gained the maximum 10% allowed during the session. BUA Cement equally rose 10% to N297 from N270, while Royal Exchange Plc advanced 9.89% to N1.00. Other notable gainers included Sovereign Trust Insurance, Caverton Offshore Support Group and First HoldCo Plc. On the other hand, Transcorp Power recorded the biggest decline, falling 9.97% to N197.70, followed by Legend Internet, Omatek Ventures, LivingTrust Mortgage Bank and International Breweries.
The financial services segment remained a major driver of market activity, with Premium Board banking and other financial institutions recording 141.55 million shares across 8,707 trades. Zenith Bank Plc accounted for the largest single volume, with 78.56 million shares traded, while Access Holdings recorded 44.73 million shares. The Main Board dominated overall activity with 949.30 million shares traded in 35,587 deals. Meanwhile, the NGX Industrial Index recorded one of the strongest sectoral advances, rising to 10,224.02 points from 9,936.78 points, while the Insurance and Banking indices also closed higher.
Market breadth ended positive, with 34 stocks gaining against 23 decliners, reinforcing the generally upbeat tone of the session. The Consumer Goods Index, however, slipped marginally to 4,084.03 points, while the Oil and Gas Index remained largely flat at 6,032.49 points. With the ASI now at 246,315.38 points and market capitalisation at N159.9 trillion, investors will be watching whether the recent buying momentum can continue into the next trading sessions.
source: Nairametrics