The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) rebounded strongly on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, closing 1,106.72 points higher at 190,427.96. This 0.58% increase from Tuesday’s close of 189,321.24 highlighted renewed bullish sentiment, as investors returned to the market with optimism across sectors. Mid-cap and large-cap stocks alike contributed to the positive momentum, signaling a potential continuation of the rally in coming sessions.
Trading activity on Customs Street was vibrant, with a total of 3.6 billion shares exchanging hands across 68,693 deals—a sharp increase from 1.19 billion shares in the previous session. Much of the market buzz centered on First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which alone accounted for 2.9 billion shares worth N35.8 billion. This activity supported the NGX’s total market capitalization, which stood at N122.2 trillion by close of trading.
Top-performing stocks included AXA Mansard, Sky Aviation, and Beta Glass, each hitting the daily 10% price limit, reflecting strong demand from investors. On the other hand, Deap Capital and Mecure Industries recorded declines of 10% and 9.99%, respectively, topping the losers’ chart. FCMB led the volume chart, followed by Chams, Secure Electronic Technology, Mutual Benefits Assurance, and Access Holdings, demonstrating a concentrated trading interest in select high-volume stocks.
Within the SWOOTs—stocks with market capitalization above N1 trillion—performance was largely positive. Seplat Energy advanced 8.33%, while International Breweries rose 2.78%. In contrast, Wema Bank slipped 0.92%, standing out as the only large-cap laggard. The FUGAZ banking segment displayed mixed outcomes: Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, and First HoldCo recorded modest gains, while Access Holdings and Guaranty Trust Holding Company experienced declines, tempering overall sector momentum.
The NGX Banking sector, which had fallen 3.69% in the previous session, rebounded 0.67%, helping lift the broader market. Analysts note that the All-Share Index remains in overbought territory, but sustained strength in large-cap names and continued mid-cap support could propel the benchmark toward 191,000–192,000 points. FCMB’s dominance in trading on Customs Street underscores the bank’s central role in driving market sentiment during this rebound.
source: nairametrics