The Nigerian Stock Market ended the week in the red as the All-Share Index (ASI) slipped 1,779 points to close at 194,484.6 on February 24, 2026. This marked the first loss of the week, pulling the index below the psychological levels of 196,000 and 195,000, with BUA Foods experiencing the sharpest decline at 9.99%. Investors appeared cautious as the market paused after a four-session rally.
Trading activity remained robust despite the downturn, with 1.13 billion shares changing hands across 72,218 deals. Market capitalization dipped below the N125 trillion mark, closing at N124.8 trillion. Aradel Holdings led the market in value, recording N14.2 billion worth of trades, signaling sustained investor interest in select large-cap stocks even amid broader market weakness.
On the gainers’ front, Jaiz Bank and Infinity Mortgage Bank saw strong demand, rising 10.00% and 9.83%, respectively. Meanwhile, profit-taking weighed heavily on Tantalizers and DAAR Communications, both losing 10%. High trading volumes were recorded for Japaul Gold with 102.4 million shares, Access Holdings (97.8 million), and Fortis Global (75.1 million), highlighting investor focus on both banking and industrial sectors.
Among major SWOOTs stocks with market capitalization above N1 trillion, performance was mixed. Dangote Cement added 3.7%, Wema Bank rose 0.56%, and Lafarge Africa gained 0.48%. In contrast, BUA Foods, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, and MTN Nigeria Communications shed 9.99%, 5.35%, and 2.56%, respectively. FUGAZ banking stocks also showed mixed sentiment, with Zenith Bank and Access Holdings gaining 4.55% and 4.45%, while United Bank for Africa declined 1.41%.
The market’s retreat below 195,000 points suggests that investors are reassessing positions after the recent bullish run. Analysts note that while the market appears overbought, selective strength in large-cap stocks such as Aradel and Zenith Bank could continue to support trading activity. Market watchers will closely monitor the next trading sessions for signs of renewed momentum or further pullbacks.
source: nairametrics