Stock Market Gains N1.9tn to Close August Positive

The Nigerian stock market closed August 2026 on a positive note, with the overall capitalisation of the NGX increasing by N1.9 trillion. The NGX All-Share Index rose by 2,900.92 basis points, or 1.20 percent, to close at 244,199.39 basis points. The month-to-date and year-to-date returns were -0.4 percent and +56.9 percent, respectively.

The gain in the market capitalisation led to it closing at N157.739 trillion. Sectors such as Banking, Consumer Goods, Oil & Gas, and Insurance experienced growth, while Industrial Goods faced a decline. Large and medium-capitalised stocks, including Aradel Holdings, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN), Nigeria Exchange Group, Zenith Bank, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), contributed to the upturn.

Investor sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with 43 stocks advancing compared to 16 that declined. Notable gainers included Omatek Ventures, Ikeja Hotel, and Sovereign Trust Insurance, among others. Conversely, Abbey Bank led the decliners, followed by AVA Capital, FTN Cocoa Processors, Tantalizer, and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings.

The total volume traded increased by 0.2 percent to 606.19 million units, valued at N38.70 billion, with 53,471 transactions. Access Holdings led in transactions with 126.537 million shares worth N3.949 billion. Looking ahead, the market is predicted to maintain its positive momentum, driven by improving investor sentiment and the FTSE Russell reclassification confirmation.