Nigerian equities market hits N140 trillion as ASI breaks 218,000

*The Nigerian All-Share Index (ASI) closed at an all-time high of 218,113.84 points on April 20, 2026, gaining 0.44% from its opening level of 217,167.57 points. The rally pushed market capitalisation beyond the N140 trillion threshold for the first time, settling at N140.4 trillion from N139.8 trillion the previous session. Trading activity moderated somewhat, with volume easing to 983 million units from 1.2 billion in the prior session, while total trade value came in at N50.7 billion. Zenith Bank and Aradel Holdings led by value traded, while Access Holdings recorded the highest share volume at 91.6 million units. Market Mood Sentiment remained firmly bullish, with the index now up 40.17% year-to-date — one of the strongest performances among frontier markets globally. Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and Union Dicon Salt both hit the daily maximum gain of 10.00%, while Fidelity Bank (+9.98%), Trans-Nationwide Express (+9.92%), and Access Holdings (+9.87%) rounded out the top five advancers. Profit-taking emerged at the margins. Stanbic IBTC Holdings and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank both shed 10.00%, with Transcorp Power (-9.97%), Abbey Mortgage Bank (-9.88%), and Guinea Insurance (-8.80%) also closing lower. Volume & Value Leaders By volume, Access Holdings topped the board at 91.6 million shares, followed by First Holdco (70.1 million), Zenith Bank (54.9 million), Lasaco Assurance (53.7 million), and United Bank for Africa (52.5 million). On value terms, Zenith Bank led with N7 billion in trades, ahead of Aradel Holdings (N6.6 billion), MTN Nigeria (N5.4 billion), First Holdco (N4.7 billion), and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (N3.6 billion). FUGAZ Snapshot Nigeria's banking heavyweights closed broadly in the green. Access Holdings led the group with a 9.87% gain, followed by United Bank for Africa (+8.33%) and First Holdco (+6.25%). Guaranty Trust Holding Company added 1.09%, while Zenith Bank edged up 0.95%. What to Watch At 218,113 points, the ASI is at its highest level on record. Banking stocks drove much of the day's gains, and if large-cap momentum holds, the index could test the 220,000 mark in the sessions ahead.

Nigerian equities market hits N140 trillion as ASI breaks 218,000

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