Trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) declined sharply this week, with investors exchanging 2.5 billion shares worth N123.22 billion in 173,561 deals.
The market operated for four trading days after the Federal Government declared August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid-el-Maulud.
According to the weekly market report, the value of transactions fell from N157.76 billion to N123.22 billion, while the number of shares traded also dropped significantly from 6.24 billion to 2.5 billion.
Despite the weaker trading activity, the NGX All-Share Index gained 0.81 per cent, rising from 239,358 points to 241,298.47 points at the close of the week.
Market capitalisation also increased by 0.84 per cent, moving from N154.52 trillion to N155.82 trillion.
First HoldCo, Jaiz Bank Among Most Traded
Fortis Global Insurance, Jaiz Bank and First HoldCo emerged as the three most traded equities during the week.
Together, the stocks accounted for 793.1 million shares worth N26.89 billion in 14,758 deals.
Their combined volume represented 31.64 per cent of total equity turnover, while their value accounted for 21.83 per cent of the week’s turnover.
Financial Services Lead Trading
The financial services sector remained the most actively traded industry, recording 1.97 billion shares valued at N71.56 billion across 79,586 deals.
The sector accounted for 78.87 per cent of total equity turnover volume and 58.08 per cent of turnover value.
The services industry followed with 148.22 million shares worth N7.25 billion traded in 10,638 deals, while the ICT sector ranked third with 117.98 million shares valued at N8.63 billion exchanged in 21,639 deals.
Top Gainers
University Press recorded the strongest percentage gain of the week, with its share price rising from N4.80 to N5.70, representing an 18.75 per cent increase.
First HoldCo followed after climbing from N129.95 to N145, a gain of 11.58 per cent.
Seplat Energy rose from N11,200.60 to N12,320.60, gaining 10 per cent, while Red Star Express increased from N14.70 to N16.15, representing a 9.86 per cent rise.
Transcorp Hotels completed the top five gainers after its share price climbed from N241.90 to N265.50, representing a 9.7 per cent appreciation.
Top Losers
International Energy Insurance recorded the biggest decline, falling from N3.87 to N2.84, representing a 26.61 per cent loss.
Fidson Healthcare followed with a 17.69 per cent decline, as its share price dropped from N93.55 to N77.
Caverton Offshore Support Group fell from N4.95 to N4.20, losing 15.15 per cent, while Zichis Agro-Allied Industries declined from N17 to N14.50, representing a 14.71 per cent drop.
Austin Laz & Company rounded off the top five losers, falling from N2.84 to N2.50, a decline of 11.97 per cent.
Overall, the week saw lower trading activity but continued gains in the broader market, with the NGX All-Share Index and market capitalisation both closing higher despite the sharp reduction in turnover.
Source: NGX weekly market report.
