NGX All-Share Index Edges Higher to 165,517 Points Amid Cautious Trading
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed its trading session on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a slight upward movement. The benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 5.4 points to settle at 165,517.6 points, extending the marginal 0.07% gain recorded in the previous session. This performance reflects a continued atmosphere of cautious investor sentiment within the Nigerian financial industry, as the market steadied just above the 165,500 mark.
Trading Activity Moderates as Volume Declines
Overall trading activity moderated during the session. The total volume of shares traded eased to 601 million units, down from the 731 million units exchanged previously. Market capitalization, however, remained flat at N105.9 trillion. CHAMS Holding Company and Access Holdings dominated activity by volume, while GTCO Holdings and Zenith Bank led in terms of trading value, indicating selective interest from market participants.
Gainers, Decliners, and Key Stock Performances
The gainers’ chart was led by NPF Microfinance Bank and Morison Industries, which recorded strong advances of 10.00% and 9.97%, respectively. Conversely, May & Baker Nigeria and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals led the decliners, shedding 10.00% and 9.81%. In the SWOOTs category—stocks worth over one trillion naira—performance was mixed. Nigerian Breweries gained 1.30%, while FUGAZ banking stocks showed varied outcomes, with UBA advancing 1.37% and others like GTCO closing flat.
By volume, CHAMS led with 41.5 million shares, followed by Access Holdings (34.3 million) and GTCO (31.5 million). In value terms, GTCO transactions totaled N3.1 billion, followed by Zenith Bank at N1.8 billion. The concentration of gains in select stocks alongside declines in others like Access Holdings suggests the market’s recovery remains fragile and lacking broad-based momentum.
Market Outlook and Investor Sentiment
The modest gain in the ASI, while positive, indicates that selling pressure may be easing only gradually. The current landscape suggests investors are cautiously reassessing entry points, leading to limited overall momentum. While renewed buying interest in select large-cap stocks could potentially support a broader rally, the market appears vulnerable to short-term pullbacks. This cautious stance mirrors the broader context of challenges such as insecurity in Nigeria, which can influence economic confidence, much like the vigilance shown by agencies such as LASTMA, which recently nabbed an intoxicated driver during the Yuletide road travel period to ensure safety. For investors considering NGX SWOOT dividend stocks to invest in, this environment underscores the importance of selective, research-driven strategies. The focus on key benchmarks, akin to how JAMB sets first-choice institutions for candidates, is crucial for navigating the current trading landscape.
