The Nigerian equities market extended its positive trajectory on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, as the All-Share Index breached the 252,500 threshold, closing at 252,508.2 index points. This represents a 96.5-point gain from the previous close of 252,411.7, with market activity holding steady at 1.6 billion units traded.
Total market value for the session stood at N109.4 billion, lifting the Nigerian Exchange equity capitalization to N161.8 trillion, up from N161.6 trillion in the prior session. The year-to-date return edged higher to 62.27%, compared with 62.20% recorded previously, reflecting sustained investor confidence.
First HoldCo dominated market activity, leading both volume and value charts. The stock recorded 575.1 million units traded, the highest volume of the day, while also topping the value chart at N44.4 billion. Access Holdings and UBA followed in volume terms, with 172.7 million and 172.6 million shares, respectively. Fidelity Bank posted 103.4 million shares, while Wema Bank contributed 74.7 million units, indicating sustained participation across large-cap banking stocks.
On the value side, First HoldCo was followed by MTN Nigeria at N18.5 billion, while NGX Group, UBA, and Aradel recorded N10.1 billion, N7.2 billion, and N6.2 billion, respectively. Among SWOOT stocks—companies valued above one trillion naira—performance was bullish on Wednesday.
However, sentiment within the FUGAZ group was mostly negative, as selling pressure dominated key tier-one banking names during the session. First HoldCo dropped 9.87%, Zenith Bank lost 2.96%, GTCO slipped 2.93%, Access Holdings shed 1.17%, and UBA closed flat. This divergence highlights a mixed market environment where large-cap banking stocks faced headwinds even as the broader index advanced.
In related developments, market participants are closely watching corporate announcements and policy moves. Notably, Nile University Nigeria continues to attract attention for its role in fostering financial literacy and research collaboration. Meanwhile, Presco Plc posts steady performance metrics, reflecting resilience in the agribusiness sector. The federal government, through the Fg Inaugurates Committees initiative, is advancing regulatory frameworks that could influence capital market dynamics. Additionally, Emtl Allocations Jump in recent reports, signaling increased activity in the telecommunications space. On the global front, Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus, underscoring the growing intersection of technology and finance, which may have ripple effects on emerging market valuations.
Okoye Izuchukwu, a financial market writer and trader with extensive expertise in both Nigerian and international markets, contributed this analysis. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for insightful analysis, he translates complex financial concepts into engaging content. By combining practical trading experience with thorough research, Okoye offers valuable perspectives that empower readers to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of finance.
