NGX ASI hits record high as April closes bullish

…Investor appetite lifts market to new peak

Nigeria’s equities market wrapped up the final trading session of April on a decidedly bullish footing, extending the upward trajectory that has defined trading activity since the first quarter of 2026.

The benchmark NGX All-Share Index (ASI) climbed by 2.14 per cent to close at a fresh all-time high of 242,277.81 points, compared with 237,205.59 points in the preceding session.

Market capitalisation posted a substantial increase of N3.27 trillion, settling at N155.99 trillion, while the year-to-date return strengthened to 55.69 per cent, underscoring enduring investor confidence despite episodes of market volatility.

The rally was fuelled by robust demand across industrial, consumer, and energy stocks, as investors continued to position themselves in high-performing counters. Among the standout performers were SEPLAT, BUACEMENT, UACN, and UNILEVER, all of which gained 10.00 per cent, alongside several other equities that posted strong advances.

Investor sentiment remained upbeat, with market breadth closing firmly positive as 46 gainers surpassed 42 decliners. BUACEMENT, FTNCOCOA, SEPLAT, UACN, UNILEVER, and ZICHIS led the gainers’ table, while ALEX recorded the steepest decline.

Several equities also traded above their 52-week highs, including BUACEMENT, SEPLAT, UACN, UNILEVER, ZICHIS, CAP, and BERGER, a signal of continued strength in select counters and heightened market optimism.

Trading activity reflected concentrated investor interest in key stocks. ACCESSCORP emerged as the most actively traded equity by volume, accounting for 49.96 per cent of the day’s total transactions, while SEPLAT led by value with trades worth N25.50 billion.

The bullish momentum extended to the unlisted securities market, where the NASD Securities Index (NSI) advanced by 0.16 per cent on Thursday to close at 4,005.78 points.

Across global markets, indices largely recorded positive performances, with Brazil’s Bovespa standing out as the strongest gainer.

Commodity markets delivered a mixed performance. Sorghum rose by 5.10 per cent to N360.76, while maize declined by 8.74 per cent to N234.90. Prices of Eko Gold and Eko Rice on the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange remained unchanged.

On the international commodities front, gold and silver appreciated to $4,619.84 and $73.31 respectively. Brent crude climbed to $114.16, while WTI crude futures slipped to $104.81 as concerns over Middle East supply disruptions continued to influence pricing.

Currency market indicators also showed modest gains for the naira. The average Bureau de Change rate strengthened by 0.36 per cent to N1,400 per dollar, while the NFEM rate improved by 0.33 per cent to close at N1,374.94 per dollar.