Stock Exchange & EconomyNGX ASI Nears 245,000 as Bullish Rally Powers Market to ₦156.9 Trillion

The Nigerian Exchange All-Share Index (NGX ASI) closed at 244,775.83 points on Thursday, May 8, 2026, pushing total market capitalization to a record ₦156.9 trillion as investor confidence held firm across banking, industrial, and consumer sectors.

The latest close marks the third consecutive week of gains, with financial services and industrial stocks leading the charge. Heavyweight counters like Dangote Cement, MTN Nigeria, and top-tier banks posted sustained buying interest, helping extend the market’s bullish momentum into May.

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57% YtD Gain Drives Optimism
Analysts say the NGX has now delivered an impressive 57% year-to-date return, one of the strongest performances globally in 2026. The rally has been fueled by a combination of increased foreign portfolio investment, robust local institutional liquidity, improved corporate earnings for Q1 2026, and renewed interest in banking and manufacturing equities.

“Investors are pricing in the impact of ongoing currency and fiscal reforms,” said a Lagos-based equity analyst. “The narrowing gap between official and parallel forex rates, alongside stronger earnings from banks and cement companies, is giving both foreign and domestic players reason to stay invested.”

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Market capitalization crossing ₦156.9 trillion underscores a dramatic shift in market dynamics compared to early 2025. The milestone reflects a growing appetite for Nigerian equities despite inflationary pressures and global oil price volatility.

Reforms and Earnings Fuel Sentiment
The continued upward movement points to optimism surrounding President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, including forex unification and subsidy removal effects that have boosted corporate profitability. Banking stocks have been particularly buoyant as higher interest rates improve net interest margins, while manufacturers benefit from reduced forex uncertainty for input imports.

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Foreign investors, who reduced exposure in 2024, have gradually returned as CBN interventions improve dollar liquidity in the official market. Local pension funds and asset managers have also increased allocations to equities as fixed-income yields stabilize.

Volatility Warning Remains
Despite the euphoria, market observers caution that profit-taking activities could trigger short-term volatility in the coming weeks.

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“At 57% YtD, we’re seeing stretched valuations in some large-cap names,” noted an analyst at Vetiva Research. “While the broader trend remains constructive, investors should expect pullbacks as traders lock in gains ahead of the May MPC meeting.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s 305th Monetary Policy Committee meeting, scheduled for May 19–20, is seen as the next major catalyst. April inflation data and any shift in CBN’s stance could influence equity flows in late May.

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With Brent crude trading above $100 and Nigeria’s 2026 budget benchmarked at $75/barrel and ₦1,400/$ exchange rate, analysts say oil-linked revenue windfalls could further support government spending and corporate earnings if production volumes hold.

For now, the NGX’s rally to near 245,000 points signals renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital market — though analysts advise caution as profit-taking and policy announcements approach.

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DDNewsOnline – Lagos
‎By Ayomiposi Adebanjo (A.A)
‎Business Correspondent
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