The Nigerian All-Share Index closed the week ended 2 January 2026 on a strong footing, rising by 2,952.53 points to settle at 156,492.36.

The performance represented a 1.92 per cent increase from the previous close of 153,539.83, pushing the benchmark index above the 156,000 mark for the first time in its history.

Trading activities during the week were limited to four sessions, as Thursday, 1 January 2026, was observed as a public holiday to mark the New Year celebration.

Despite the shortened trading week, market activity intensified significantly, with total turnover climbing to 7.8 billion shares valued at N134.4 billion across 150,799 deals, compared with 2.8 billion shares traded in the preceding week.

Equity market capitalisation rose to N99.93 trillion, reflecting a 2.09 per cent increase from N97.89 trillion, as widespread price appreciation lifted overall market value.

Market breadth strengthened further, with 73 equities recording price gains, an improvement from 44 gainers in the previous week.

On the downside, 23 equities closed lower, compared with 30 decliners recorded earlier, while 51 equities ended the week unchanged.

The All-Share Index remained in positive territory throughout the week, signalling broad-based investor optimism across the market.

The index opened trading on Monday with a gain of 849.7 points, representing a 0.55 per cent increase, followed by a further rise of 0.42 per cent on Tuesday.

Wednesday also closed on a positive note, while Friday marked a historic milestone as the index broke above the 156,000 level for the first time.

Meanwhile, the NGX 30 Index advanced by 1.85 per cent, while the NGX Premium Index rose by 0.28 per cent, supported by strong performances from its major constituents.

Access Holdings emerged as the top gainer among large-cap stocks, appreciating by 12.20 per cent, followed by UBA and Zenith Bank, which each gained 2.38 per cent, while MTN Nigeria added 1.39 per cent.

Sectoral performance was led by the NGX Insurance Index, which surged by 5.93 per cent as 11 insurance stocks closed higher during the week.

Regency Assurance, NEM Insurance, and Cornerstone Insurance stood out within the sector, each recording gains exceeding 10 per cent.

The NGX Consumer Goods Index followed with a 3.44 per cent increase, driven largely by strong rallies in Honeywell Flour Mills, which gained 29.58 per cent, and McNichols, which rose by 21.69 per cent.

Other sectors also closed higher, with the NGX Banking Index up by 2.96 per cent, the NGX Oil and Gas Index gaining 1.16 per cent, and the NGX Industrial Goods Index advancing by 0.82 per cent.

AUSTIN LAZ and Company Plc led the gainers’ chart, appreciating by 45.94 per cent week-to-date to close at N4.67, marking the strongest performance of the week.

Aluminium Extrusion Industries Plc followed closely, rising by 45.57 per cent to close at N23.80.

Eunisell Interlinked Plc gained 43.26 per cent to close at N126.00, while Associated Bus Company Plc advanced by 37.92 per cent to N4.51.

Honeywell Flour Mills Plc rose by 29.58 per cent to N23.00, Fidson Healthcare Plc appreciated by 25.28 per cent to N55.00, and Deap Capital Management and Trust Plc gained 22.94 per cent to close at N2.09.

McNichols Plc added 21.69 per cent to close at N3.59, Ikeja Hotel Plc rose by 21.52 per cent to N44.90, and C and I Leasing Plc gained 20.97 per cent to close at N7.50.

On the decliners’ table, E-Tranzact International Plc led the losses, shedding 9.92 per cent week-to-date to close at N11.35.

First HoldCo Plc followed with a 7.92 per cent decline, closing the week at N48.80.

LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc fell by 7.61 per cent to N3.40, while CAP Plc declined by 6.76 per cent to N69.00.

Champion Breweries Plc dropped by 6.67 per cent to N14.00, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc fell by 6.25 per cent to N6.00, and Nigerian Breweries Plc declined by 5.73 per cent to N74.80.

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc lost 5.22 per cent to close at N3.81, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc declined by 4.46 per cent to N45.00, and Seplat Energy Plc dropped by 3.43 per cent to close at N5,610.00.

Several corporate actions and developments influenced market sentiment during the week.

John Holt published its full-year financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.

Fortis Global released its second-quarter 2024 financial results.

Femi Otedola sold a majority stake in Geregu Power in a transaction valued at $750 million.

Sterling Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Yemi Odubiyi, acquired shares worth N578.1 million.

Chapel Hill Denham listed a N163.6 billion N-REIT on the Nigerian Exchange.

Heirs Energies acquired a 20 per cent stake in Seplat Energy for $500 million.

Aradel Holdings completed the acquisition of a 40 per cent equity stake in ND Western.

The All-Share Index is now edging closer to sustaining levels above the 156,500 threshold and is only a short distance away from the N100 trillion market capitalisation milestone.

Market analysts note that if buying interest spreads across a broader range of equities, the market could push beyond this level and shift attention to potential new highs above 160,000, after which a possible retracement may occur.