The Nigeria stock market entered Easter 2026 with expectations of continued growth, following a robust first quarter where the equities market rose 29.35%. The All-Share Index had climbed from an opening of 155,612.9 to close at 201,287.8, marking the best quarterly performance since Q1 2024. Analysts anticipated that this momentum would carry through the holiday period.
However, the reality during Easter was more cautious. The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) reported a capital appreciation of over N837 billion, with market capitalisation rising to N129.806 trillion from N128.806 trillion the previous week. The NGX All Share Index appreciated by 0.4% week on week, settling at 201,698.89 points.
Despite these positive figures, trading activity showed a significant decline. Trading volume dropped by 27.7% week on week, and trading value fell by 42.9%. This decline indicates a cautious approach by investors during the holiday period.
Sector performance was mixed, with the Banking Index rising by 0.7%, while the Insurance Index experienced a decline of -4.2%. This divergence reflects varying investor sentiment across different sectors.
In contrast, the NASD Over-the-Counter Securities Exchange faced challenges, recording a 3.8% week-on-week decline in Week 14 of 2026. Its market capitalisation decreased by N95.36 billion, highlighting the struggles of unlisted securities during this period.
Looking ahead, analysts at Cordros Capital noted, “Looking ahead, we expect the market to trade with a cautious bias, with selective positioning likely to persist as investors begin to position ahead of first quarter 2026, Q1’26 earnings.” This suggests that while there is optimism for future performance, caution will dominate trading strategies.
Similarly, analysts at InvestData Consulting Limited emphasized that the market is expected to trade within a narrow range in the short term, supported by sector rotation and bargain hunting. This indicates a potential for recovery, albeit slowly.
Overall, the Nigeria stock market during Easter 2026 reflects a blend of cautious optimism and strategic positioning by investors, as they navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape.