The Nigerian Exchange closed March 2026 with a 4.58% gain, extending its historic winning streak to six consecutive quarters of growth. The All-Share Index officially crossed the 200,000-point mark for the first time, ending the month at 201,287.78 points.
Investors earned a staggering ₦29.83 trillion in wealth during the first quarter alone as the total market value surged to ₦129.21 trillion. Industrial giants and the banking sector fueled the rally, with year-to-date returns for the entire market now standing at 29.35%.
Large-cap stocks, including MTN Nigeria and Dangote Cement, drove the momentum as local institutional investors increased their market participation.
Domestic players now account for the vast majority of trade volume, providing a buffer against global economic volatility and foreign capital shifts.
Analysts note that while the gains are record-breaking, the rally remains concentrated in a few elite companies worth over one trillion naira each.
The market began the year at 155,613.03 points and has since defied macroeconomic headwinds to reach its current all-time high.
Market observers expect minor profit-taking in April, though dividend season is likely to keep investor interest high throughout the second quarter.
