March 31, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian equities market closed the first quarter of 2026 on a mixed note on Tuesday, as gains in select heavyweights lifted overall market indicators despite widespread declines across many stocks.
At the close of trading, the market capitalisation increased from ₦128.693 trillion to ₦129.209 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced from 200,484.43 points to 201,287.78 points, reflecting renewed buying interest in a handful of large-cap equities.
However, market breadth remained negative, as the trading session recorded 20 gainers against 50 losers, indicating a largely bearish pricing session despite the market’s overall uptick.
Top Gainers for the Session
MULTIVERSE 9.88 percent (from ₦16.70 to ₦18.35).
INTENEGINS 9.49 percent (from ₦2.95 to ₦3.23).
CHAMS 8.40 percent (from ₦4.05 to ₦4.39).
MTNN 5.85 percent (from ₦718.00 to ₦760.00).
PZ 4.59 percent (from ₦78.40 to ₦82.00).
Top Losers for the Session
NPFMCRFBK -10.00 percent (from ₦7.00 to ₦6.30).
SKYAVN -9.97 percent (from ₦158.95 to ₦143.10).
ZICHIS -9.96 percent (from ₦15.16 to ₦13.65).
MBENEFIT -9.91 percent (from ₦4.54 to ₦4.09).
RTBRISCOE -9.90 percent (from ₦10.71 to ₦9.65).
Meanwhile, Julius Berger, Ava Infrastructure Fund, DN Tyre and Rubber, Golden Guinea Brewery, Guinness Nigeria Plc, BUA Foods Plc, and Nestle Nigeria Plc closed the session unchanged.
Market analysts noted that while the negative market breadth suggests continued profit-taking across several counters, gains in select large-cap stocks, particularly in the telecommunications and consumer goods sectors, helped sustain the market’s positive close for the day.
Investors are expected to remain cautious in the coming sessions as they reassess portfolio positions at the start of the second quarter, with attention likely to shift toward corporate earnings releases and macroeconomic developments that could shape market direction.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
