The Nigerian Exchange Limited closed lower on Monday, March 30, 2026, as the All-Share Index (ASI) slipped 0.21% to 200,484.4 points from the previous session’s 200,913.1 points.
Trading activity was slightly weaker, with total volume easing to 593 million shares from 594 million shares recorded in the prior session. Market capitalisation declined marginally to approximately N128.6 trillion, down from N128.9 trillion, reflecting broader negative sentiment.
On the gainers’ chart, Austin Laz and Zichis led the advance, climbing 9.98% and 9.93% respectively. Other notable gainers included Trans Express (+9.65%), Initiates (+9.60%), and Learn Africa (+9.41%).
Conversely, Secure Electronic Technology and May & Baker Nigeria posted the sharpest declines, falling 10.00% and 9.42% respectively. Legend Internet, Cutix, and Fortis Global Insurance also featured among the top losers, with losses ranging from 7.97% to 8.67%.
In terms of trading volume, Access Holdings dominated with 86.6 million shares exchanged, closely followed by First HoldCo (84.5 million) and Secure Electronic Technology (31.1 million). Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank also saw active trading, with 26.7 million and 26.1 million shares exchanged, respectively.
By value, First HoldCo led with transactions worth N4.2 billion, followed by Zenith Bank (N2.6 billion), Nestlé Nigeria (N2.26 billion), Access Holdings (N2.25 billion), and MTN Nigeria (N2.05 billion).
Despite the soft trading session, the market has demonstrated resilience, holding above the 200,000-point threshold. Analysts suggest that the current pullback will largely depend on whether large- and mid-cap stocks continue in a retracement phase. Year-to-date returns now stand at 28.84%.
Top 5 Gainers:
Austin Laz — +9.98% to N4.41
Zichis — +9.93% to N15.16
Trans Express — +9.65% to N2.84
Initiates — +9.60% to N21.70
Learn Africa — +9.41% to N9.30
Top 5 Losers:
Secure Electronic Technology — -10.00% to N1.17
May & Baker — -9.42% to N38.00
Legend Internet — -8.67% to N6.85
Cutix — -8.29% to N3.21
Fortis Global Insurance — -7.97% to N1.27
