Key Highlights
The NGX closed up 0.58% on February 18, 2026, gaining 1,106.72 points to close at 190,427.96.
FCMB shares accounted for 80% of total volume, with 2.9 billion shares worth N35.8 billion changing hands.
The market capitalization reached N122.2 trillion.
Year-to-date returns increased to 22.37%.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) experienced a positive trading session on February 18, 2026, as the All-Share Index rebounded, climbing 1,106.72 points to close at 190,427.96. This 0.58% increase from the previous close of 189,321.24 indicates a resurgence of bullish sentiment in the market.
Investors actively exchanged 3.6 billion shares across 68,693 deals on Customs Street, a substantial increase compared to the 1.19 billion shares traded in the prior session. FCMB Group was the focal point, accounting for 80% of the total volume. Specifically, 2.9 billion FCMB shares, valued at N35.8 billion, were traded, bolstering the market capitalization to N122.2 trillion.
The market momentum shifted back into bullish territory following a dip in the previous session. The index successfully reclaimed the 190,000 mark, pushing year-to-date returns higher to 22.37%.
AXA Mansard, Sky Aviation, and Beta Glass all saw their prices increase by the daily limit of 10%, reflecting strong investor demand. Conversely, Deap Capital and Mecure Industries experienced the largest declines, dropping by 10% and 9.99% respectively.
FCMB Group led in volume with 2.9 billion shares traded, followed by Chams (59.2 million), Secure Electronic Technology (52.2 million), Mutual Benefits Assurance (37.5 million), and Access Holdings (34.7 million). In terms of value, FCMB also topped the chart with N35.8 billion, alongside Zenith Bank (N2.5 billion), MTN Nigeria (N2.06 billion), Seplat Energy (N1.58 billion), and PZ Cussons Nigeria (N1.53 billion).
Among the SWOOTs (stocks with market capitalization above N1 trillion), Seplat Energy increased by 8.33%, while International Breweries rose by 2.78%. The performance in the FUGAZ banking sector was mixed, with Zenith Bank (+3.91%), United Bank for Africa (+1.51%), and First HoldCo (+0.52%) recording gains, while other stocks in the segment experienced declines.
The Nigerian Exchange has reclaimed the 190,000 threshold, supported by renewed buying interest. While the Nigerian All-Share Index remains in overbought territory, continued strength in large-cap stocks could potentially drive the benchmark toward the 191,000 and 192,000 levels.
