The Nigerian All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 0.44% on April 20, 2026, closing at 218,113.84 points, up from its opening level of 217,167.57points.
This uptick came even as trading volume eased to 983 million units, down from the 1.2 billion units recorded in the previous session.
Market capitalization crossed the N140 trillion mark for the first time, rising from N139.8 trillion to N140.4 trillion, while the total value of trades settled at N50.7 billion.
Zenith Bank and Aradel Holdings led activity by value, while Access Holdings recorded the highest volume at 91.6 million shares.
What the data is saying:
Trading sentiment remained broadly bullish on April 20, 2026, as the Nigerian market held a strong year-to-date return of 40.17%.
- Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and Union Dicon Salt topped the gainers’ chart, each advancing by the maximum 10.00% for the session.
- At the same time, mild profit-taking emerged, with Stanbic IBTC Holdings and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank both declining by 10.00% despite the positive market tone.
Access Holdings led trading activity with 91.6 million shares, followed by First Holdco at 70.1 million and Zenith Bank at 54.9 million shares.
Lasaco Assurance recorded 53.7 million shares traded, while United Bank for Africa saw 52.5 million shares exchanged.
On value terms, Zenith Bank led with N7 billion, followed by Aradel Holdings at N6.6 billion and MTN Nigeria at N5.4 billion, with First Holdco and Guaranty Trust Holding Company recording N4.7 billion and N3.6 billion respectively
Top 5 Gainers
- Nigerian Aviation Handling Company — up 10.00% to N242.00
- Union Dicon Salt — up 10.00% to N18.15
- Fidelity Bank — up 9.98% to N22.05
- Trans-Nationwide Express — up 9.92% to N6.65
- Access Holdings Plc — up 9.87% to N32.85
Top 5 Losers
- Stanbic IBTC Holdings — down 10.00% to N169.70
- LivingTrust Mortgage Bank — down 10.00% to N3.69
- Transcorp Power — down 9.97% to N272.70
- Abbey Mortgage Bank — down 9.88% to N7.30
- Guinea Insurance — down 8.80% to N1.14
FUGAZ performance
FUGAZ stocks closed firmly positive, led by Access Holdings with a 9.87% gain, followed by United Bank for Africa up 8.33% and First Holdco rising 6.25%.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company gained 1.09%, while Zenith Bank added 0.95%, rounding out a broadly positive session for the banking heavyweights.
What you should know
The Nigerian All-Share Index at 218,113 marks the highest level the market has reached so far, reflecting the strength of the ongoing rally.
The day’s performance was largely driven by banking stocks, and sustained momentum in large-cap names could push the index toward the 220,000 level.
