Trading on the Nigerian Exchange ended the week on a mixed note on Friday, February 20, 2026, as investors traded fewer shares and values despite a slight improvement in the number of deals executed.
A total of 820.45 million shares valued at ₦28.27 billion were exchanged in 63,462 deals on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). This performance represented a 9 per cent decline in trading volume and a 26 per cent drop in turnover compared with the previous trading session on Thursday, February 19, although the number of deals recorded a 3 per cent improvement, indicating sustained market participation.
Despite the softer trading statistics, the overall market valuation remained resilient, with total market capitalisation standing at ₦125.2 trillion at the close of business.
Market Breadth Positive
Market breadth closed positive as 132 listed equities participated in trading. Of these, 53 stocks recorded gains, while 23 equities closed in the red, reflecting selective bargain hunting by investors.
Fidson Healthcare Plc topped the gainers’ chart with a 10 per cent appreciation, closing at ₦86.90 per share. It was followed closely by Jaiz Bank Plc, NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, and Deap Capital Management & Trust Plc, which all posted strong gains of between 9.96 per cent and 10 per cent.
On the flip side, Secure Electronic Technology Plc led the losers after shedding 10 per cent of its share price to close at ₦1.62 per share. Other notable decliners included Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc (-9.73 per cent), Ellah Lakes Plc (-7.91 per cent), and International Energy Insurance Plc (-5.56 per cent).
Activity Leaders
In terms of trading activity, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc emerged as the most actively traded stock by volume, with 79 million shares exchanged. This was followed by Zenith Bank Plc with 44 million shares, Chams Plc with 43.9 million shares, and AIICO Insurance Plc with 42.4 million shares.
Market analysts note that the mixed performance reflects cautious investor sentiment as market participants weigh profit-taking against selective accumulation of fundamentally strong stocks, ahead of expectations around macroeconomic and corporate earnings developments in the coming weeks.
