The Nigerian stock market lost N900bn as selloffs in Aradel and Presco dragged down overall market capitalisation.
The Nigerian stock market closed on a negative note on March 19, 2026, shedding N900 billion in investors’ wealth after four consecutive days of gains.
The downturn was largely driven by selloffs in major stocks, including Aradel Holdings Plc and Presco Plc, alongside others such as Red Star Express Plc, LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc, and DAAR Communications Plc.
Market capitalisation declined by 0.69 per cent to N129.125 trillion from N130.025 trillion recorded in the previous session.
Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index dropped by 1,402.55 points, or 0.69 per cent, closing at 201,156.86 points.
Year-to-date returns moderated to 29.27 per cent, while market breadth ended negative with 38 losers against 31 gainers.
Among the decliners, Aradel dropped by 9.68 per cent, while Presco fell by 9.30 per cent. LivingTrust Mortgage Bank and DAAR Communications also recorded notable losses.
On the gainers’ chart, Secure Electronic Technology Plc led with a 10 per cent increase, followed by Guinness Nigeria Plc, John Holt Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, and Linkage Assurance Plc.
Despite the decline, trading activity surged significantly, with total volume rising by 246 per cent to 6.06 billion shares valued at N130.06 billion across 58,562 transactions.
E-Tranzact International Plc emerged as the most traded stock by volume, accounting for over 85 per cent of total trades.
Meanwhile, Dangote Cement Plc led in value, with transactions worth N56.48 billion, representing 43.42 per cent of total market activity.
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