An editorial review of the best-performing Nigerian stocks for Easter week
The Nigerian stock market managed to wrap up the shortened Easter trading week on a positive note, marking a modest week-on-week gain despite lower trading activity. During the four-day trading period, the All-Share Index advanced by 785.83 points to settle at 201,698.89, which translates to a 0.39% growth.
This slight push brought the total market capitalisation to a whopping N129.8 trillion. As an editor keeping a close watch on these indices, it is clear that while the headlines read green, the internal dynamics of the market painted a slightly more complex picture.
For instance, trading volume fell significantly compared to the prior week, with investors exchanging 2.8 billion shares across 215,287 deals.
MTN and GTCO power the market despite negative market breadth
What really sustained the market’s upward trajectory were the heavyweights. MTN Nigeria recorded a solid 5.85% gain, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) advanced by 5.08%.
Because of their massive market weight, these two stocks alone were enough to keep the overall index afloat, even though more stocks actually lost value than gained. In fact, market breadth was visibly weak; we saw 57 stocks declining against only 29 that managed to post gains.
The banking sector was one of the few bright spots, gaining 0.71% overall, driven largely by the rally in GTCO. On the flip side, the insurance sector suffered the heaviest blow, shedding 4.25% as investors took profits or exited positions ahead of the long holiday weekend.
Unveiling the top gainers and losers in a mixed market
Despite the broader market hesitation, a few stocks managed to record exceptional runs. Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc emerged as the star of the week, surging by 20.66% to close at N20.15. Following closely was the UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust, which added 15.49% to its value, and International Energy Insurance Plc, which went up by 12.54%.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. Some stocks took a severe beating. Secure Electronic Technology Plc topped the losers’ chart, shedding 21.54% to close at N1.02.
John Holt Plc followed with an 18.47% drop, while May & Baker Nigeria Plc lost 16.57%. This stark contrast between the big gainers and the sharp losers highlights how volatile and selective the market can be, particularly during a holiday-shortened week when institutional participation is often reduced.
Corporate earnings and the road ahead for Nigerian investors
Another major highlight of the week was the massive influx of corporate disclosures. Several large-cap companies, including BUA Foods, GTCO, and Wema Bank, published their audited financial statements for the 2025 financial year.
For retail investors, these earnings reports are crucial as they dictate dividend payouts and set the tone for the coming quarters. Looking ahead, the market is currently sitting at quite a high level, and some analysts are already suggesting that it might be in overbought territory.
If the big drivers like MTN and GTCO experience any price correction, we could easily see a short-term pullback in the coming weeks.
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