equity markets

Nigeria's All-Share Index posted its strongest weekly performance in months, gaining 12,676.69 points to close at 194,989.77, even as the exchange-traded fund market experienced a sharp correction with leading ETFs declining 50% amid retail investor losses.

MTN Nigeria shares surged to an all-time high of N780 per share following investor optimism over the IHS deal, while Dangote Cement made history with Nigeria's first commercial paper listing valued at ₦119.87 billion on the Nigerian Exchange.

The Nigerian Exchange recorded its strongest single-day performance in 2026, surging 4.36% to close above 190,000 points for the first time, while 26 companies now hold trillion-naira valuations with combined market capitalization of N110.54 trillion.

Precious metals shares comprising over 25% of the JSE All Share Index create significant concentration risk for South Africa's benchmark, while the potential collapse of sugar producer Tongaat Hulett signals deeper industrial challenges.

The Nigerian Exchange surged 4.36% to close at 190,262.44 points on February 16, 2026, marking its first breach of the 190,000 threshold as 26 companies now classified as SWOOTs command N110.54 trillion in combined market capitalization.

South African equities enter Monday trading under pressure following Friday's decline, with market analysts pointing to geopolitical uncertainties and trade policy concerns weighing on investor sentiment.