The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed lower on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as profit-taking in heavyweight consumer and mid-cap stocks outweighed gains in financial counters despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to reduce interest rates.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 0.92 percent to settle at 194,484.52, down from 196,263.55 recorded in the previous session.

Equity market capitalisation fell to ₦124.83 trillion, representing a decline of approximately ₦1.14 trillion from Monday’s ₦125.97 trillion.

Liquidity Improves as Value Crosses ₦53 Billion

Trading activity strengthened compared to Monday:

• Deals: 72,218

• Volume: 1,137,404,484 shares

• Value: ₦53,353,427,342.69

Transaction value rebounded sharply from ₦31.50 billion recorded on February 23, indicating renewed institutional participation even as the index closed lower.

CBN Rate Cut: Strategic Shift Toward Growth

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reduced the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 26.5 percent following sustained disinflation and improved macroeconomic stability.

Headline inflation eased to 15.10 percent in January 2026, eleven consecutive months of decline, while gross external reserves climbed to $50.45 billion, the highest level in thirteen years.

The rate cut signals a gradual shift from tight monetary policy toward growth support.

Lower interest rates reduce corporate borrowing costs, improve debt servicing capacity and enhance earnings outlooks, particularly for capital-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, consumer goods and industrials.

Market Reaction: Short-Term Volatility, Medium-Term Positivity

Despite the policy support, the market closed lower as investors locked in profits after recent strong gains.

Top Gainers

• JAIZBANK +10.00%

• TAJSUKS2 +10.00%

• INFINITY +9.83%

• FCMB +9.72%

• FTGINSURE +9.09%

Financial stocks showed resilience, aligning with expectations that lower rates could stimulate credit expansion.

Top Losers

• DAARCOMM −10.00%

• TANTALIZER −10.00%

• BUAFOODS −9.99%

• LOTUSHAL15 −9.98%

• ELLAHLAKES −9.96%

The sharp pullback in BUAFOODS, a major index component, significantly contributed to the overall decline.

Banking and Liquidity Signals

Heavy turnover was recorded in:

• ZENITHBANK – ₦6.17 billion

• ACCESSCORP – ₦2.59 billion

• FCMB – ₦612 million

Strong value traded in banking stocks suggests investors are repositioning ahead of expected margin adjustments following the rate cut.

Although lower rates may compress short-term net interest margins, they can boost loan growth and asset quality over time.

Fixed Income and ETF Movements

Bond instruments remained largely stable.

ETFs recorded gains:

• MERVALUE +₦62.78

• VSPBONDETF +₦25.00

• VETBANK +₦2.00

• NEWGOLD marginally higher

The moderate rise in ETFs suggests portfolio balancing rather than capital flight.

Critical Analysis

1. Rate Cut as Structural Catalyst

A 50 basis points reduction signals policy normalization after sustained tightening. Historically, equity markets respond positively to rate-cut cycles with a lag of several sessions.

The current dip may represent tactical repositioning rather than structural weakness.

2. Liquidity Recovery Supports Rebound Thesis

Transaction value rebounded above ₦53 billion, confirming capital remains active within the system.

This is not a liquidity-driven selloff.

3. Valuation Reset After Strong Rally

The market had gained nearly 7 percent in the previous week and approached the 200,000 index threshold. Tuesday’s decline reflects healthy consolidation.

4. Medium-Term Outlook

Lower borrowing costs are likely to:

• Reduce finance expenses for corporates

• Improve earnings outlook

• Stimulate expansion projects

• Enhance consumer demand

These factors support a rebound scenario once profit-taking subsides.

Outlook

The NGX remains fundamentally supported by:

• Declining inflation

• Strong external reserves

• Banking sector resilience

• Monetary easing

Although the market closed lower on Tuesday, the rate cut improves the medium-term equity outlook.

If liquidity remains above ₦50 billion and heavyweights stabilize, the ASI could resume its upward movement toward the 200,000 level in the coming sessions.

Short-term volatility is expected, but structural momentum remains intact.