The Nigerian Exchange ended July 2025 on a high note, with market capitalization surging by N12.62 trillion, driven by robust investor confidence and positive economic signals. The All-Share Index climbed 0.42 percent on the final trading day, closing at a record 139,863.67 points, up from 139,278.67, marking a 21-day steady climb.
The market’s month-to-date return reached 17.03 percent, with a year-to-date gain of 34.60 percent, reflecting strong performance across sectors. Trading activity was brisk, with 1.1 billion shares worth N32.99 billion exchanged in 37,365 deals, a 24 percent increase in volume from the previous session. Financial services led the charge, with 2.127 billion shares valued at N47.298 billion traded, driven by heavyweights like Access Holdings and United Bank for Africa.
International Breweries topped gainers, soaring 40 percent to N7.70, followed by Nascon Allied Industries, up 26.22 percent to N52.95. However, VFD Group plummeted 82.19 percent to N17.10 after a bonus issuance, and Dangote Cement shed 10 percent to N432.00 due to profit-taking. Despite these losses, 28 stocks advanced against 54 decliners, signaling sustained bullish sentiment.
Also Read: Cement Giants in Nigeria, Including Rivers State, Reap N3.2 Trillion in H1 2025 Amid Price Surge
Analysts attribute the rally to improving macroeconomic conditions and strong corporate earnings, particularly in banking and consumer goods. The market’s N85.46 trillion valuation in late July reflects a N22.14 trillion gain for the first half of 2025, boosting optimism in states like Rivers with active investment communities.
The financial services sector, contributing 57.62 percent of trading volume, underscores investor appetite for banking stocks, with Fidelity Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding among top performers. However, analysts caution that profit-taking and global market volatility could temper gains. As Nigeria’s economy shows resilience, the exchange’s performance signals a promising outlook for investors, with sustained growth hinging on stable policies and continued corporate strength.
