The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) ended trading on a strong note, delivering impressive gains for investors. A surge of buying interest in Aradel Holdings and 25 other stocks boosted the market capitalization by N309 billion. By the close of trading on September 17, 2025, the total value of listed companies reached N89.865 trillion.
Despite the bullish close, the session showed cautious undertones. Fewer stocks rose than fell, reflecting mixed investor sentiment. The All Share Index (ASI), a key market benchmark, gained 489.45 points, a 0.35% increase. It settled at 142,036.23 points, signaling steady confidence amid economic headwinds.
Trading activity was vibrant, with 1.005 billion shares exchanged. These deals, totaling N24.655 billion, spanned 23,281 transactions. This high volume points to robust participation across the board.
Abbey Mortgage Bank led in trading volume, with 401.065 million shares worth N2.727 billion. Fidelity Bank followed closely, moving 254.810 million units valued at N5.274 billion. Other notable names included United Bank for Africa (UBA) with 23.221 million shares at N1.095 billion.
First Holdco traded 22.529 million shares for N699.63 million. Access Holdings rounded out the top five, with 17.476 million shares worth N473 million. Banking and mortgage stocks clearly dominated investor focus.
Sector performance was uneven. The oil and gas index soared 2.6%, driven by Aradel Holdings. Consumer goods rose 1.0%, lifted by firms like Guinness Nigeria. Industrial goods eked out a 0.1% gain, thanks to Dangote Cement.
However, not all sectors fared well. The insurance index dropped 1.6%, while banking fell 0.2%. This mixed performance highlights selective investor strategies.
Aradel Holdings led gainers, jumping 6.97% to N583 per share. Guinness Nigeria and Dangote Cement also posted solid gains. First Holdco was among the 26 advancers, showing broad support in energy and manufacturing.
On the downside, 32 stocks lost value. Guinea Insurance fell hardest, dropping 9.70% to N1.49. Cornerstone Insurance shed 8.68% to N6.52. Legend Internet declined 7.27% to N5.10 kobo.
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Deap Capital Management & Trust lost 7.06% to N1.58 kobo. Thomas Wyatt Nigeria dipped 6.49% to N2.45 kobo. The negative breadth—26 up versus 32 down—reflects concerns over inflation and currency fluctuations.
Market analysts view this session as a pause in a volatile year. “Oil and gas gains show sector strength amid global energy shifts,” commented Desire Norbert, a trader on September 18, 2025. Still, subdued sentiment suggests caution ahead of Central Bank policy moves.
Trading volume surged 142.09% compared to prior sessions. This momentum could grow if foreign investment picks up. For now, the N309 billion gain lifts spirits in local portfolios.
NGX officials, as of September 18, 2025, advise investors to stay diversified. With volatility expected, the market’s recovery sets an optimistic tone for the week ahead.
