Nigeria’s stock market ended the week with a N216 billion gain, driven by a recent interest rate cut. The Monetary Policy Committee lowered the benchmark rate to 27% on September 24, 2025, the first reduction in five years, sparking optimism nationwide, including among investors in Rivers State on September 29, 2025.
The All-Share Index rose 0.20% to 142,133.02 points, with market capitalization hitting N89.960 trillion. This pushed the year-to-date return to 38.09%. Trading activity spiked, with 7.684 billion shares worth N494.126 billion exchanged in 116,645 deals, compared to 2.735 billion shares valued at N85.197 billion the previous week.
The rate cut boosted demand for growth stocks, particularly in banking and industrial sectors. Improved foreign exchange liquidity and rising oil prices, key for regions like Rivers State, also fueled the rally. Thursday and Friday saw strong buying, reversing earlier sluggish sessions.
Sector performance was mixed. Industrial goods gained 1.3%, banking and consumer goods each rose 1.2%, while insurance and oil & gas fell 0.9% and 1.6%, respectively.
Market breadth leaned cautious, with 32 stocks advancing and 51 declining. Top performers included Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, up 22.68% to N3.30 per share, Secure Electronic Technology, rising 21.33% to 91 kobo, and MeCure Industries, gaining 20.83% to N26.10. Losers included Wema Bank, down 12.41% to N18.00, and Fidelity Bank, dropping 11.08% to N18.45.
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Analysts noted the market’s resilience. “Despite economic challenges, investor confidence is holding,” one expert said. Contributions from major firms like Zenith Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc supported the gains.
Looking ahead, Cowry Assets Management Limited predicts a cautiously optimistic market, supported by fair valuations and stable oil trends, which could benefit Rivers State’s economy. Afrinvest Limited expects selective buying, while Cordros Research foresees increased inflows due to the rate cut. Q3 earnings, expected in October 2025, may further influence trends, especially in banking and consumer sectors.
