The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) ended July 2025 on a high, achieving a remarkable N12.62 trillion increase in market capitalization, driven by a robust 17.03% month-to-date return. The All-Share Index (ASI) rose 0.42% on July 31, closing at a record 139,863.67 points, up from 139,278.67 points, marking a 21-day consecutive rally. This performance boosted the year-to-date gain to 34.60%, reinforcing the NGX’s position as one of the world’s top-performing stock markets in 2025.
Trading activity on the final day saw 1.1 billion shares worth N32.99 billion exchanged in 37,365 deals, reflecting a 24% rise in volume and a 3% increase in deals compared to the prior session, though turnover dipped by 2%. Of the 127 equities traded, 28 advanced while 54 declined. UAC of Nigeria led gainers with a 10% share price increase to N80.30, followed by Wema Bank and Guinness Nigeria, up 10% and 9.96%, respectively. Skyway Aviation Handling and Mecure Industries also posted strong gains of 9.95% and 9.69%. On the losers’ side, The Initiates Plc, AXA Mansard Insurance, and Learn Africa each fell 10%, with Ikeja Hotel and HMC Allied Devices down 9.96% and 9.94%.
FCMB Group topped trading volume with 121.5 million shares, followed by Universal Insurance (91.5 million), Fidelity Bank (81.1 million), and Regency Alliance Insurance (64.5 million). In value terms, Lafarge Africa led with N3.53 billion, trailed by Dangote Cement (N2.85 billion), MTN Nigeria (N2.83 billion), GTCO (N2.45 billion), and Fidelity Bank (N1.7 billion).
Sectoral indices performed strongly, with the Industrial Index up 1.35%, the Premium Index gaining 1.04%, and the Oil & Gas Index rising 0.94%. The Top 30, Pension, and Banking indices advanced by 0.5%, 0.35%, and 0.08%, respectively. The market’s total capitalization reached N88.4 trillion by July’s end, driven by investor optimism amid strong corporate earnings and ongoing macroeconomic reforms, despite challenges like naira depreciation (N1,565/$1 in the parallel market) and inflation (22.22% in June).
The NGX’s bullish run was further highlighted by a N863 billion gain on July 30, with the ASI climbing 1,365.80 points (0.99%) to 139,278.67 points. This reflected a one-week gain of 5.07% and a four-week surge of 16.32%. Analysts attribute the rally to resilient performances in banking and consumer goods, with foreign investors showing renewed interest. As Nigeria navigates economic reforms, including unified forex rates and bank recapitalization, the NGX’s strong July performance signals robust market confidence.
