The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) staged a robust recovery on May 26, 2025, with market capitalization rising by N539.98 billion, erasing losses from the previous week. The All-Share Index (ASI) climbed 0.85%, gaining 924.38 points to close at 109,953.00 basis points, up from 109,028.62 points on Friday. This upswing boosted market capitalization from N68.8 trillion to N69.3 trillion, driven by renewed investor interest across key sectors.
The rally was fueled by strong performances in large and mid-cap stocks. Aradel Holdings Plc led the gainers, soaring 9.98% to close at N505.90 per share. Other notable performers included University Press Plc, up 9.86% to N4.79, Associated Bus Company Plc, which rose 8.43% to N2.70, and Linkage Assurance Plc, gaining 8.16% to settle at N1.59. However, not all stocks shared in the gains, with Tripple Gee & Company Plc dropping 10% to N2.07, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc declining 9.97% to N141.80, Chellarams Plc shedding 9.96% to N10.58, and Union Homes Real Estate Investment Trust falling 9.95% to N45.70.
Trading activity saw 414.51 million shares exchanged in 19,775 deals, valued at N11.09 billion. Compared to the previous session, trading volume and turnover fell by 35% and 39%, respectively, though the number of deals rose by 24%, indicating heightened investor engagement despite lower volumes. Fidelity Bank Plc was the most traded stock, with 46.8 million shares, followed by Custodian & Allied Plc (37.2 million), Access Holdings Plc (35.9 million), and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (24.9 million).
Sectoral indices also reflected positive momentum. The NGX Oil & Gas Index surged 3.02%, the Consumer Goods Index advanced 2.2%, and the Main Board Index rose 1.12%. The Top 30 Index, Premium Board Index, and Pension Index gained 0.65%, 0.33%, and 0.29%, respectively. Year-to-date, the ASI has delivered a 6.83% return, signaling cautious optimism amid challenges like interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate pressures.
Analysts at Afrinvest had predicted this rebound, citing opportunities for bargain hunting in fundamentally sound stocks following recent price declines. The previous week saw a bearish close, with the market shedding N197 billion due to profit-taking and weak sentiment, making Monday’s recovery a notable shift. As investors navigate macroeconomic uncertainties, the NGX’s performance suggests growing confidence in Nigeria’s equity market, with potential for further gains if positive catalysts emerge.
