The Nigerian equity market staged a robust recovery last week, reversing losses from November as investors gained a total of N2.436 trillion. The strong performance signals a shift in sentiment as market participants begin repositioning portfolios ahead of the new year.
The market’s resurgence was reflected in its key indices. The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 2.5 percent, closing the week at 147,040.08 points, up from 143,520.53 points the previous week. Similarly, the total market capitalization appreciated to N93.722 trillion from N91.286 trillion.
Market analysts attributed the rebound to strategic asset repositioning by investors at the start of December. They noted that while the month opened with cautious sentiment, buying interest strengthened progressively, driving the market into positive territory.
“Last week’s trading behaviour reflects an environment where investors, particularly institutional players, are gradually repositioning for the final stretch of the year,” stated analysts at InvestData Consulting Limited. “Rather than pursuing speculative swings, the approach has been more selective and value-driven, targeting stocks with stable fundamentals, improved liquidity, and favourable technical setups.”
Trading activity intensified significantly. A total turnover of 6.617 billion shares valued at N113.224 billion was recorded in 109,590 deals last week. This compares with 4.140 billion shares worth N115.889 billion traded in 102,351 deals the week before.
Sector performance analysis revealed the ICT industry leading activity by volume, trading 3.500 billion shares valued at N17.759 billion in 11,184 deals. This contributed 52.89 percent of the total equity turnover volume. The Financial Services Industry followed with 2.625 billion shares worth N50.188 billion traded in 42,574 deals, while the Services Industry placed third.
The most active stocks for the week were E-Tranzact International Plc, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and Access Holdings Plc. Trading in these three equities alone accounted for 4.871 billion shares worth N27.422 billion, making up 73.60 percent of the total equity turnover volume.
The market’s recovery and increased activity suggest a period of strategic rebalancing is underway as investors close out the 2025 financial year and initiate positioning for 2026.
