The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) began the trading week on May 20, 2025, on a slightly negative note, shedding N8 billion in market capitalisation despite a rise in trading activity. The All-Share Index (ASI) dropped by 12.54 points or 0.01 per cent to close at 109,697.83. However, the broader outlook remained positive, with the index recording gains of 1.33 per cent over one week, 5.63 per cent over four weeks, and 6.58 per cent year-to-date.
Market activity surged compared to the previous trading session. A total of 486.1 million shares were traded in 24,883 deals, amounting to a turnover of N11.38 billion. This represented a 13 per cent increase in volume, a 32 per cent rise in turnover, and a 52 per cent increase in deals compared to the prior Friday’s trading session, indicating renewed investor interest despite the marginal dip in index performance.
Out of 127 actively traded equities, 46 advanced while 23 declined. Ikeja Hotel led the gainers with a 10 per cent increase, closing at N15.40 per share. Other notable gainers included Tantalizers, Beta Glass, and Northern Nigeria Flour Mills, all posting gains close to 10 per cent. Conversely, The Initiates recorded the steepest decline at 10 per cent, followed by Associated Bus Company, University Press, and FTN Cocoa Processors.
Leading the trading volume were financial heavyweights, with Access Holdings at the forefront, accounting for 45.1 million shares. Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding, and Cutix also featured prominently in terms of share volume, contributing to the heightened trading activity that contrasted with the overall market value drop.
Sector performance was mixed. The Top 30 Index declined by 0.06 per cent, even as it posted a weekly gain. On a positive note, the Consumer Goods, Insurance, and Main Board indices rose by 1.55 per cent, 0.56 per cent, and 0.24 per cent respectively. On the downside, the Oil and Gas and Industrial indices recorded marginal losses. Despite Monday’s dip, the market ended the previous week on a high note, gaining N614 billion in capitalisation with the ASI closing at 109,710.37.
Source: Punch