Investors Flock to High-Value Industrial Stocks as Nigerian Market Ends Year Strong
As 2025 nears its close, Nigerian equities saw a surge in investor activity, particularly in high-value industrial stocks, boosting market confidence. Last week, the NGX All-Share Index climbed 2.45% to 147,040.08 points, while market capitalization expanded by N2.43 trillion, reaching N93.72 trillion. Analysts say the momentum comes after weeks of cautious trading and profit-taking, signaling renewed optimism ahead of year-end.
The Industrial Goods Index recorded a remarkable 7.38% increase, driven by heavy interest in major tickers such as Dangote Cement Plc, which jumped 15.02% to close at N614.90 per share. Consumer-focused companies also benefited, with the Consumer Goods Index rising 1.56% and Nigerian Breweries Plc gaining 12.36%. Banking and insurance stocks posted moderate gains of 3.20% and 1.48%, respectively, reflecting a broad-based rally across key sectors.
Market activity strengthened significantly as investors positioned themselves for year-end adjustments and upcoming earnings reports. Total equity turnover rose to 6.617 billion shares worth N113.22 billion across 109,590 deals, compared with 4.14 billion shares valued at N115.89 billion the previous week. The ICT sector accounted for more than half of total volumes, highlighting concentrated trading in liquid equities.
The week also saw major corporate developments that further stimulated trading. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated listed 5.38 billion additional shares following conversions of preference shares and loans to equity. Industrial and Medical Gases Plc added 181.62 million shares through its rights issue, while Champion Breweries Plc opened trading on its 2025 Rights Issue, offering more opportunities for investors to join the market rally.
Analysts at Cowry project that the market will maintain a “cautious but positive tone” in coming sessions. While intermittent volatility may affect sectors under operational pressure, large-cap industrial and consumer stocks are expected to remain attractive to investors. This year-end surge highlights confidence in fundamentally strong equities and sets a promising tone as Nigeria heads into 2026.
source: The sun