The Nigerian stock market started the week with a positive push, as the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) recorded a significant boost on Monday, July 7, 2025. The All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.31 per cent to close at 121,361.87 points, adding about N193 billion to the total market capitalisation which moved from N76.3 trillion to N76.5 trillion. This upward trend reflects renewed interest from investors, especially with anticipation growing ahead of the release of half-year corporate earnings.
The increase in the ASI by 372.21 points from the previous close of 120,989.66 came as a result of price appreciation in some large and mid-cap stocks. Key sectors such as consumer goods, banking, and insurance were among the main drivers of Monday’s bullish performance.
A total of 824.1 million shares were exchanged on the floor of the NGX, valued at N14.44 billion in 24,042 deals. Though the number of traded shares dropped by 11 per cent compared to the previous trading day, and the number of deals reduced by six per cent, the total value of transactions went up by 31 per cent. This points to an increase in high-value trades, as investors are showing preference for stocks with strong fundamentals.
The market ended the day with more gainers than losers, showing positive sentiment across the board. Out of the 125 equities traded on the floor of the exchange, 53 recorded price gains, while 24 declined. The rest closed unchanged.
Leading the list of gainers was Cadbury Nigeria Plc, which appreciated by 10 per cent to close at N53.35 per share. Other stocks that recorded 10 per cent gains included Ellah Lakes Plc (N8.91), UPDC REIT (N7.15), and Tripple Gee and Company Plc (N2.97). These stocks attracted significant investor attention, helping to boost the overall market performance.
Also among the top performers were Red Star Express Plc, which rose by 9.92 per cent, and NGX Group Plc, which gained 9.91 per cent, showing renewed confidence in logistic and market operator stocks.
On the losing side, Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc topped the chart with a 10 per cent drop to N4.50 per share. RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc followed closely with a 9.59 per cent decline to N3.30, while Prestige Assurance Plc lost 9.09 per cent to close at N1.20.
In terms of volume traded, Universal Insurance Plc led with 71.9 million shares exchanged. Other actively traded stocks included FCMB Group Plc (61.4 million shares), Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc (53.3 million shares), Access Holdings Plc (42 million shares), and AIICO Insurance Plc (40.1 million shares). These figures indicate continued investor participation in both financial services and mining-related equities.
Looking at the value of traded shares, Nigerian Breweries Plc led the chart with N2.39 billion worth of shares traded. It was followed by Zenith Bank Plc with N1.42 billion, Nestlé Nigeria Plc with N1.23 billion, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) with N1.02 billion, and Access Holdings Plc with N942.8 million.
Sector performance was largely positive. The NGX Banking Index rose by 0.94 per cent, while the Consumer Goods Index climbed by 0.75 per cent. The Insurance Index advanced by 0.39 per cent, the Pension Index gained 0.38 per cent, the Premium Board Index added 0.34 per cent, and the Top 30 Index moved up by 0.17 per cent.
On a broader note, the stock market has continued to post steady gains. Week-on-week, the ASI has gone up by 1.15 per cent. In the last four weeks, it has gained 7.61 per cent, and the year-to-date return now stands at 17.91 per cent. Analysts believe that investors are positioning early in anticipation of good half-year earnings results from listed companies.
With increased trading value, positive market breadth, and rising investor optimism, the Nigerian equities market may continue to trend upward, especially if companies deliver strong financial results in the coming weeks.
