The Nigerian stock market closed trading on Friday, July 18, 2025, with a significant surge, pushing its overall market capitalization to N83.2 trillion. This notable milestone was largely influenced by strong trading activity in the shares of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc, which led the volume chart for the day.
Recent data from the Nigerian exchange group (NGX) shows the Nigerian All-Share Index (ASI) concluded the trading session in positive territory, gaining 1,301.8 points to close at 131,585.6. This represented a 1.00% increase from the previous session’s close of 130,283.8 points, indicating a prevailing bullish sentiment across the market.
FCMB and Fidelity Bank emerged as the top performers in terms of trading volume. Fidelity Bank, in particular, topped the value chart with trades worth N23 billion, while FCMB followed closely with N12.6 billion. Other significant contributors to trading value included Zenith Bank Plc (N3.6 billion), Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (N3.2 billion), and Access Holdings Plc (N3.06 billion).
The market’s robust performance saw its capitalization surpass the N83 trillion mark for the first time, settling at N83.2 trillion across 28,593 deals, with the All-Share Index having already surged by 8.6% month-on-month in July 2025 and a year-to-date performance of +27.8%.
Equities market had previously gained over N14 trillion in the first half of 2025, with total market capitalization of NGX-listed instruments rising by 16 percent from N112.60 trillion in January to N126.73 trillion by June.
The sustained growth in the Nigerian equities market is attributed to factors such as structural reforms, strong regulatory engagement, and a rerouting of funds from the fixed income market into equities as treasury bill rates moderate. Analysts maintain a positive outlook for the market, with ongoing investor confidence contributing to its upward trajectory.
