Trading on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed the week on a mixed note on Friday, October 3, 2025, as the market recorded notable gains in key indices despite a sharp decline in overall trading activity.
At the close of the day’s session, investors exchanged 544.74 million shares in 27,054 deals, valued at ₦19.63 billion. This represented a significant slowdown compared with the previous trading day, Thursday, October 2, when the market recorded higher activity. The figures reflect a 31% drop in trading volume, a 33% decline in turnover, and a 17% fall in the number of deals executed.
Despite the contraction in activity, the market capitalization of the Exchange remained robust at ₦91.1 trillion, buoyed by gains in major indices.
Market Breadth
A total of 128 listed equities participated in Friday’s trading. Market breadth was positive, with 39 gainers against 25 losers.
UAC of Nigeria led the gainers’ chart with a maximum 10% rise to close at ₦73.70 per share. It was followed closely by Nigerian Enamelware (+9.97%), Ellah Lakes (+9.96%), and PZ Cussons Nigeria (+9.88%).
On the losing side, Julius Berger Nigeria topped the chart, shedding 9.96% to close at ₦122.90 per share. Other significant laggards were Thomas Wyatt Nigeria (-9.5%), John Holt (-9.43%), and Daar Communications (-6.36%).
Trading Volume Leaders
Banking stocks dominated activity on the floor of the Exchange. United Bank for Africa (UBA) emerged as the most traded equity by volume, with 80.1 million shares exchanged. It was trailed by Access Holdings, which recorded 71.7 million shares; Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), 35.1 million shares; and Zenith Bank, 29.9 million shares.
Index Performance
The NGX All-Share Index (ASI), the benchmark performance gauge, advanced by 604.58 points or 0.42% to close at 143,584.04 points. This translated to a one-week gain of 1.73%, a four-week gain of 3.93%, and an impressive year-to-date appreciation of 39.5%.
Other key indices also posted gains, reflecting resilience across different sectors:
- NGX Top 30 Index: +0.32% (1WK: +1.8%; YTD: +37.33%)
- NGX Oil & Gas Index: +2.34% (1WK: +5.68%; YTD: -4.68%)
- NGX Insurance Index: +1.39% (1WK: -1.4%; YTD: +68.91%)
- NGX Banking Index: +0.65% (1WK: +1.36%; YTD: +40.77%)
- NGX Consumer Goods Index: +0.55% (1WK: +1.3%; YTD: +96.42%)
- NGX Main Board Index: +0.51% (1WK: +1.84%; YTD: +41.93%)
Outlook
Analysts note that while the dip in trading activity signals some level of investor caution, the consistent gains in key indices underscore sustained investor confidence in the equities market. With the banking, consumer goods, and insurance sectors posting strong year-to-date returns, the NGX continues to reflect resilience despite broader economic headwinds.
