The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed trading on Friday, May 9, 2025, with a significant loss of ₦313 billion, reflecting waning investor confidence and broad-based selloffs in major equities.
Data from the NGX showed that market capitalization dropped from ₦56.99 trillion to ₦56.68 trillion, marking a 0.55% decline. The All-Share Index fell correspondingly, pulled down by losses in large-cap stocks including BUA Cement, MTN Nigeria, and Seplat Energy.
Despite the downturn, market breadth remained almost even, with 34 gainers and 33 losers, indicating mixed sentiments among investors.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) emerged as the most traded equity by both volume and value, with over 51.28 million shares exchanged at a total worth of ₦3.54 billion. Other actively traded stocks included UBA, Zenith Bank, and Transcorp.
Analysts attribute the dip to a combination of factors: persistent inflationary pressures, tightening monetary policies from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and uncertainty surrounding upcoming fiscal policy announcements.
Investors are advised to maintain a cautious stance, with a focus on fundamentally strong stocks as the market continues to react to macroeconomic signals.
The NGX’s performance this week underscores the volatility that has gripped Nigeria’s equities market in 2025 — a reflection of the broader economic headwinds affecting business confidence.
