The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index closed lower on Friday, August 15, 2025, slipping 671.81 points to 144,628.20. This 0.46% decline from Thursday’s 145,367.03 marked the third consecutive day of losses, dragging the market deeper into negative weekly territory.
Market capitalization mirrored the bearish tone, dropping to ₦91.5 trillion from ₦92 trillion earlier in the week. Trading activity slowed sharply, with 1.37 billion shares exchanged, down from the 2.4 billion recorded in the previous session, signaling weaker investor participation.
Gainers and Losers
Mutual Benefits Assurance (MBENEFIT) led the gainers with a 10% surge to ₦3.85, followed closely by Ikeja Hotels (IKEJAHOTEL) up 9.95% to ₦22.65. Wema Bank (WEMABANK) advanced 9.90% to ₦22.75, while Deap Capital Management (DEADCAP) rose 9.52% to ₦1.61, and Tripple Gee & Co. (TRIPPLEG) gained 8.32% to ₦5.60.
On the losers side, Lasaco Assurance (LASACO), International Energy Insurance (INTENEGINS), and Linkage Assurance (LINKASSURE) all shed 10%, closing at ₦4.05, ₦3.33, and ₦2.43, respectively. NEM Insurance (NEM) fell 9.97% to ₦32.50, while Meyer Plc (MEYER) declined 9.95% to ₦16.75.
Trading Activity and Value Leaders
Universal Insurance (UNIVINSURE) dominated volume with 308.8 million shares traded, followed by AIICO Insurance with 117.9 million shares. Mutual Benefits Assurance recorded 102.4 million shares, while Veritas Kapital Assurance (VERITASKAP) and Sovereign Trust Insurance (SOVRENINS) posted 70.4 million and 62.1 million shares, respectively.
In value terms, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) led at ₦2 billion, followed by Zenith Bank (₦992.3 million) and FBN Holdings (FIRSTHOLDCO) at ₦787 million. Lafarge Africa (WAPCO) recorded ₦699.6 million, while United Bank for Africa (UBA) transacted ₦675.8 million.
Sector Performance
Sector indices painted a largely negative picture. Insurance plunged 8.73%, Industrial fell 1.32%, Oil & Gas declined 0.69%, Consumer Goods lost 0.32%, and Commodity slipped 0.57%. The Banking sector was the lone bright spot, gaining 0.56%, supported by gains in Access Holdings (+1.08%), Zenith Bank (+0.56%), and GTCO (+0.51%), though UBA fell 0.62% and FBN Holdings remained flat.
Market Outlook
With the All-Share Index still up 40.52% year-to-date, analysts caution that the current pullback could deepen if bearish sentiment persists. A sustained loss of confidence in large-cap stocks could accelerate declines, making Monday’s session pivotal for market direction.
