The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) extended its positive run on Monday, December 22, 2025, delivering a festive season boost to investors as market capitalisation surged by a substantial N256 billion in a single trading session.
Market Index Closes Higher Amid Broad Gains
Sustained buying interest across key sectors propelled the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) upwards by 401.69 points, representing a 0.26% gain. The index closed at 152,459.07 points, up from the previous session's 152,057.38 points. This bullish performance improved the market's year-to-date return to an impressive 48.12%.
Market sentiment remained firmly positive, with advancing stocks outnumbering decliners. A total of 34 companies recorded share price appreciation, while 19 saw their values decline. The overall market capitalisation, which reflects the total wealth of investors, climbed to N97.19 trillion.
Top Performers and Key Decliners
The day's rally was driven by significant gains in major industrial and consumer goods stocks. NASCON Allied Industries Plc and BUA Cement Plc were among the bellwethers leading the charge. Other notable top gainers included First HoldCo Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and Presco Plc.
In a remarkable show of strength, several firms traded above their 52-week highs. ALEX Industries Plc topped the gainers' chart with a 9.72% rise to close at N13.55. MeCure Industries Plc and Berger Paints Nigeria Plc also hit new peaks at N60.30 and N43.95 respectively, signalling robust investor confidence.
On the flip side, the losers' table was led by ABC Transport Plc and Custodian Investment Plc, both shedding 10% of their value. Prestige Assurance Plc and Guinea Insurance Plc also featured among the top decliners for the day.
Trading Activity and Volume Analysis
Despite the positive price movement, overall trading activity witnessed a significant slowdown. The total volume of shares traded plummeted by 70% to 451.52 million units, valued at N13.03 billion. These transactions were executed across 33,327 deals.
Tantalizers Plc emerged as the most active stock by volume, accounting for 11.11% of the total with 50.18 million shares traded. In terms of value, Aradel Holdings Plc led the pack, with trades worth N1.51 billion representing 11.60% of the day's total value traded.
Other actively traded stocks included First HoldCo Plc and Access Holdings Plc by volume, and Zenith Bank Plc by value, following Aradel Holdings.
The market's performance on Monday sets a positive tone for the final trading days of the year, offering investors an early Christmas gift through enhanced portfolio valuations.
