Interim Dividend: Stocks Gain N377bn In 1 Week

Nigeria’s equities market recorded a significant gain of N377 billion in the week ending July 4, 2025, as investors positioned themselves ahead of anticipated interim dividend payments.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) rose from 119,995.76 points to 120,990.27 points, while market capitalisation increased from N75.962 trillion to N76.339 trillion during the period.

The surge was driven primarily by increased investor interest in consumer goods, insurance, and banking stocks, sectors known for their dividend-paying potential.

Consumer Goods, insurance, and banking stocks recorded increased bargains in the review week while activities of profit takers muted Oil & Gas and Industrial stocks.

Market watchers had ahead of the review week’s trading expected the equities market to continue in its upward trend leading to a slight gain in the ASI.

They hinged their optimism on the market benefiting from the excess liquidity in the financial system. This is also in addition to investors who are positioning for second-quarter (Q2) earning season, favouring corporates with potentials for quality interim dividend payment.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) and equities Market Capitalisation increased from preceding week’s close of 119,995.76 points and N75.962 trillion respectively to 120,990.27 points and N76.339 trillion.

“The market’s recovery in the last session signals that investors are still leaning into the broader risk-on sentiment. As portfolio rebalancing activity picks up ahead of H2 positioning.

“We expect to see continued rotation into fundamentally sound names, particularly across the banking and consumer sectors,” Lagos-based Vetiva analysts said in their post-trading commentary on Thursday July 3.