The latest Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) data indicates that Nigeria’s equity mutual funds recorded strong year-to-date (YTD) performance as of October 2025, with total assets across the segment reaching N79.94 billion.
Equity mutual funds are among the best-performing collective investment schemes (CIS) in Nigeria, clearly outperforming money market and fixed-income funds amid a sustained rally in the equities market.
Unlike money market funds, which prioritize liquidity and capital preservation, or bond funds that rely on relatively stable interest income, equity mutual funds benefit directly from share price appreciation, earnings recovery, and renewed investor risk appetite.
Equity mutual funds delivered outsized year-to-date returns by capturing strong gains in select consumer stocks, improving corporate fundamentals, combined with increased investors’ participation, strengthened equity fund performance during the period.
Rising Net Asset Values (NAVs) and steady growth in unitholder numbers across leading funds point to sustained investor confidence in equity-focused strategies.
Below are the top 10 best-performing equity mutual funds as of October 2025
- YtD Return – 54.16%
- Fund NAV – N2.78 billion
- Unit holders – 1,839
FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund posted a 54.16% YTD return in October, up from 51.42% in September, reflecting consistent performance from its factor-based investment approach.
The fund closed the month with a NAV of N2.80 billion, an offer price of N506.26, and 1,839 unitholders. With a 3.50% market share, the fund continues to appeal to investors seeking systematic equity exposure.
This fund is managed by FBNQuest Asset Management, which is part of FBNQuest, the financial services arm of FBN Holdings, offering mutual funds, portfolio management, investment advisory, and strategic wealth solutions.
