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 – 65.16%
- Fund NAV – N24.78 billion
- Unit holders – 19,5185
Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund delivered a strong 65.16% YTD return in October, improving from 57.60% in September, reinforcing its leadership among large equity funds.
The fund’s NAV rose to N24.78 billion, supported by 19,518 unitholders, while the offer price closed at N42,447.32. Representing 31.00% of the total equity fund market, it remains the largest equity fund by assets, anchored on broad market exposure and long-term growth positioning.
