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Seplat, Fidelity Bank, FBNH Lead Stock Market to Marginal Gains

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The Nigerian stock market saw slight growth last week, with gains driven by three key players: Seplat Petroleum, Fidelity Bank, and First Bank of Nigeria Holdings (FBNH). Their positive performances helped push the market to a marginal gain of 0.09%, reversing previous losses and returning the market to a positive position.

The stock market has been volatile in recent weeks, but strong demand for the shares of Seplat, Fidelity Bank, and FBNH provided a much-needed boost.

Seplat’s stock rose by 5.09% week-on-week (WoW), while Fidelity Bank saw a significant 13.07% increase, and FBNH recorded a 4.0% rise. These gains played a critical role in lifting the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All Share Index (ASI) by 0.09%, pushing it to close at 97,606.63 points from the previous week’s 97,520.54 points.

Similarly, the overall market capitalization increased by N5 billion, rising to N56.088 trillion from N56.038 trillion.

Market analysts have noted that the stock market is experiencing a period of profit-taking as investors reposition their portfolios ahead of quarterly earnings reports and macroeconomic data.

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Despite the modest gains, analysts have pointed out that higher interest rates on fixed-income instruments and the upcoming fourth-quarter seasonality are influencing investment decisions. Investors are anticipating improved financial reports from companies with strong earnings potential, particularly in light of the upcoming third-quarter (Q3) earnings season.

“Pullbacks and breadth contraction in the market provide buy opportunities for discerning investors and smart traders,” noted market analysts. They added that investors are strategically repositioning their portfolios in sectors and companies expected to report strong Q3 earnings.

The Nigerian stock market is entering the Q3 earnings reporting season, with early filers expected to kick off the earnings season next week. Investors are keeping a close eye on companies’ performance and are preparing to make investment decisions based on these reports.

Additionally, the release of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is expected to play a critical role in guiding investment decisions. Analysts believe that these numbers will provide important insight into the country’s economic health and influence market sentiment as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) prepares for its November monetary policy meeting.

Several companies, including Nigerian Breweries, have already notified the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) of their board meetings and closure periods. These meetings will be held to approve their financial scorecards for the quarter, adding further momentum to the market’s activities.

Despite the positive movement in the stock market, there are lingering concerns about the broader Nigerian economy. Analysts at InvestData Consulting Limited pointed out that while the Federal Government has implemented several economic reforms through fiscal and monetary policies, these reforms have yet to fully stabilize the economy.

The inflation rate has slowed somewhat, and macroeconomic data remains mixed, but there are still significant challenges. Oil production remains inconsistent, and the value of the Naira continues to decline. This comes at a time when oil prices are trading above $79 per barrel on the international market.

“The economic reforms of the government, measured by the outpouring of fiscal and monetary policies, are yet to put the nation’s economy on the path of recovery,” analysts at InvestData Consulting Limited stated. They added that there are still issues with the implementation of these reforms, especially in terms of the fluctuating oil production output and the continued depreciation of the Naira.

Looking ahead, market analysts expect mixed sentiments to continue in the coming weeks. The market will likely see a combination of profit-taking, buying interest, and portfolio rebalancing as investors prepare for the Q3 earnings season.

Sector rotation is also expected to continue, with investors taking advantage of price corrections in various sectors. Despite the volatility and pullbacks in the market, analysts believe that these factors add strength to the potential for an upside, making this a favorable time for investors to buy into value stocks.

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“Investors should take advantage of price corrections and buy into value stocks, particularly in light of trends and events both globally and domestically,” analysts advised.

In addition to domestic market conditions, global trends and economic events are also influencing the Nigerian stock market. Rising oil prices, international financial policies, and economic fluctuations in major markets like the United States and China are all factors that investors are watching closely.

Domestically, Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to recover from economic challenges, including inflation and currency depreciation, continue to play a significant role in shaping the stock market. Investors are particularly interested in how the government’s economic reforms will impact corporate earnings and overall market performance in the coming months.

Among the key players driving the market’s performance, Fidelity Bank and FBNH have been notable. Fidelity Bank’s 13.07% rise reflects growing confidence in the bank’s operations and financial stability. The bank has continued to strengthen its position in the Nigerian banking sector, attracting investors looking for value in financial stocks.

FBNH, with a 4.0% increase in its share price, is another example of investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector. The holding company, which oversees First Bank of Nigeria and other subsidiaries, remains a dominant player in the market and a favorite among institutional investors.

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