The Nigerian equities market is poised to sustain its trend of corrections and pullbacks as investors and fund managers engage in portfolio rebalancing and sector rotation activities.
These market adjustments reflect the dynamic nature of stock market movements following bullish rallies, influenced by changes in market fundamentals, notably amid higher interest rates and yields in alternative investment avenues. The landscape is further shaped by mixed economic data and ongoing governmental reform initiatives.
Last week, the domestic equities market experienced another round of pullbacks, mirroring evolving market dynamics and shifts in fundamentals against a backdrop of a high-interest rate environment and varying macroeconomic indicators. Investors are carefully analyzing the potential implications of these variables on investment decisions.
Looking ahead, analysts anticipate the continuation of corrections and pullbacks driven by portfolio rebalancing and sector rotation, with a keen focus on forthcoming earnings reports, macroeconomic data releases, and government policy directions. Amid this landscape, investors are advised to consider stocks with solid fundamentals.
Chief Operating Officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, Ambrose Omordion, expects mixed and bearish sentiments to persist, driven by ongoing bank recapitalization plans and corporate earnings announcements. He suggests leveraging pullbacks to position portfolios strategically amid market volatility, which could bolster upside potential.
During last week’s trading activities, the Nigerian equities market predominantly witnessed a bearish trend, with the All-Share Index closing below the psychological 100,000 mark. Market sentiments were dampened by sell-offs across sectors, particularly in stocks valued over one trillion Naira and continued divestment from banking stocks amid the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization initiative and economic data digestions.
Although the All-Share Index rose by 2.71% week-on-week to close at 99,539.75 points, market capitalization gained N1.6 trillion to close at N56.296 trillion. However, sectoral performance was predominantly bearish, with the NGX-Banking index leading losses by 11.46% week-on-week.
Market breadth was negative, with 13 equities recording price appreciation, while 62 equities saw declines and 79 remained unchanged. Morison Industries topped the gainers’ list, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) led decliners. Overall, turnover stood at 1.597 billion shares valued at N32.313 billion, with the Financial Services Industry dominating trading activities.
The equities market continues to navigate challenges and opportunities, with investors closely monitoring developments and adjusting strategies accordingly amidst market fluctuations and evolving economic dynamics.