Author: Marketforces Africa

Nigerian Exchange Shrinks as Investors Pull Out Funds The Nigerian Exchange, NGX, slumped further against as equities investors pulled out more fund from the local bourse amidst depressed sentiment. The local bourse commenced the new trading week on a negative note, with key performance indicators reflecting mixed results. The All-share index fell by 0.15%, while the market capitalization posted a marginal loss of 0.01%. The disparity in the market indicators was influenced by the Listing of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc’s 16,666,666,667 Ordinary Shares of 50 kobo each at ₦4.50 Per Share, through Private Placement on the exchange today. Consequently,…

Foreign Investors Bet on Nigerian Tops Stocks Foreign portfolio investors, FPIs, increase bets IN Nigerian top banks stocks, and other listed companies in the equities market. This followed increased block transactions on stocks as investors’ boycotted the Nigerian Exchange trading platform to stem price fluctuations. Transaction details obtained from sources revealed that offshore investors took positions in Tier-1 banks stock primarily and extended their positions in Brewer, and cement names amidst unending quest for alpha. In a note to investors, AIICO Capital Limited revealed that offshore investors were more active in Guaranty Trust Holding Company, which warehoused GTBank, a strong…

USD Falls Against GBP, German Fiscal Plan Boosts EUR The US dollar (USD) fell against its major trading partners early Monday ahead of a busy week that starts off fast on Monday. The Federal Open Market Committee’s FOMC rate decision is the main event of the week Wednesday, while weekly mortgage applications and oil stocks data start the day. The US dollar fell to 103.6, hovering close to five-month lows due to growing economic concerns and trade uncertainties in the US. With the Federal Reserve’s policy decision approaching on Wednesday, markets expect the Fed to keep interest rates steady amid…

NGX is Bleeding, Equities Investors Exiting Positions The Nigerian Exchange, NGX, is bleeding during intraday trading session as equities investors opened trading session with negative sentiment. Trading activities started with sell pressure on financial stocks, with more investors offloading shares in International Breweries and Oando. Amidst directors dealing, United Capital Plc has shed weight. Fidelity Bank is tracking lower. Jaiz Bank posted lost amidst earnings forecast. The reflected past trading record last week. The market closed negative ahead of inflation data, and open on Monday with bearish sentiment. Inflation data set will guide trading activities in the week, stockbrokers said,…

Jaiz Bank Targets N8bn Profit for Q2 Operations Jaiz Bank Plc has forecasted N8.078 billion as profit after for the second quarter of 2025, the Islamic lender said in a regulatory filing on Monday. The non-interest bank expected gross earnings to reach N28.392 billion in the same period, driven by financing and investment income. Financing and investment income from contract is expected to settle at N25.618 billion between April and June, 2025, Jaiz Bank Plc told the Nigerian Exchange in the earning forecast submitted. The bank also expects about N368 million as impairment charge on credit losses, estimated net operating…

Equities Analysts See 40% Upside Potential in Zenith Bank With buy recommendation, equities research analysts at Cowry Asset Limited has estimated about 40% upside potential for Zenith Bank Plc, a local lender with international authorisation. Analysts at the investment firm set Zenith Bank price target at N67, far ahead its current market price of N47.80, its closing price on Friday. The figure translates to 39.58% upside potential as market awaits the financial services company’s earnings release. The bank share price had peaked at N52, its highest price in 52-weeks in the equities market. Zenith Bank has maintained strong dividend track…

How to Master Stock Trading as Investor In the electrifying arena of stock trading, numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. To truly thrive, investors must learn to read between the lines and understand the elusive force that drives market movements: trader sentiment. This intangible element, encompassing the collective mood and prevailing attitudes of investors, can sway markets with surprising power. The Invisible Hand: Factors Shaping Sentiment The economy speaks through data releases such as GDP, inflation, employment. Positive indicators breed optimism, while negative ones sow seeds of doubt. Earnings reports, product launches, and management changes paint a picture of…

Equities Analysts Show No Love for Telecom Stocks With reduce or hold recommendation, equities analysts at Afrinvest Limited showed no love for telecommunication companies stocks listed on the Nigerian Exchange. The investment firm estimates showed MTN Nigeria Plc stock has limited upside potential of 4% with 12 months target price of N2544.87 per share. Airtel Africa Plc has no upside, according to Afrinvest Limited with target price estimated at N1988.87, suggesting the telco stock is already overpriced in the equities market. Data from the Nigerian Exchange showed Airtel Africa Plc closed the week at a unit price of N2156.90 amidst…

TAJBank to Issue N20bn Mudarabah Sukuk Bond One of Nigeria’s leading non-interest banks, TAJBank, says it is finalising arrangements to raise the sum of N20 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond to beef up its Additional Tier 1 capital. The Founder/Chief Executive Officer of TAJBank, Mr Hamid Joda, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. According to him, the issuance is part of its N100 billion Sukuk programme with the aim of fueling its business expansion drive. Joda said that the new investment initiative was coming two years after the issuance of the first-ever N10 billion Sukuk bond on the…

Oil Prices Rise on Heightened Red Sea Tensions Oil prices rose slightly in the global commodity market on Monday as red sea tension heightened. Brent crude, increased by around 0.67% trading at $70.71 per barrel, up from $70.24 at the previous session’s close. The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), rose by 0.73%, settling at $67.40 per barrel, compared to its prior session close of $66.91. The US launched airstrikes on multiple Yemeni cities late on Saturday, killing at least 31 people, as US President Donald Trump ordered the ‘strong and decisive’ strikes against Houthi targets, warning that ‘hell will…