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After 39.6% Growth, Analyst Still Bullish on Nigerian Equities Market

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Stock - Investors King
  • After 39.6% Growth, Analyst Still Bullish on Nigerian Equities Market

Analysts at Cordros Capital Limited, an investment banking firm, have said the equities market will remain bullish for most part of the second half (H2) of 2017.

The market recorded an outperformance in the first half (H1) of 2017 with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index rising by 23.2 per cent. Although there have been occasional profit taking since the H2 began, the market has appreciated by 13.3 per cent as at Monday, bringing the year-to-date growth to 39.6 per cent.

However, in a special report obtained, Cordros Capital said following the outperformance in H1, they look forward to a sustained uptrend in domestic equities over the remaining part of the year.

“The gains will be supported by consistency and sustainability of policies that speak to near term macroeconomic recovery, in addition to better-than-2016 corporate earnings,” they said.

According to them, they acknowledge downside risks from around the globe, notably rising geopolitical tensions, higher interest rates in the United States, and most profoundly, hazy outlook for oil prices –which could particularly threaten forex stability and consequently spark capital flow reversal.

Cordros Capital, however, stated that developments in the domestic economy signal recovery in the near term which will further strengthen investor appetite. “We look for the economy exiting recession in Q2-2017 (we project output to expand by 1.80 per cent during the quarter and 0.97 per cent for the full year). As a leading indication, manufacturing and non-manufacturing activities expanded in the second quarter of the year, as revealed by the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) which averaged 52.2 and 52.1 points respectively during the three months period. We expect that to be consolidated by fiscal spending related gains from the record 2017 budget,” they added.

The analysts noted that further supporting the argument for a bullish run on the domestic bourse, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Rate Fixing (NAFEX) window has the potential to further buoy foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows over H2.

According to them, still on expected increased participation in the equities space, the likely implementation of the amended Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets, particularly the introduction of the multi-fund structure released by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) on 18th April, 2017, will further bolster local pension funds’ exposure to equities.

“The impact of this on pension fund managers exposure to risky asset will be positive for dealers who are already taking advantage of cheap valuation in local proprietary positions. Compared to 2016, most listed companies appear better positioned to deliver better-than-anticipated results over the remaining part of the year. Drilling on activities in the consumer goods space, we hinge our optimism on notable upside factors including improved access to the dollar (potentially limiting finance cost), moderately recovering consumer confidence, easing energy challenges, balance sheet deleveraging, rebounding aggregate demand (amid expected fiscal stimulus), and cost-reflective pricing,” they added.

The Cordros Capital analysts explained that speaking volume to their confidence in this environment is the rebound (after four-quarter negative growth) in manufacturing GDP – with food, beverage and tobacco being the biggest component, accounting for 44 per cent) – in the first three months of the year.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Banking Sector

Access Holdings Plc Plans $1.8 Billion Capital Raise

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Access bank

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s leading bank, Access Bank Plc, has unveiled ambitious plans for a $1.8 billion capital raise aimed at fueling its expansion efforts over the next four years.

The strategic move comes as Access sets its sights on becoming one of the largest lenders on the African continent.

During a conference call with investors in Lagos, executives outlined the company’s intention to raise $1.5 billion, or the naira equivalent, through the issuance of shares, bonds, or other financial instruments.

Also, Access aims to generate up to 365 billion naira ($257 million) by selling shares to existing investors.

Bolaji Agbede, acting group chief executive officer, clarified that the current fundraising initiative primarily involves a rights issue.

The capital infusion is earmarked to support Access’s ambitious growth plan, which commenced last year.

The bank intends to expand its footprint into new markets, including Morocco, Egypt, and the United States, as part of a broader strategy to double the share of assets outside its home market by 2027.

With operations spanning 22 countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the UK, Access Bank is positioning itself for significant international growth.

The recent appointment of Bolaji Agbede as acting group CEO follows the passing of co-founder and former CEO, Herbert Wigwe, adding a layer of significance to the bank’s future direction.

Access’s acquisition of National Bank of Kenya Ltd. underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in East Africa’s largest economy.

As Access Bank charts its course for expansion, the $1.8 billion capital raise signals its determination to seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving financial landscape, both domestically and across the African continent.

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Finance

OPEC+ Production Cuts and Geopolitical Tensions Propel Oil Price to Over $87

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Crude oil - Investors King

Oil price surged past the $87 price level on Thursday on the back of production cuts by OPEC+ nations and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Brent crude oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, rose by $1.39 or 1.6% to $87.48 a barrel, its highest level since October 27.

OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-producing nations, has remained resolute in its commitment to curtail output, effectively tightening the supply of crude in the market.

Despite calls for increased production to alleviate soaring prices, the alliance has opted to maintain its course, further buoying the market sentiment.

Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions have added fuel to the fire. Attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, particularly by Ukraine, have sparked concerns over potential disruptions to the global oil supply chain.

Despite diplomatic efforts to deter such actions, the situation remains precarious, contributing to market anxieties.

Analysts suggest that these price surges may have long-term implications for global economies, particularly for oil-importing nations heavily reliant on stable energy prices.

Furthermore, the impact of rising oil prices on inflation and consumer spending patterns remains a point of contention among economists and policymakers.

As the world watches with bated breath, the trajectory of oil prices hinges on a delicate balance between geopolitical developments, OPEC+ policies, and the broader economic landscape.

For now, the $87 threshold serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and interconnectedness inherent in the global energy markets.

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Insurance

Heirs Insurance Group Unveils Revolutionary Website for Seamless Insurance Experience

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Heirs Life Assurance- Investors King

Heirs Insurance Group has launched a website designed to revolutionize the insurance experience for its customers.

With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and personalized service, the new website aims to streamline the process of obtaining insurance coverage and empower customers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

The website boasts a range of innovative features that make navigating insurance options easier than ever before.

From simple and intuitive navigation menus to personalized insurance recommendations, the website is designed to guide customers through every step of the insurance process quickly and efficiently.

According to Ifesinachi Okpagu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance Group, the new website embodies the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

“Today’s customers want simplicity, and this new website delivers on that request,” Okpagu said. “We are empowering customers to take control of their lives, their businesses, assets, and their most cherished people.”

One of the key features of the website is its personalized insurance experience, which takes customers through a short journey to help them identify the best insurance plan for their needs.

Whether customers are looking for coverage for their home, car, business, or loved ones, the website provides tailored recommendations to ensure they find the right insurance solution quickly and easily.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, the new website from Heirs Insurance Group sets a new standard for the insurance industry, making it easier than ever for customers to protect what matters most to them.

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