Ruth Ibikunle
The stock market on Wednesday closed on a positive note with 0.58% growth. The All Share Index and Market Capitalisation stands at 52,927.60 points and 28.819 trillion respectively.
In a stock market review with Gilbert Ayoola, a capital market expert, the following were discussed:
Excerpts:
The monetary policy committee of CBN has increased MPR to 18.5%. How will this impact capital market activity?
The increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 18% to 18.50% is a signal that the CBN is trying to tighten its monetary policy stance to curb inflationary pressures in the economy. The MPR is the benchmark interest rate at which the CBN lends to commercial banks, which in turn affects the cost of borrowing for businesses and individuals.
An increase in the MPR would likely lead to an increase in lending rates for commercial banks, which could reduce the amount of money available for investment in the Nigerian stock market. This could lead to a decrease in demand for stocks, causing prices to fall.
However, the impact of the increased MPR on the stock market would depend on other factors such as the overall state of the economy, the level of investor sentiment and level of confidence in the market and the performance of individual companies. It is also important to note that the Nigerian stock market is not the only investment option available to investors, as there are other asset classes such as fixed income securities that may become more attractive in the face of rising interest rates.
Likewise, the hike also raises concerns around the purchasing power of consumers and profitability of companies, which erodes the value of profit to be earned due to the high rate, and investors may be inclined to seek other investment options.
What is driving the growth in Nestle?
The present growth recorded in Nestle is a result of growing demand for its brand products in line with the segment due to its class in the consumer goods sector. Secondly for the fact that the stock at the current price of N1,148 looks attractive and cheap when compared to its 50-day moving average at N1,067.50. Also, knowing that the stock had at a time attained the highest price of N1,500 per/s.
How sustainable is the growth in Unilever? Is it a good buy at N15.7?
The Q1 2023 performance in Unilever has boosted the earnings of the company, having recorded increased in sales of about 10.5% over the same period under review in 2022. Revenue was up by 19.69% y/y to N24.60 billion from N20.56 billion in the previous year 2022, despite high finance costs and increase in taxation recorded.
At the current price of N15.70, it is a good BUY, knowing that the price can further move higher based on renewed confidence by investors and positive sentiments.
How attractive is Access at N11.15?
Access at N11.15 looks attractive if compared to its 52-week low N8.40 alongside when considered to its earnings per share of N2.81.
Why is Academy Press trending down?
The present trending down in the price of Academy Press is as a result of investor’s activities due to profit taking.
What are the stocks to watch?
Stocks to be on the watched by investors are Transcorp, ACCESSCORP, Caverton, FBNH, Fidelity, FCMB, Unilever, UBA, Lafarge, and many others.