Nigeria leads sub-Saharan African stock markets in 2017, chalks up 43% YTD gain
The Nigerian Stock Exchange all-share index (NSEASI) was among the best performing indices globally in 2017 in local currency terms, and far outshone Nairobi (NSE 20) and Johannesburg (all-share), according to analysts at FBNQuest in their Friday Good Morning note.
The analysts specifically noted that the NSE gained 42.3 percent over the calendar year, compared with Jo’burg’s 17.5 percent and Nairobi’s 16.5 percent, adding that up till early May the index was still in negative territory before surging afterwards.
“Many offshore investors warmed to the CBN’s new fx window for investors and exporters (NAFEX). Above all, they felt comfortable that they could exit the market when they chose,” the highlighted.
“The surge last year took place in a fairly thin market. Daily turnover averaged just US$15.6m equivalent at the CBN rate, compared with US$9.5m in 2016 when the NSEASI retreated by -6.2%.
“Foreign investors’ share of transactions picked up once NAFEX developed some momentum, reaching 53% and 54% in October and November respectively,” they noted.
The Nigerian market in 2017 enjoyed a lift from improved macro data and news flow. The economy emerged from recession, oil production recovered from mid-year, reserves accumulation was impressive and the FGN successfully tapped the Eurobond market twice.
Further, FGN bond yields have narrowed by +/- 300bps in the past four months, raising the possibility of a marked shift by domestic institutions to the equities market.
On the other hand, Jo’burg enjoyed an uptick in December after Cyril Ramaphosa won the election for the ANC leadership whereas Nairobi took a hit from Kenya’s lengthy, re-run presidential elections.
“In Nigeria’s run-up to elections in February 2019, we distinguish between “regular” polls and those that are unsettling, challenged in the courts and so close as to create the risk of violence. Relatively smooth elections without ideological issues should not upset the market unduly,” they opined.