FIXED INCOME MARKETS
MONEY MARKETS
System liquidity returned to its positive levels, with opening balance at ₦285.27 billion from -₦16.28 billion reported yesterday. Nonetheless, the Open Repo Rate rose by 64 bps to 26.93%, while the Overnight Rate increased by 54 bps, hitting 27.50%.
Outlook: We anticipate the interbank rates to ease in the interim, as FAAC inflows is expected to hit the system.
Treasury Bills
Today’s trading in the treasury bills market was marked by subdued activity, primarily due to increased focus on the primary market auction. Consequently, the average mid-rate remained relatively unchanged, stabilizing at 15.78%.
Outlook: We expect the auction result to dictate market performance in the interim.
FGN Bonds
Earlier today, the local bonds market experienced a minor increase in yields across the curve compared to yesterday’s closing rates. However, despite the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) decision to raise rates by 200 bps yesterday, today’s trading activity was predominantly driven by buy-side interests, notably focused on the 2034 maturity. As a result, the average mid-yield decreased by 6 bps to settle at 18.94%.
Outlook: We expect a similar trend in tomorrow’s session, with a potentially increased momentum, as market awaits FAAC inflows.
Eurobonds
The Eurobonds market remained stable today, as there were no significant market-moving events. Traders showed varied positions across the curve, with a prevailing bullish sentiment observed in Ghana bonds, while the Nigerian curve reflected a bearish bias. As a result, the average mid-yield of Nigeria’s bonds increased by c.9 bps to 9.28%.
Outlook: We expect the US jobless claims data to potentially impact the market tomorrow, pending any market surprise.
Equities
The Nigerian equity market expressed a bullish bias in today’s session, particularly in the banking sector, including tickers like ZENITHBANK (+8.78%), UBA 4.32%), and ACCESSCORP (+3.90%). As a result, the All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.32% to reach 104,283.64 points, while the year-to-date return and market capitalization settled at 39.47% and ₦58.96 trillion, respectively.
Momentum strengthened in today’s session, with total volume and value traded gaining +33.46% and 9.92%, respectively. ACCESSCORP led the total volume traded with 83.60 million units while GTCO led the total value traded with ₦2.52 billion. The Banking and Industrial Goods Indices appreciated by 3.01% and 0.07%, respectively, while the Consumer Goods Index declined by 0.11%. Meanwhile, the Oil & Gas Index flattened.
Outlook: We expect a mixed play at tomorrow’s session.
Foreign Exchange
FMDQ’s Nigeria’s Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) appreciated by 5.97% (or ₦82.52) to $/₦1,300.43 from $/₦1,382.95 recorded yesterday.
Outlook: We expect FX rate to appreciate in the interim.
Commodities
Oil prices dropped due to a significant increase in U.S. crude stockpiles. Brent crude decreased by 0.32% to $85.97 per barrel, while WTI dropped by 0.22% to $81.45 per barrel. Meanwhile, gold prices saw a slight increase today, gaining 0.63% to reach $2,213.00, as investors await U.S. inflation data, which could provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s potential monetary policy adjustments.
Outlook: We expect oil prices to remain elevated.
