Money Market
System liquidity decreased further, with around ₦910 billion exposed to the CBN’s SLF window. As a result, the Open Repo Rate (OPR) rose by 11 bps to 32.39%, while the Overnight Rate (O/N) remained unchanged at 32.88%.
Outlook: We expect the interbank rates to remain elevated.
Treasury Bills
The treasury bills market was bearish today as investors took positions ahead of tomorrow’s NTB auction. However, there was little demand for the 25 Sept 2025 Bill towards the close of the market, with bids around 19.55%. Overall, the average mid-rate across the benchmark NTB papers remained flat at 21.29%.
Outlook: We anticipate a quiet session tomorrow as attention shifts to the NTB auction, where the DMO will offer T-bills worth approximately ₦81.9 billion.
FGN Bonds
The local FGN bonds market experienced a bearish theme, with increasing offer yields on specific maturities, mainly Feb 2028, Mar 2050, and Jun 2053 papers. Overall, the average mid-yield rose by 7bps to settle at 18.85%.
Outlook: We expect a mixed to bearish session tomorrow.
Eurobonds
The African Eurobonds market experienced mixed performance today. Nigeria and Angola papers saw sideways interest, while the Egypt curve was bullish. As a result, the average benchmark yield across Nigerian papers increased by 2bps to 9.45%.
Outlook: Activity is expected to remain mixed to bullish.
Nigerian Equities
The Nigerian stock market closed on a bearish note, with the NGX-ASI decreasing by 0.12% to settle at 97,584.81 points. Overall, market sentiment was mixed. Bargain hunting in FIDELITYBK, FBNH, and SEPLAT drove some positive activity, but this was outweighed by selloffs observed in MTNN, OANDO, and GTCO. Sector performance varied, with the Banking and Consumer Goods indices declining while the Oil & Gas, Insurance, and Industrial Goods indices advanced.
Outlook: We expect mixed sentiments to persist.
Foreign Exchange
At the NAFEM window, the value of the Naira improved by 4.49% against the USD, reaching $/₦ 1,561.76.
Outlook: We expect the volatility to persist.
Commodities
Oil futures dropped by over 4%, pausing the rally driven by increased geopolitical risk as the market awaited Israel’s response to Iran. Brent prices fell by 4.03% to $77.67, while WTI prices decreased by 3.99% to $74.06. In addition, gold prices declined as recent U.S. employment data reduced the likelihood of a significant rate cut, while investors awaited the release of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting minutes for new insights. Gold was down by 1.20% at $1,633.90 per ounce.
Outlook: We expect the sentiment to persist.
