NSE vows to enhance retail investment opportunities

 

The Nigerian Stock Exchange has expressed its commitment to redefining and improving investors’ overall experience in the Nigerian capital market, and ensuring that it remains modern, convenient and secure.

This was highlighted at the inaugural edition of the Retail Investors’ Webinar hosted by the Exchange in collaboration with the Nigerian International Securities Limited on Monday.

The event, with the theme ‘Capital market investing in a digital age’, was supported by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria.

Speaking during the webinar, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema, said, “Investor participation is central to the growth and sustainable development of any economy.

“The Exchange is, therefore, committed to facilitating conversations that will expound on the retail investment opportunities available in the capital market and the channels through which they can be accessed.

“Today, our determination to develop the market and strengthen investor confidence has birthed a number of technology driven solutions that allow investors to conveniently trade electronically in an increasing array of product offerings that includes equities, bonds, ETFs and other Collective Investment Schemes.

“We will, therefore, continue to take advantage of the vast opportunities to equip existing and potential investors with the necessary skills to effectively manage and grow the financial resources at their disposal.”

The Managing Director, NISL, Mr Laolu Martins, said, “NSE has consistently pioneered far-reaching innovations within the Nigerian capital market, positively driving market integrity, boosting both investor confidence and market participation.”

He highlighted the efforts of the NISL to create wealth for investors via an appropriate mix of securities using well spelt out market research to help investors meet their financial objectives.

The event also featured a presentation by the Head, Market Services, NSE, Mr Olufemi Balogun, on the importance of market data in making investment decisions.

Balogun said, “The Exchange has showed its clear determination to ensure that investors have a better understanding and appreciation of investment products offered in the Nigerian capital market in its efforts to become Africa’s preferred Exchange hub.

 “The upswing in market activities in Q2:2020 is a testament to the resilience of the market as a result of concerted efforts of The Exchange.”

According to him, as at the end of August 2020, the NSE All Share Index had recorded an 18.9 per cent increase from its position at the end of March, 2020.

“In addition, the market also witnessed a growth in the percentage value of equity transactions contributed by retail investors, currently at 29 per cent from the 21.8 per cent recorded in 2018 and 24.72 per cent recorded in 2019,” Balogun said.