FTSE re-entry triggers foreign demand for Nigerian equities

Nigerian equities experienced a surge in foreign demand following the country's reinstatement into FTSE Russell's Frontier Market indexes. This occurred on Monday, marking a significant shift for the nation's capital market. After a period of downgrade to "Unclassified" status in September 2023, Nigeria was readmitted to the list due to successful completion of structural reforms by the Central Bank.

These reforms included the resolution of foreign-exchange liquidity issues, stabilization of the naira, and the implementation of a T+1 settlement cycle. Major banking tickers like Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, and FirstHoldCo saw the most initial interest, reflecting a selective portfolio rebalancing. Analysts anticipate sustained interest as international benchmark funds adjust their portfolios.

The high yield on Nigerian government bonds, currently around 17.10 percent, also adds to the market's appeal. This development is particularly significant as FTSE Russell also includes Nigerian equities in their Frontier Index, providing dual representation in both fixed-income and equity benchmarks.