Zenith, FirstBank, UBA lead sector’s recovery after April downturn

Zenith Bank, FirstBank and UBA led Nigerian banking stocks resurgence after a sharp downturn in April 2024, driven by the introduction of a new recapitalization policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The recapitalization policy, enforced by the CBN, required commercial banks to meet higher capital thresholds, leading to a wave of uncertainty among investors.

“The abrupt implementation of the recapitalization policy caught many by surprise and triggered a sell-off in banking stocks,” explained Dr. Emmanuel Oke, a financial analyst at Lagos Capital. “Investors were apprehensive about how the banks would navigate these new requirements.”

In the weeks following the policy’s introduction, the NGSEBNK10 index, which tracks the top 10 most liquid and capitalized banking stocks on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), fell sharply by 24 per cent. This decline was driven by investor caution, as many awaited clearer indications of how banks would adapt to the stricter capital rules.

Despite the initial challenges, the sector has shown notable resilience over the past 14 weeks.

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According to Jane Adamu, a senior investment strategist at FinSec Advisory, “The recovery in the banking sector is a positive sign of market stabilization. We are seeing a gradual correction of the losses from April, driven by renewed investor confidence.”

By August 27th, these three banks accounted for a significant 73 per cent of the most traded volume, with a combined trading volume of 49 million shares.

“The robust trading volumes in major banking stocks are indicative of growing investor interest and confidence in the sector’s recovery,” noted Dr. Oke.

The recovery in the banking sector is particularly noteworthy when compared to the broader market’s performance.

For the week ending August 23, 2024, the NGX Banking index recorded a modest gain of 0.37 per cnt, outperforming several other sectors.

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In contrast, the Oil & Gas and Insurance indexes appreciated by 3.54 per cent and 1.90 per cent, respectively, while Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods sectors declined by 1.42 per cent and 4.94 per cent, respectively.

“The banking sector’s performance this month highlights its relative strength compared to other sectors, which are still grappling with broader economic challenges,” said Adamu.

“This performance reflects both a rebound from the April slump and growing investor confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.”

“The recapitalization policy, while initially disruptive, is seen as a positive step toward building a more resilient banking system,” said Dr. Oke. “Investors are now reassessing their positions and finding value in well-capitalized banks.”

However, challenges persist, including macroeconomic uncertainties such as inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and potential regulatory changes. These factors could still impact the sector’s recovery trajectory.