Stock Exchange recorded N510.1bn transactions in Q1

The total value of transactions of listed securities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange stood at N510.1bn at the end of the first quarter, which ended on March 31, 2013.

The amount represents an increase of N152bn or 42.4 per cent over the N358.16bn recorded at the end of February 2012.

Total transactions represent the aggregate purchase and sale of listed securities within a defined period.

Information obtained by our correspondent from the NSE showed that the value of N510.1bn comprised both foreign portfolio investments and domestic investments.

The amount of FPIs for the year stood at N217.56bn or 42.7 per cent of total transactions, while domestic investments stood at N292.54bn, representing 57.3 per cent of total transactions conducted by local and retail investors.

As of February 2013, the FPI accounted for 39.3 per cent of the N358.16bn worth of transactions recorded since the beginning of the year, while domestic investments represented 60.7 per cent.

This shows the growing interest of local and retail investors in the capital market, who before this year, had been participating minimally in the market compared to the interest showed by foreign investors.