Investors made money in C&I Leasing, CCNN, Julius Berger, other stocks despite January dip

Despite the performance gauge of Nigerian stock market showed a decline of about 2.78percent in January 2019, many investors still made money because of their decisions to either hold or buy some stocks.

The stock market opened this year with record value of N11.721 trillion, but as at Friday February 1, 2019 the value of listed stocks stood at N11.424trillion, representing a decline of about N297billion.

Amid this record loss, investors made money from stocks like C&I Leasing Plc which gained 407.87percent in January. Also in the review month that just ended, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc was up by 23.71percent; Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (+29.35percent) and Sterling Bank Plc (+25.79percent).

Our trend watch also showed others stocks which investors who never sold till January 31 made money from. They are: ABC Transport Plc (+17.24percent); Africa Prudential Plc (+6.98percent); AGLeventis Plc (+7.41percent); AIICO Insurance Plc (+1.59percent); Carverton Plc (+14.58percent).

Cornerstone Insurance Plc advanced by 10 percent, Custodian & Allied Plc (+9.73percent); Cutix Plc (+9.76percent); Dangote Cement Plc (+0.16percent); Diamond Bank Plc (+3.21percent); and FCMB Group Plc (+4.23percent).

Ahead of the expected recovering in second-half (H2) of 2019, many smart investors are strategically buying value stocks following the bear reign in the market which pushed many equities to new lows.

These investors positive outlook for the stock market in H2 comes on the heels of many analysts reiterating their bearish outlook for this H1 amid political uncertainties which cloud investors’ sentiment as the election draws nearer.

As value-investing strategy remains the key to approaching on Custom Street in 2019, investors are seen selecting companies that are in good business with sound fundamentals, whose share prices are trading below their fair values. Also considered are in the investors’ stock picks are equities with history of dividend payment.

Fidelity Bank Plc gained 8.37percent last month; Forte Oil Plc (+2.79percent); John Holt Plc (9.09percent); Learn Africa Plc (+0.74percent); Livestock Feeds Plc (+8.16percent); AXA Mansard Plc (+3.83percent); Mutual Benefit Plc (+4.76percent); Okomu Oil Palm Plc (+7.61percent); Prestige Assurance Plc (+4percent); RedStar Express Plc (+19.05percent); and Regency Alliance Plc (4.76percent); and Royal Exchange Plc (+31.82percent).

Sunu Assurance Plc stock price advanced last month by 10 percent; Total Nigeria Plc (+10percent); Transnational Express Plc (+6.15percent); Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (+11.61percent); United Capital Plc (+12.41percent); Union Dicon Plc (+20percent); Vita Foam Plc (+9.09percent); Lafarge Africa Plc (+0.40percent); and Wema Bank Plc (+3.17percent).

Iheanyi Nwachukwu