Business
Operators Laud CBN For Lending Rates Reduction
Operators on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have given kudos to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for cutting the inter-bank lending rate to improve liquidity and stimulate economic activities.
The apex bank had recently cut the rate by 200 basis points to 6.0% from 8.0%
In a chat operators agreed it was a welcome development as it is capable of checking the problem of liquidity in the banking industry. They said the development is geared towards increasing liquidity in the baking industry and by extension in the economy. They believe with this move the capital market should expect higher liquidity their investments in money market instrument and move such funds to the stock market, which will boost activity in the Nigerian Capital market.
According to Charles Egbunonwo, a broker with UBA Stockbrokers Limited it is a good development that will add value to the economy and the capital market liquidity will improve because of the funds expected to flow into the market for better returns, through this development.
The General Manager of Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, Mr David Imafidon Adonri, said that the cut in the rate in the money market will cause funds or assets to shift to the capital market. “It is a principle that a decline in the interest rate of the money market will push funds to the capital market”, he said.
A broker on the floor of the Exchange applauded CBN for the unexpected move. He, however, pointed out that the impact of the policy had not been felt in the market. He foresees the implementation of the policy helping to stabilise the Nigerian capital market.
In an attempt to address the tight liquidity situation among banks, the CBN will from this month guarantee all inter-bank lending as well as placement with banks by pension funds until end of March 2010.