Business
Stock Operators Seek Proper Trading Infrastructure
Operators are of the view that proper trading infrastructure and platforms should be put in place before the removal of the five per cent cap on daily stock price movements being considered by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Market operators explained the likely implication of the policy, when implemented. Many of the stockbrokers who spoke with The Tide on condition of anonymity, noted that for the policy to be very effective, the stock exchange should put necessary trading infrastructure and platforms in place that would allow stockbrokers to trade like in advance countries.
An operator noted that removal of the Cap could be a welcome development with the coming in of the Asset Management Company, adding that, AMC, the five per cent Cap price movement would not be able to justify the price movement of a stock.
He, however, said that the removal of the Cap may lead to a dip in the price of a stock or the market index since it means a stock can drop to zero level or rise any an level.
He said the policy presents an opportunity for investors to buy at any price they want to buy. “As a Caveat, the stock exchange should put necessary trading infrastructure and platform that would allow stockbrokers to trade like the advanced countries”, he said. Explaining further, he said the exchange should intensify its surveillance and market control effort. He stated that it is a way of ensuring a fast tract recovery of the market.
Another broker noted that the policy is arriving from the proposed restructuring of the NSE, with the expected emergence of market makers to fix the price a stock can attain on a particular trading day, just like in the advanced countries where the market maker’s function predominate. He added that this process will allow the market makers to manage the volatility in stock pricing.
A market analyst, however, pointed out that this is not the right time for the removal of the Cap because the five per cent had given leverage in terms of assisting the market to recover gradually to a sustainable level.
He stated that it is high time the government realised that the stock exchange is the barometer for economic growth and it should ensure the improvement of the efficiency of NSE, restore investor confidence and attract foreign investors to the market. He foresees share appreciation, sustainability and confidence in the market with the proposed restructuring of the NSE.
According to the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NSE, Mr. Sola Oni, it is a speculation yet and if the exchange would embark on the policy, it would be announced officially.
Business
NAFDAC Decries Circulation Of Prohibited Food Items In markets …….Orders Vendors’ Immediate Cessation Of Dealings With Products
Importers, market traders, and supermarket operators have therefore, been directed to immediately cease all dealings in these items and to notify their supply chain partners to halt transactions involving prohibited products.
The agency emphasized that failure to comply will attract strict enforcement measures, including seizure and destruction of goods, suspension or revocation of operational licences, and prosecution under relevant laws.
The statement said “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm over the growing incidence of smuggling, sale, and distribution of regulated food products such as pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste currently found in markets across the country.
“These products are expressly listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are not permitted for importation”.
NAFDAC also called on other government bodies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Shippers Council, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), to collaborate in enforcing the ban on these unsafe products.
