The FGN Bonds market opened with a negative reaction to the August 2020 Inflation figures which came out 40bps higher at 13.22%. The weakness was not sustained, however, as demand for bonds at the belly of the curve took advantage of the improved offers there as we noted demand on the 2027s—2030s papers.
The long-end of the curve remained flat, with offers on the 2049s and 2050s at mid-9% levels failing to incite any demand interest.
We expect the market to shrug-off the inflation report as liquidity from FGN Bond coupon and OMO maturities payments remain the main driver for demand in the fixed income space in the interim. We expect demand to continue in the interim in the secondary market, as the DMO signalled its intent to keep rates low through its reduced offer at this month’s FGN bond auction.
Treasury Bills
Demand continued to outweigh supply in the OMO bills market, as local banks continued to scramble to fill-up their excess liquidity positions. Not much trades were crossed, especially at the long-end of the OMO curve as bids stayed firmly above the 3.00% level but offer remained below. Rate consequently closed lower by c.72bps on the average across the benchmark OMO curve.
We expect improved supply in tomorrow’s session, as offshore players should look to sell-off old stock in preparation for the anticipated OMO auction much later this week.
Money Markets
Interbank rates remained relatively stable, despite a 12.33% drop in system liquidity figures. Rates closed by c.58bps on the average, as OBB and OVN rates closed the day at 4.40% and 5.20% respectively.
We expect rates to remain stable at lower single digits ahead of expected OMO maturities of N350bn and FGN Bond coupons of c.N90bn dropping later in the week.
FX Market
The FX markets have a stable session today, with rates across all market segments remaining unchanged.
We expect the rates to remain stable for most the week, as the Naira comfortably trades at current levels.
Eurobonds
The NIGERIA Sovereigns strengthened in today’s session, off the back of an increase in global oil as Hurricane Sally causes disruptions across North America. Bids improved across most of the papers on the sovereign curve, as yields compressed by c.4bps on the average.
The NIGERIA Corporate papers also traded on a positive note, with some improved bids seen on the ACCESS 2021s and UBANL 2022s papers.
ZEDCREST RESEARCH
