Analysts Expect Investors To Focus On Fundamentally Strong Stocks

Capital market analysts have projected that investors will continue to focus on fundamentally strong stocks with attractive valuations as year-end trading activities gather momentum.

The Nigerian equities market sustained its December rally last week, driven by renewed optimism and stronger buying interest as investors positioned ahead of year-end liquidity flows.

Cowry Assets Management Limited stated that the market’s upward momentum remains intact, as investors rotate into fundamentally strong counters in anticipation of increased liquidity towards the end of the year.

“Overall, the market’s upward stride remains intact as investors continue to rotate into fundamentally stronger counters ahead of the expected liquidity uptick that typically accompanies the close of the year,” the firm said.

Similarly, Imperial Asset Managers Limited noted that investor sentiment remains broadly constructive, supported by sustained interest in fundamentally strong and liquid stocks, particularly in the banking, industrial and consumer goods sectors.

While cautioning that pockets of profit-taking may persist in stocks that have recorded strong rallies, the firm said the overall market tone remains resilient, supported by year-end portfolio rebalancing and demand for blue-chip and dividend-paying stocks.

For the week, the benchmark All-Share Index rose by 1.63 per cent to close at 149,433.25 points, edging closer to the 150,000 mark. Market capitalisation also gained N1.54 trillion, closing at N95.264 trillion.

Market breadth closed positive, with 49 gainers, 41 losers and 57 unchanged stocks. Morison Industries topped the gainers’ chart, rising by 32.49 per cent to close at N4.69 per share, followed by MeCure Industries, which gained 27.35 per cent to close at N37.95. Japaul Gold & Ventures advanced by 26.67 per cent to N2.66 per share.

On the losers’ side, Eterna declined by 14.93 per cent to close at N33.20, UACN shed 14.26 per cent to N83.00, while e-Tranzact International fell by 10.00 per cent to N12.60.

Total turnover stood at 4.373 billion shares valued at N97.783 billion in 110,736 deals, compared with 6.617 billion shares worth N113.224 billion traded in the previous week.

The Financial Services sector led trading activity with 2.252 billion shares worth N47.204 billion, followed by the ICT sector with 1.118 billion shares valued at N13.148 billion. The Oil and Gas sector recorded a turnover of 233.891 million shares worth N4.726 billion.

Trading in e-Tranzact International, Access Holdings and FCMB Group accounted for 43.93 per cent of total traded volume and 22.72 per cent of total traded value for the week.

Regalia Pop-Up Events Boss Urges Start-Ups On Clarity, Consistency

Founder of Regalia Pop-Up Events, Rakeebah Sali Bello, has urged start-up businesses in Nigeria to prioritise clarity of purpose and consistency as critical drivers of sustainable growth.

Bello, who leads the fast-rising lifestyle and retail platform, gave the advice at a recent forum in Abuja, where she stressed the importance of clearly defining vision and target audience from the outset while maintaining a strong focus on quality delivery.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to be patient with growth, invest in continuous learning and embrace modest beginnings in pursuit of long-term goals. According to her, building strong relationships, seeking mentorship and remaining adaptable are essential to navigating the challenges faced by young businesses.

Speaking on the vision behind Regalia Pop-Up Events, Bello said the platform was created to bridge the gap between small businesses and their target markets by providing credibility, structure and opportunity. She said Regalia prioritises quality, professionalism and community building.

She said the most recent edition of the event, held on November 15 and 16, 2025, at the Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja, attracted entrepreneurs, lifestyle influencers, creatives and industry stakeholders. Notable attendees included Senator Shehu Sani, as well as fashion designers, media personalities, and community leaders.

According to Bello, the event featured a carefully curated mix of vendors, entertainment and interactive experiences, setting it apart from conventional pop-up markets. Vendors are selected based on creativity, professionalism, and product quality and customer engagement to ensure a premium experience.

She disclosed that participants have reported tangible business outcomes from the platform, including increased sales and brand visibility. Additionally, one vendor secured contract opportunities valued at over ₦100 million through connections made at the event.

The brand recently received further recognition through the donation of a vehicle by one of its sponsors, BUJETI, in acknowledgement of its impact on small business development.

Bello, who also serves as a Chief Physiotherapist, said discipline, effective time management and a strong support system have enabled her to balance clinical practice with entrepreneurship. She added that Regalia Pop-Up Events plans to expand into multiple cities and countries while strengthening its online presence and entrepreneurship support programmes.