17th June, 2012
The Nigeria Euro bond is trading at an average yield of 5.52 per cent at the international Capital Market as at June 14, the Debt Management Office has said.
Its Director-General, Dr Abraham Nwankwo that in spite the euro crisis, the Nigerian bond had been trading robustly at the international market.
“In specific terms, for the week ended in June 8, 2012, the average yield of the Nigerian bond in the international capital market was about 5.87 per cent. From June 11 to June 14, the average yield was about 5.52 per cent. This shows that for the past two weeks the Nigerian bond had been trading at a premium of between 500 and 800 basis points. Showing that when investors take into account the internal realities of the Nigerian economy and polity, as well as the ongoing in other countries and economic regions, they end up placing a premium on the Nigerian economy.’’
Nwankwo said that the bond had been trading at a yield much lower than either the 7 per cent at which it was issued or the 6.75 per cent coupon paid the investors for the bond.
According to him, the yield reflect at what price the bond is trading at the secondary market adding that whether it is going up or down has nothing to do with the amount at which it is serviced.
He noted that the movement in the yields indicated investor’s perception of the Nigerian economy in general and the investment climate in particular relative to the strength of other economies from time to time.
“It shows that investors are confident that in the next five years to seven years, the current efforts being made in the Nigerian economy will manifest in an economy growing even faster, and more importantly creating jobs and wealth for the majority of the population.’’
Nwankwo said that with the ambivalence dominating the American economy as well as uncertain projection regarding the Chinese and Indian economies, investors’ interests were stronger with emerging economies.
He added that the with the country’s on-going reforms, it remained the destination of choice for investors across the world.
“Given Nigeria’s ongoing reforms and its undeniable huge resource base and profitable investment potentials, the country is naturally a strong alternative destination for discerning investors. Accordingly, one can understand the basis of the robust performance of the Nigeria’s euro bond.’’
The euro bond was issued in January 2011. It traded at a yield of 7 per cent on the day it was issued. 6.75 per cent coupon is paid on the bond by the Federal Government per annum to the investors.
ENO/ALLI