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Lois asks:

Before an investor can begin to trade successfully in the Nigerian stock market, there are some basic skills that one needs to be able to position oneself for maximum profits.

The Nigeria stock market is made up of two markets, the primary and secondary markets. A sound understanding of how these two markets operate is very vital if you are going to succeed. At this junction, let’s x-ray these two markets to understand their workings.

? THE PRIMARY MARKET

The primary market is where fresh funds are raised, anyone who buys shares in this market does not pay any commission, If a company’s IPO is out for the public, all you do is to fill the form and issue your check,

The primary market is the period from the time of the IPO to the point where allotment was done and money returned to those who could not get all they requested for. The primary market is where both new (unlisted) and old (listed) can raise funds in the future either through PO, IPO, RIGHT ISSUES. Also, it is pertinent to mention here, that privete placement activities also are carried out by small sized companies that are aspiring to be listed at floor of the NSE also come to the public to raise funds privately.

? THE SECONDARY MARKET

In order to have an enabling ground to buy and exit effortlessly, the stock exchange provides the platform for trading in listed company shares by institutions and individual. The secondary market is where potential investors can buy and sell such shares. Those who buy at the primary market who have received their share certificate and those who bought directly from the floor transact business at the primary market.

? HOW THE SECONDARY MARKET WORKS.

Once a company is listed, trading on its shares commences. The issuer’s broker announces the listing of the shares, immediately after which other brokers start trading on the company’s shares from that day. Stockbrokers come to trade on behalf of stock brokerage firms; they are members of the Nigerian stock exchange and are represented at the trading floor by stockbrokers.

When a customer wants to buy a stock either by the advice of your stockbroker or on your own understanding, after the agreement on what to buy is reached, the customer gives his stockbroker a written mandate specifying those stocks. He will also fill out a CSCS shareholder’s form and transfer forms. The information given enables the customer to receive correspondence from the registrar and CSCS Ltd, In future, it is on these basis dividends, bonuses, annual accounts and reports will be sent to him. The customer will be issued a contract note by the stock broking firm, which is evidence of purchase. When such stock gets to an appreciable height in terms of capital appreciation in price, he fills out mandate for sale, mandating the stock broker/firm to sell on his behalf.

In the final analysis, approaching the stock market requires that you acquire the foundational know-how necessary for trading, so that you can know how to steer your way in the sometimes uncertain waters of stocks investment.