The Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) recorded mixed trading activity during the week ending April 17, 2025, with banking stocks dominating in value terms while NITL led in trading volumes.
National Investment Trust Limited (NITL) emerged as the most actively traded counter by volume, moving 2,062,198 shares worth K1.47 billion. The stock closed the week at K715.03 per share, showing minimal movement from its opening price of K715.01.
NBS Bank followed closely with 1,381,730 shares changing hands, generating value of K3.92 billion during the week. The counter closed at K343.64, down slightly from its opening price of K344.88.
Airtel Malawi recorded substantial activity with 2,358,414 shares traded, valued at K304.37 million. The telecommunications company closed at K129.06, marginally up from its opening price of K129.03, maintaining its market capitalisation at K1.42 trillion.
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FDH Bank witnessed significant investor interest with 158 trades executed during the week, moving 1,032,333 shares worth K324.8 million. The banking stock closed at K314.59, slightly down from its opening price of K314.70.
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Among the highest-priced counters, Standard Bank maintained its position with shares trading at K9, 500.03, generating K90.01 million in value from just 9,475 shares traded.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) shares traded at K6, 200.14, with 66,376 shares changing hands worth K411.54 million. The bank maintained its position as one of the largest companies on the exchange with a market capitalisation of K2.89 trillion.
Press Corporation Limited (PCL) saw its shares trade at K3, 802.21, with transactions totalling K103.42 million from 27,200 shares.
FMBCH, the holding company for First Capital Bank, closed at K1, 223.08 after trading 29,515 shares valued at K36.46 million.
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Sunbird Tourism was the only counter that recorded no trades during the week, with its price quoted at K300.14.
T h e telecommunications sector showed varied performance, with TNM shares fluctuating between K23 and K24.92 before settling at K23.66, while Airtel Malawi maintained relative stability at K129.06.
Overall, the week’s trading reflected continued investor confidence in the banking sector, which accounted for the largest portion of market value, with NBM, Standard Bank, and NBS Bank leading in this respect.
In a recent interview, market analyst Brian Kampanje said the impressive performance is multifaceted.
He said there has been enhanced capital market financial literacy initiatives which are bearing fruits as more retail investors are turning to the MSE for investment opportunities and therefore increasing the demand for shares of attractive listed companies and pushing the market share prices upwards.
“The heightened inflation is increasing the market share prices but the good thing is that the growth rate of the market share price is way above the inflation rates, allowing investors to realise real capital gains. The institutional investors such as pension houses with excess liquidity are investing on MSE and this is good for Malawi as more shares will be in the hands of well-informed investors.
“The profit forecasts through trading statements and revised trading statements indicated that only one listed company would make a loss on the 2024 financial year. Otherwise, some companies which were otherwise deeply affected by the November 2023, 44 percent massive devaluation returned to making profits and are likely to declare dividends in 2025. This enhances investors’ confidence,” Kampanje said.
