By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) has started 2025 with increased trading activity after investors pumped in K5.5 billion in the first 17 days of the New Year.
Figures from MSE indicate that investors traded 22,575,242 shares in 1,008 transactions between January 1 and 17, 2025.
The figures further show a sharp rise from same time last year when investors traded 6,500,393 shares worth K1.2 billion in 521 transactions.
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This illuminates a 358 percent jump in the traded share value and a 246 percent increase in the share volume.
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Trading happened on 13 counters while Sunbird Hotels, Old Mutual, and Blantyre Hotels Limited recorded no activity.
FDH Bank dominated trading volumes as investors bought close to 3 million shares worth K439.7 million.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) emerged top earner after trading 147,124 shares worth K673.548 million. NBM share price jumped 15 percent from K3,981 to K4,578 during the period. Standard Bank share price also rose 6.42 percent from K6,483.97 to K6,900.01.
In an interview, MSE Chief Operating Officer Kelline Kondowe said the market performed beyond expectations.
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Kondowe said volumes traded and number of transactions signal increased investor confidence.
“The market has opened on a positive note with a return of 9.97 percent. This is higher than what was observed in the initial weeks of last year. Of course, we have to remember that volatility is part of market dynamics, and a clearer picture of the year will emerge as it progresses,” Kondowe said.
Minority Shareholders Association of Listed Companies (Misalico) Secretary General Frank Harawa attributed the rise to good company performance in 2024.
“When we entered January 2024, there was little enthusiasm as companies were releasing trading statements for 2023, following a recent 44 percent devaluation. Companies like Airtel and TNM were not performing well, leading to shareholder disinterest,” Harawa said.
But Harawa said recent strong trading statements from Nico Holdings and NBM projecting huge profits have restored investor confidence.
He further said he expects the positive trend to continue until June when listed companies release their half-year trading statements.
