Spread: Generally, the spread refers to the difference between two prices, rates, or yields. In one of the most common definitions, the spread is the gap between the bid and the ask prices of a security or asset, like a stock, bond, or commodity. This is known as a bid-ask spread.

ETFs: GREAT DEAL FOR INVESTORS

An exchange traded fund (ETF) is a type of security that tracks an index, sector, commodity, or other asset, but which can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange the same as a regular stock.

New Gold ETF (GLD), an exchange traded fund sponsored by Absa Capital, offers the opportunity to invest in gold bullion. The company issues listed instruments (structured as debentures) backed by physical gold. Each debenture is approximately equivalent to 1/100 ounces of gold bullion, which is held with a secure depository on behalf of investors. The debentures are listed on the Ghana (GSE) and six other African stock exchanges.

The current share price of New Gold ETF (GLD) is GH¢158.60. GLD opened this week at GH¢108.60 and recorded a share price increase over this week to close trading at GH¢158.60 per share, translating into a weekly gain of 46.04%.

EQUITY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS: The Ghana Stock Market improves as it gains 0.79 points over the week to close at 2,742.85; returns -1.67% YTD.

Market activity for the week improved compared to previous week as the benchmark GSE Composite Index (GSE-CI) moved up by 0.79 points to close at 2,742.85 translating into a YTD return of -1.67%. The GSE Financial Stock Index (GSE-FSI) also increased by 1.43 points to close the week at 2,174.96 translating into a YTD return of 1.07%. In the aggregate, twenty-one (21) equities participated in trading, ending with no gainers and no decliners.

Market Capitalization subsequently increased by GH¢8.22 million to close the trading week at GH¢64.03 billion.

A total of 83.03 million shares valued at GH¢88.89 million traded during the week compared to 70.27 million shares valued at GH¢78.49 million which traded the previous week. Scancom PLC. (MTNGH) recorded the most trades per value over the week as it accounted for 97.82% of the total value traded.

GSE EQUITY MARKET PERFORMANCE

KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

    Source: GSS, BOG, GBA

SBL RECOMMENDED PICKS

EQUITY UNDER REVIEW:

SCANCOM PLC. (MTNGH)

    Source: Ghana Stock Exchange, SBL Research

     Source: Bloomberg

    Source: Bank of Ghana

    Source: Bloomberg, Bullion by Post, ICCO

JUSTIFICATIONS FOR INCLUDING STOCKS IN A PORTFOLIO

• Typically, stocks outperform all other investment options over a ten-year period making them a must for long term portfolio.
• They are excellent vehicles for retirement.
• Except for a few short periods, stocks have consistently outpaced the rate of inflation.

ANALYSTS

Godwin Kojo Odoom: Senior Research Analyst

Obed Owusu Sackey: Analyst

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