STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE AND THE AUGMENTATION OF FRONTIER ECONOMIES: A Comparative Scrutiny of Nigeria & Mauritius

Abstract

This paper provides a comparative analysis on stock market performance and augmentation of frontier economies: Nigeria and Mauritius. Using a Paired-Samples T-test statistical modus-operandi, data of Market Capitalization and Gross Domestic Product were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and Annual Financial Services Commission Statistical Bulletin of Mauritius during 2006-2010. The findings revealed that stock market performance for Mauritius was superior to Nigeria and same for GDP. In addition, the negativity shows that stock market performance has a negative impact on economic progress in Nigeria and Mauritius. This may be due to the fact that frontier markets give attention to money market while relegating stock market to the background. On this note, since stock market contributes significantly to economic growth, efforts by both governments should be that of developing policies aimed at further strengthening stock market. These policies should not be ‘written-policies’ but policies that can be put into practice. Also, market capitalization can be stimulated by encouraging investments in stock market. This can be done by ensuring investors are fail-safe of their investments. When investors perceive a safety of their investment, they may want to commit their resources and in turn make the economy to flourish.