Evaluation of the Impact of Macroeconomic Variables on Stock Market Performance in Nigeria

Abstract

Stock market is an essential part of a nation’s economy and requires adequate evaluation of all factors that militate against its performance. This study investigates the role of macroeconomic variables in determining the stock market performance in Nigeria using annual time series data covering a period from 2009 to 2018. These data have been sourced from the World Bank Development Indicators, International Monetary Fund and CBN Statistical Bulletin. The results from the regression analysis indicate that exchange rate and interest rate do not have significant impact on share price index while inflation rate exerts a significant negative influence on share price index. On the contrary and in line with the concept of GDP and stock market performance, GDP significantly and positively impacts on share price index. The study among others suggests that the growth of the economy should be maintained to keep stock market flourishing while macroeconomic variables such as inflation, interest rate and exchange rate should be appropriately regulated by the relevant authorities to curtail all negative influences on stock market performance.