The Domestic Bond Market and the Development of the Nigerian Capital Market: An Empirical Analysis Abstract
The fixed income security (bond) market is an important segment of the capital market in market economies. Its importance lies in the fact that it provides short term investment opportunity for the private investors and long term financing for firms at low cost. Governments use it as a low cost financing instrument for deficit budgets. The domestic bond market is a source of huge liquidity in the financial market which eventually expands the size of the domestic capital market. Theory has it that, a combination of domestic and foreign participation in the domestic debt market generates liquidity, and lowers the national yield curve. This paper examines these theoretical assertions and relations as it applies to the Nigerian capital market. Using data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, we use the methodology of applied financial econometrics to analyse the various relationships. Keywords: Domestic bond market, bond market liquidity, capital market size, national yield curve, Nigeria Eurobond, capital market, foreign participation.
Introduction
This paper essentially examines how the growth of domestic bond market and foreign participation in the same market function to impact the development and growth of the Nigeria capital market and enhance financial stability. Peiris (2010) noted, “A vibrant and deep local currency domestic bond market promotes financial stability and economic growth”. Also a good and functioning domestic bond market is useful in the conduct of monetary policy. A functioning and stable domestic bond market in Nigeria is important for the West African region, Nigeria being the largest economy in the sub-region. Until 2003, Nigeria could not participate in the international debt