Goddy Egene writes that given the gains being recorded in the equities market, discerning investors could invest in stocks to hedge against the rising inflation rate the hit 15.8 per cent in December 2020
Last week the National Bureau Statistics (NBS) released the consumer price index report, which showed that the headline inflation rose to 15.8 per cent in December 2020. The inflation rate, which was an increase from the 14.9 per cent recorded in November, 2020, was said to be the highest level of headline inflation since December 2017, and the largest increase (98bps) since January 2012.
This rising inflation is a great concern for all stakeholders- consumers, manufacturers and investors among others. For instance, for investors to enjoy positive returns on their investments, that returns must be above the headline inflation of 15.8 per cent. And considering the prevailing economic conditions, it is difficult to come across such investments that will deliver returns above the inflation.