Weak Form Efficiency of the Nigerian Stock Market : An Empirical Analysis (1984–2009)

This paper examines the weak-form efficient markets hypothesis for the Nigerian stock market by testing for random walks in the monthly index returns over the period 1984-2009. The results of the non-parametric runs test show that index returns on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) display a predictable component, thus suggesting that traders can earn superior returns by employing trading rules. The statistically significant deviations from randomness are also suggestive of sub-optimal allocation of investment capital within the economy. The findings, in general, contradict the weak-form of the efficient markets hypothesis. Finally, a range of policy strategies for improving the allocative capacity and quality of the information environment of the NSE are discussed