Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the value of capital imported to Nigeria declined by 54.34 percent; from $1.56 billion 2015Q4to $710.97 million in 2016Q11. This is the lowest value since the data was first released in 2007. Huge declines in Portfolio Investment (71.54 percent) and other Investment (44.84 percent) were the major drivers of the trend within the period. A myriad of factors have contributed to the decline in investments. The plunge in crude oil prices, and the resultant negative signals on investors confidence, was a key factor. This was exacerbated by the FOREX restrictions and delays in the assentation of 2016 Appropriation Bill. While the slight increases in oil prices and the recent signing of the budget into law could improve the general economic prospects, monetary authorities need to proffer solutions to the negative effects of the current FOREX restrictions on investments.

The NSE market indices recorded a bear market rally for the third consecutive week in September. Specifically, All-share index and Market Capitalization increased marginally by 0.31 percent to close at 28,335.40 points and N9.73 trillion respectively on September 30, 2016. Major drivers of the rally include; increased trade-volume of financial, agricultural and consumer-goods securities. The continued rise in market indices may be connected to a sustained investor confidence in the agricultural and financial sectors on the account of the ongoing activities of the government and the CBN to stabilize the sectors.