7 Things Every Investor Should Do Before Year-End
7 Things Every Investor Should Do Before Year-End
November 5, 2025
It’s that time of the year again, when we look back, take stock, and plan. For investors in the Nigerian capital market, the last few weeks of the year are more than just festive; they’re strategic.
Between interest rate hikes, exchange rate swings, and plenty of corporate announcements on the NGX, 2025 has kept investors on their toes. So, before you wrap things up and log off for the holidays, here are seven smart things every investor or shareholder should do before year-end.
1. Review Your Portfolio
It’s easy to set it and forget it but portfolios need check-ups too. Go through your stocks, mutual funds, and other investments. Which ones met your expectations? Which ones dragged behind? Are you still on track with your investment goals or has your risk tolerance changed?
A quick portfolio review helps you make better decisions and avoid holding on to dead weight.
2. Check Your Dividends
This is a big one. Make sure you’ve received all your dividends for the year, and that your bank and CSCS details are correct. Unclaimed dividends are still a major issue in Nigeria, and it’s often just a paperwork problem.
If you received dividends, ask yourself: should you reinvest them into the same company or diversify elsewhere? Reinvesting consistently can boost your returns in the long run.
Unclaimed dividends are still a major issue in Nigeria, and it’s often just a paperwork problem.
3. Keep an Eye on Corporate Actions
Companies often announce their financial performance toward year-end. Don’t miss them! Read those circulars, financial statements, NGX and SEC updates, they could contain opportunities (or warnings) that directly affect your holdings. Ignoring corporate actions can mean leaving money on the table.
4. Rebalance Your Portfolio
If one or two stocks have skyrocketed this year, great, but that might mean your portfolio is now out of balance. Consider taking some profit and reallocating to other financial instruments or "undervalued" stocks. The goal is to stay diversified and aligned with your long-term plan, not just chase short-term gains.
5. Sort Out Your Taxes and Compliance
No one likes tax talk, but it’s important. Check your capital gains and dividend taxes and confirm you’re compliant with FIRS regulations. For corporate investors, make sure your CAC filings are up to date too. The last thing you want is a tax issue or compliance snag delaying your dividend payout or trading rights next year.
6. Watch the Big Picture: Macroeconomics Matters!
Pay attention to what’s happening in the bigger economy. CBN policy changes, inflation trends, and the naira’s movement can all impact the market. For example, higher interest rates often attract funds into fixed-income assets, while lower rates can make equities more attractive. Understanding these shifts can help you stay one step ahead of the market in 2026.
Pay attention to what’s happening in the bigger economy.
7. Set Fresh Goals for the New Year
Finally, end the year with intention. Do you want to grow your portfolio value? Focus more on dividend income? Or maybe diversify beyond the Nigerian market? Whatever it is, write it down and plan how you’ll get there.
And if you’re not sure where to start, talking to a licensed financial adviser or portfolio manager can help you fine-tune your next move.
Final Thoughts
The year-end is not just about celebrating gains or lamenting losses; it’s about positioning yourself for the future. By taking these seven steps, investors and shareholders in the Nigerian capital market can begin the new year with clarity, confidence, and a refreshed strategy.
So, as you prepare to ring in the new year, make sure your investments are ready too. Your future self will thank you!
Disclaimer
This post is for general information only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always consult a licensed investment adviser or stockbroker registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria before making investment decisions.
It’s that time of the year again, when we look back, take stock, and plan. For investors in the Nigerian capital market, the last few weeks of the year are more than just festive; they’re strategic.
Between interest rate hikes, exchange rate swings, and plenty of corporate announcements on the NGX, 2025 has kept investors on their toes. So, before you wrap things up and log off for the holidays, here are seven smart things every investor or shareholder should do before year-end.
1. Review Your Portfolio
It’s easy to set it and forget it but portfolios need check-ups too. Go through your stocks, mutual funds, and other investments. Which ones met your expectations? Which ones dragged behind? Are you still on track with your investment goals or has your risk tolerance changed?
A quick portfolio review helps you make better decisions and avoid holding on to dead weight.
2. Check Your Dividends
This is a big one. Make sure you’ve received all your dividends for the year, and that your bank and CSCS details are correct. Unclaimed dividends are still a major issue in Nigeria, and it’s often just a paperwork problem.
If you received dividends, ask yourself: should you reinvest them into the same company or diversify elsewhere? Reinvesting consistently can boost your returns in the long run.
Unclaimed dividends are still a major issue in Nigeria, and it’s often just a paperwork problem.
3. Keep an Eye on Corporate Actions
Companies often announce their financial performance toward year-end. Don’t miss them! Read those circulars, financial statements, NGX and SEC updates, they could contain opportunities (or warnings) that directly affect your holdings. Ignoring corporate actions can mean leaving money on the table.
4. Rebalance Your Portfolio
If one or two stocks have skyrocketed this year, great, but that might mean your portfolio is now out of balance. Consider taking some profit and reallocating to other financial instruments or "undervalued" stocks. The goal is to stay diversified and aligned with your long-term plan, not just chase short-term gains.
5. Sort Out Your Taxes and Compliance
No one likes tax talk, but it’s important. Check your capital gains and dividend taxes and confirm you’re compliant with FIRS regulations. For corporate investors, make sure your CAC filings are up to date too. The last thing you want is a tax issue or compliance snag delaying your dividend payout or trading rights next year.
6. Watch the Big Picture: Macroeconomics Matters!
Pay attention to what’s happening in the bigger economy. CBN policy changes, inflation trends, and the naira’s movement can all impact the market. For example, higher interest rates often attract funds into fixed-income assets, while lower rates can make equities more attractive. Understanding these shifts can help you stay one step ahead of the market in 2026.
Pay attention to what’s happening in the bigger economy.
7. Set Fresh Goals for the New Year
Finally, end the year with intention. Do you want to grow your portfolio value? Focus more on dividend income? Or maybe diversify beyond the Nigerian market? Whatever it is, write it down and plan how you’ll get there.
And if you’re not sure where to start, talking to a licensed financial adviser or portfolio manager can help you fine-tune your next move.
Final Thoughts
The year-end is not just about celebrating gains or lamenting losses; it’s about positioning yourself for the future. By taking these seven steps, investors and shareholders in the Nigerian capital market can begin the new year with clarity, confidence, and a refreshed strategy.
So, as you prepare to ring in the new year, make sure your investments are ready too. Your future self will thank you!
Disclaimer
This post is for general information only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always consult a licensed investment adviser or stockbroker registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria before making investment decisions.
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Get our self service app
Monitor all your investment portfolio on the go. Track and access dividends from multiple investments.
Africa Prudential Plc is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria.
Get our self service app
Monitor all your investment portfolio on the go. Track and access dividends from multiple investments.
Africa Prudential Plc is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria.