Traditionally, roses, chocolates and thoughtful gestures have taken centre stage as the perfect expressions of love. But what if, this year, you give your partner a gift that keeps on appreciating, both emotionally and financially? TEMITOPE AINA writes
Valentine’s Day is just weeks away, and as the countdown begins, many are already thinking about how to make this year’s celebration special. In this article, we will explore how gifting stocks can provide a unique, lasting, and impactful way to celebrate your love. Instead of a bouquet, consider a gift that can grow in value over time and an investment in your future together.
Why Stocks?
Rather than spending money on something that disappears after a short while, giving your partner stocks is a forward-thinking expression of love and care. The capital market allows for a gift that could be appreciated over time, potentially benefiting your partner’s financial future. It’s an investment in both your relationship and your wealth, combining sentiment with practicality.
Here are some reasons a partner should consider giving each other stocks or capital market investments:
Long-term symbol of love and commitment
Gifting stocks goes beyond the typical fleeting Valentine’s Day gift. It symbolises a long-term commitment, much like the growth of a stock investment. By choosing stocks as a gift, a partner can show that he or she is thinking about a shared future; one of growth, stability, and prosperity.
Financial empowerment
Gifting stocks can help your partner gain exposure to the world of investing. Many people are hesitant to enter the stock market due to a lack of knowledge or experience. Giving them stocks, or introducing them to the capital market, empowers them to take control of their financial future.
Wealth building together
Investing in stocks is a powerful way to build wealth. With time and a solid investment strategy, stocks can appreciate significantly, leading to substantial financial gains. When partners invest in stocks together, they are not just sharing their love but also working towards a common financial goal. By pooling resources into stocks, both individuals can benefit from the power of compound growth and the potential for long-term wealth creation.
Tangible growth and results
Whether it’s through price appreciation or dividend payouts, stocks provide visible financial returns that can be tracked over time. For example, if a partner gives shares in a company, they can see how the stock performs in the market and track its growth or dividends. This tangible growth makes the gift more meaningful and rewarding, as it reflects the evolving nature of a relationship.
Flexibility and personalisation
One of the most appealing aspects of gifting stocks is the flexibility it offers. Unlike a bouquet of flowers, which will wither in a matter of days, stocks can be gifted as a personalised financial gift. If you know your partner has a passion for technology, for example, gifting shares in a tech company can make the gift feel more thoughtful and meaningful. You can select from different sectors such as healthcare, energy, or even socially responsible companies that align with their personal values or interests.
Educational opportunity
Giving stocks as a gift provides a great opportunity for both partners to learn about the capital market and investments. Understanding the value of stocks, how to trade them, and how to monitor market trends are key skills for personal financial growth. Learning together and discussing your investments can strengthen communication and trust in the relationship, all while building knowledge and financial literacy.
Lower carbon footprint
As society moves towards sustainability, some individuals may prefer investing in companies with a focus on green energy, sustainable practices, or environmental responsibility. When gifting stocks, a partner can choose companies that align with their values by helping to create a more positive social and environmental impact.
Power of compound growth
One of the major benefits of investing in stocks is the potential for compound growth. Compound interest occurs when the returns on an investment start generating their own returns. This means that the longer the investment is held, the greater the potential for returns to grow exponentially.
Top sectors for Nigerian stocks
When looking to buy stocks in Nigeria’s capital market, investors typically focus on companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange. Although the NGX remains the top place for stock trading in Nigeria, there are several other venues like the FMDQ, NASD OTC Securities Exchange, and global exchanges.
Below are some key sectors and types of stocks that are commonly recommended due to their growth potential and stability:
Blue-chip stocks
These are large, well-established companies with a strong market presence and a history of good financial performance. They tend to be more stable and less volatile, making them a safer choice for investors seeking long-term growth. Blue-chip stocks often have large market capitalisations, strong balance sheets, and the ability to navigate economic challenges.
Dividend-paying stocks
Stocks that pay regular dividends can be appealing for investors seeking consistent income, in addition to potential capital appreciation. These stocks tend to be less volatile, providing a stable return through dividend payouts, which is attractive to income-focused investors.
Banking stocks
The banking sector is traditionally one of the most attractive sectors for investment in Nigeria. Given its central role in the economy and growth potential, banking stocks offer investors opportunities for growth, especially during periods of economic recovery and development.
Consumer goods stocks
Companies in the consumer goods sector tend to show consistent growth and profitability, thanks to steady demand for everyday products.
Stocks in this sector are often favoured for their ability to maintain stable performance despite broader economic fluctuations, making them a reliable investment option.
Telecommunication stocks
The telecommunications sector has experienced rapid expansion in Nigeria, and as mobile and internet services continue to grow, investing in telecommunication stocks can provide significant growth opportunities. This sector is poised for long-term expansion, particularly as the country’s tech-savvy population increases.
Oil & gas stocks
Given Nigeria’s status as an oil-rich nation, the oil and gas sector offers attractive investment opportunities, especially when global oil prices rise. Investors in this sector must consider market conditions, but oil and gas companies can perform well when prices increase, providing a good avenue for investment.
Technology and innovation stocks
The tech sector in Nigeria is on the rise, with the potential for high returns. While tech stocks may be more volatile than those in traditional sectors, the growth potential is significant as technology adoption in Nigeria and Africa continues to expand. This sector is ideal for investors looking for speculative, high-reward opportunities.
How to choose the right stocks
Choosing the right stocks is crucial to making this gift a success. This is how to go about it:
Research & alignment with interests
Before purchasing any stock, it’s essential to understand what interests your partner. Are they passionate about the stock market? Do they follow a particular sector? Whether it’s technology, healthcare, or sustainable energy, the more you know about their preferences, the better you can select investments that will resonate with them.
Diversified portfolio
While giving a single stock is an option, consider building a diversified portfolio. A diversified portfolio reduces risk by spreading investments across various industries. This can help protect the investment from market volatility and provide more consistent growth. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an easy way to diversify since they group together a variety of stocks into a single investment.
Dividend-paying stocks
If you’re looking to make an even more thoughtful investment, consider dividend-paying stocks. These stocks provide regular cash payouts to investors, which can be reinvested to grow the investment further or used for other purposes. Dividend-paying stocks provide a sense of stability and income, making them a wonderful choice for someone looking for both growth and security.
Long-term focus
Focus on companies with solid growth prospects. Look for those with proven track records, strong management, and a future outlook that suggests consistent growth. A long-term investment in well-established businesses, such as blue-chip stocks, can provide a reliable and stable investment that benefits both parties over time.
How to gift stocks
Once you’ve chosen the right stocks, the next step is to figure out how to gift them. Here are some options for making the process seamless:
According to Investopedia, gifting stocks has never been easier and can be achieved from the comfort of home fairly quickly. There are several options available to you. Some of the most common include:
Broking account transfer: You can buy the stock with your broking account and transfer it to the recipient, assuming they also have an account. For kids, you’ll probably want to set up a custodial account, leaving you in control until they reach a certain age.
Online app: There are plenty of apps that specialise in gifting stock. Examples include GiveAshare, Unique Stock Gifts, and Stockpile.
Considerations for gifting stocks
While gifting stocks is an exciting and thoughtful idea, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
Market volatility
The stock market is subject to fluctuations, and while it’s possible to make significant gains over time, it’s also possible to face short-term losses. Ensure that your partner is aware of this potential volatility and the long-term nature of stock investments. This can help manage expectations and avoid disappointment if market fluctuations occur.
Tax implications
Some countries may impose taxes on stock gifts. It’s important to consult with a financial advisor to understand the tax implications of gifting stocks. In some cases, you may need to file a gift tax return, depending on the value of the stocks. Understanding this ahead of time ensures there are no surprises down the road.
Interest in investing
Before gifting stocks, ensure that your partner is interested in managing their investment. While some people enjoy following the stock market, others may not have the time or inclination to track their investments. Having a discussion about their interest in managing stocks and their financial goals can help you decide if this is the right gift for them.
Exploring alternative investment options for gifting
While stocks are a popular and well-known investment option for gifting, they are not the only choice. Gifting alternative investments like bonds, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency can offer different advantages for both the giver and the recipient. Other investment options to consider include Bonds, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrency, and Exchange-Traded Funds
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day is just weeks away, and this year, why not make your celebration investment-worthy? Gifting stocks instead of traditional flowers or chocolates not only shows your love but also opens the door to potential financial growth for both you and your partner. Stocks represent a commitment to a shared future, blending sentiment with the practicality of building wealth. Whether it’s through a carefully selected stock, a diversified portfolio, or dividend-paying shares, gifting stocks provides an opportunity for long-term growth and lasting impact.
This Valentine’s Day, consider giving a gift that not only lasts beyond February 14th but one that also grows with your relationship—a gift that symbolises both love and a bright future together. Because love, like investments, thrives best when nurtured over time.
