Research

Weekly Money Market Fund (MMF) Performance Update – Week Ending 21st March 2025

Each week, we track and highlight the performance of Money Market Funds (MMFs) in Kenya, helping investors stay informed as they assess where to place their short-term cash. As of the week ending 21st March, the Kenyan MMF market continues to see attractive yields, with Gulfcap, Cytonn, and Kuza Money Market Funds leading the pack with returns of 16.3%, 15.6%, and 14.2% respectively.

The average yield across the top 10 funds stood at 13.9%, showing a slight decline from 14.1% recorded the previous week. Overall, this signals a relatively stable performance in the short-term fixed income space.

Top 10 Performing MMFs – 21st March 2025

RankFundEffective Annual Return (EAR)
1Gulfcap Money Market Fund16.3%
2Cytonn Money Market Fund15.6%
3Kuza Money Market Fund14.2%
4Etica Money Market Fund14.1%
5Lofty-Corban Money Market Fund14.0%
6Arvocap Money Market Fund14.0%
7Ndovu Money Market Fund13.1%
8Enwealth Money Market Fund12.9%
9Orient Kasha Money Market Fund12.7%
10Britam Money Market Fund12.5%

Market Overview: Stability with Selective Volatility

The money market sector showed remarkable stability week-on-week, with the top 10 funds’ average yield dipping slightly from 14.1% to 13.9%. Gulfcap and Cytonn maintained their dominance, while Kuza and Etica solidified their positions in the top tier. Notably:

  • Consistency: Gulfcap retained its #1 spot with an unchanged 16.3% yield.
  • Tight Competition: A mere 0.1% separated Kuza (14.2%) and Etica (14.1%).

Analyst Notes

  1. Stability at the Top: The consistency of Gulfcap and Cytonn suggests disciplined risk/return strategies, likely anchored in high-quality government securities and cash equivalents.
  2. Volatility at the Bottom: Equity MMF’s rebound may indicate tactical repositioning, but its sub-6% yield warrants caution.
  3. Sector Trend: The minimal average yield decline (-0.2%) points to stable short-term interest rates, with selective volatility in mid-tier funds.

What Investors Should Watch

  • Macro Factors: Central Bank of Kenya’s liquidity management and Treasury bill rates.
  • Fund-Specific Risks: Decliners like Orient Kasha may need closer scrutiny for asset allocation shifts.
  • Opportunities: Enwealth and Apollo’s steady gains could signal improving strategies.

Disclaimer

Data sourced from CMA-licensed fund managers. Past performance ≠ future results. This analysis is informational only and not investment advice. Consult a financial advisor before making decisions.

#Kenya #Investing #MoneyMarket #FinancialMarkets #AssetManagement

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