Currency |

Here’s What FX Traders Should Watch as May Faces Brexit Votes

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) – The pound is vulnerable to swings Tuesday as traders tweak positions ahead of votes by lawmakers to change Theresa May’s Brexit deal. The currency could climb to levels not seen in six months if Parliament votes to accept what has come to be known as the Cooper-Boles amendment, which seeks to defer Britain’s departure from the European Union should the prime minister not win approval for her deal by a…

Unintended Result of Nigerian Dollar Hunt Is Naira Shortage

Posted on by The Editorial Team

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – First Nigerian businesses were hit by a dollar shortage. Now there aren’t enough naira. A central bank requirement that companies back forward dollar purchases with naira is drying up supplies, helping to underpin a 2.1 percent gain since the local currency fell to a record low against the greenback on Aug. 9. At the same time, an increase in government borrowing is spurring banks to invest in the safety of sovereign debt rather…

The Reason Why South Africa’s Central Bank May Cut Again This Week

Posted on by The Editorial Team

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – If South Africa’s central bank cuts interest rates again this week, just don’t accuse it of doing so for the sake of “socioeconomic well-being.” The institution has been fighting off a bid by the nation’s anti-graft ombudsman to change its mandate away from targeting inflation to focusing on the financial health and quality of life of its citizens. But officials might be about to deliver their second rate reduction this…

Swiss Regulator Shuts Down `Fake Cryptocurrency’ Firm E-Coin

Posted on by The Editorial Team

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Financial Market Supervisory Authority closed unauthorized providers of “fake cryptocurrency” E-Coin after the company accepted millions of francs in public deposits without holding a banking license, Finma says in statement. Finma started bankruptcy proceedings against legal entities involved Quid Pro Quo has been issuing E-Coins and ran an online trading platform together with Digital Trading AG and Marcelco Group AG The three entities accepted funds amounting to at least…

Global Central Banks Can’t Ignore the Bitcoin Boom, BIS Says

Posted on by The Editorial Team

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – The world’s central banks can’t ignore the growth in cryptocurrencies and may at some point have to consider whether it makes sense for them to issue their own digital currencies, according to the Bank for International Settlements. “Whether or not a central bank should provide a digital alternative to cash is most pressing in countries, such as Sweden, where cash usage is rapidly declining,” the BIS said in its quarterly review….

Nigerian Naira Is Overvalued by 20% vs USD Says Bank of America

Posted on by The Editorial Team

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – “A 20% depreciation in the NAFEX/NGN spot exchange rate is still needed to reach fair value, despite last year’s partial devaluation and the recent moves in key FX windows,” Bank of America analysts Yusuf Rukayat and Gabriele Foa say in a note to clients. They recommend avoiding naira debt, even with 1-year T-bills yielding 22% and FX-hedged trades yielding 12%. “While NGN carry is similar to EGP, we find…

Moody’s: Angolan Banks FAQ answers investors’ questions on correspondent banking pullback

Posted on by The Editorial Team

London (Capital Markets in Africa) – In a new report Moody’s Investors Service answers investors’ questions about the credit implications for Angolan Banks, such as Banco Angolano de Investimentos, S.A. (BAI, BCA b3, LT local currency bank deposits B1, Negative), of the recent reduction in correspondent banking services. The report, “Banco Angolano de Investimentos, S.A. (BAI) Case Study: Angolan banks face challenges meeting dollar obligations following loss of correspondent bank relationships,” is now available on…

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