Economy

Bank of Australia Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged

Published

8 years ago

September 1, 2015

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to leave the new cash rate target at 2.00 percent. The rate which was last changed on 6th May 2015 when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced its overnight loans between financial intermediaries by 0.25 percent from 2.25 percent was universally expected by economists to remain the same considering drop in Australia exports amid the global economic slowdown.

According to Glenn Stevens, the global economy is growing at a reasonable pace through better conditions is needed in China (emerging markets) to ensure increased supply from Australia because of falling terms of trade.

The available information suggests that the Australian economy continues to expand moderately even with developments in China and it’s expected to sustain this growth due to the cheap cost of production and increase in investors’ interest in the economy. Although, the US Federal Reserve is expected to start increasing its interest rate over the period ahead long-time borrowing rates for most countries and private borrowers remain low. Therefore, overall global financial conditions remain accommodative.

Inflation is forecast to remain consistent for the next one to two years even with the current lower exchange rate because the economy is likely to be operating with a degree of spare capacity for a while and with inflationary pressures contained it is necessary to ensure accommodative monetary policy to ensure continuous borrowing and spending in order to spur growth.

The housing market is recording moderate growth in terms of lending in recent months, though trends have been more varied in a number of cities, stated the statement. The bank will continue to work with other regulatory bodies to assess and contain risks from the housing market while other asset markets have been boosted by lower long-term interest rates. The report also stated that the Australian dollar is adjusting to the significant declines in key commodity prices.

Australian dollar failed to sustain its early profit against the US dollar after the report was released and currently trading at a 0.7117 price level.

Up Next

UK Services PMI Plunges to 26 Months Low

Don't Miss

Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index Rose 2.96 Percent

Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

Comments

Economy

Federal Government to Earn Over $500 Million in INTELS Deal

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2023

Investors King

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has unveiled an agreement with INTELS Nigeria Limited that is set to bring substantial financial gains to the federal government.

The comprehensive deal, negotiated over weeks, not only resolves a contentious pilotage contract but also promises to bolster Nigeria’s coffers by over $500 million.

The accord encompasses a multifaceted approach to financial benefits, including an interest waiver of $193,317,556 and a significant reduction in the interest rate on outstanding debt.

The debt, originally at a six-month London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) + 6.5%, has been revised to a more favorable six months Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) + 3%.

Such financial restructuring is anticipated to save the government a staggering $326.8 million over the next 15 years.

NPA, in a detailed breakdown, elucidated that the agreement further involves spreading the debt repayment over 15 years, with the initial two years being interest-free.

Additionally, there is a commendable reduction in the commission percentage, dropping from 28% to 24.5%, a move that aligns with the government’s commitment to optimizing financial resources.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received accolades for his tireless efforts in steering the negotiations to a successful conclusion. NPA expressed gratitude for his commitment to putting Nigeria first, emphasizing the critical role played by the minister in resolving the long-standing INTELS dispute.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, denied benefiting from the reinstatement of INTELS contracts.

He clarified that his divestment from the company remains unchanged, emphasizing that he cannot be a beneficiary of the restored pilotage monitoring business.

NPA’s move to ensure a resolution with INTELS is not only seen as a financial triumph but also as a strategic step towards fostering economic stability.

The agreement is poised to have a positive ripple effect on revenue generation and underscores the government’s commitment to diplomatic and economically viable solutions.

Economy

Nigeria’s Refinery Output Plummets by 92% in a Decade

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2023

Investors King

Nigeria’s local refineries recorded a 92% decline in output over the past decade, according to the Statistical Review of the World Energy 2023 report.

The data unveils a drastic drop in refining capacity, plummeting from 92,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2012 to a mere 6,000 bpd in 2022.

This disconcerting revelation is echoed in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) Annual Statistical Bulletin 2023, which underscores an 81% reduction in Nigeria’s crude oil refining capacity, falling from 33,000 bpd in 2018 to 6,000 bpd in 2022.

Despite owning four government-owned refineries, located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, with a collective capacity of around 4.45 million bpd, Nigeria continues to heavily rely on importing refined petroleum products.

This dependency raises questions about the nation’s resilience and self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, had previously announced plans for the Port Harcourt refinery to commence operations by the end of the current year, with the Warri and Kaduna refineries expected to follow suit in early 2024.

This revelation comes amid rising concerns over Nigeria’s continued reliance on importing refined petroleum products, even with substantial investments in refinery infrastructure.

The decline in local refining exacerbates the challenge, leading to soaring petrol prices and a strain on the nation’s economic landscape.

Industry experts stress the urgency of revitalizing local refineries, emphasizing that dependence on imports is neither sustainable nor conducive to the country’s economic well-being.

As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of its energy dynamics, the impending revival of local refineries stands out as a crucial solution to navigate these challenging times.

Economy

FIRS Grants Taxpayers Reprieve: Offers Waiver on Penalties and Interests for Overdue Taxes

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2023

Investors King

In a move to alleviate the challenges faced by taxpayers in meeting their obligations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced a significant concession.

The Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, revealed that the agency would be granting a full waiver on penalties and interests for overdue taxes, emphasizing its commitment to supporting businesses amid economic challenges.

“In recognition of the challenges that many taxpayers have faced in settling their outstanding tax liabilities,” said Adedeji, “the Federal Inland Revenue Service has approved the following tax concessions for taxpayers with outstanding tax liabilities.”

This rare concession, in accordance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, LFN 2004, as amended, entails a complete waiver of penalties and interests on outstanding tax liabilities.

Taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity, provided they fulfill the condition of settling the full outstanding principal before December 31, 2023.

Adedeji further cautioned that after the concession window closes, the full penalty and interest would be reinstated if the outstanding undisputed liability remains unpaid, reinforcing the urgency for taxpayers to act within the stipulated timeframe.