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Nigerian Naira to Suffer Further Devaluation Says MTEF

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Zainab Ahmed Finance Minister

Naira to Suffer Additional Devaluation, According to MTEF Report

The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning said the Nigerian Naira may suffer further devaluation against the US dollar given the present economic situation.

In the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy (MTEF/FSP) report, the ministry said the nation is expected to lose around US$26 billion in oil revenue this year, a situation projected to substantially hurt the central bank’s ability to intervene in the foreign exchange market and further weigh on the Naira value.

The MTEF report said “The official exchange rate has also been adjusted upwards to N360/US$1 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). At the Importers & Exporters Foreign Exchange (IEFX) window, where the bulk of foreign exchange transactions are consummated, the exchange rate recently depreciated from about N362/US$1 in January 2020 to over N385/US$1.

“While the CBN continues to make strenuous efforts to stabilize the exchange rate, it is generally expected that the Naira will suffer further devaluation as Nigeria is projected to lose about US$26 billion in oil revenues, its principal source of foreign currency.”

Also, emphasis was placed on the nation’s weak foreign reserves.

According to the report, while Nigeria’s current foreign reserves of $36 billion is enough to support imports for seven months, weak revenue generation amid low oil prices may impede liquidity availability.

This was after President Muhammadu Buhari said the nation suffered a moderate economic decline during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the rest of the world.

The president said “We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every single economy in the world has suffered a decline. Ours has been relatively moderate.

“In order to stabilize the economy, the Monetary Authority took steps to build the external reserves which resulted in improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market. The external reserves grew from $33.42 billion on April 29th 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments.”

The Naira continues to trade at N450 against the US dollar on the black market despite the central bank setting its official exchange rate at N360 to a US dollar. This means except the nation’s foreign revenue picked up with moderate capital importation, Naira will continue to remain under pressure.

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

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Dollar to Naira Black Market Today, May 2nd, 2024

As of May 2nd, 2024, the exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian Naira stands at 1 USD to 1,350 NGN in the black market, also referred to as the parallel market or Aboki fx.

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New Naira Notes

As of May 2nd, 2024, the exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian Naira stands at 1 USD to 1,350 NGN in the black market, also referred to as the parallel market or Aboki fx.

For those engaging in currency transactions in the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market), buyers purchase a dollar for N1,310 and sell it at N1,300 on Monday, April 29th, 2024 based on information from Bureau De Change (BDC).

Meaning, the Naira exchange rate declined when compared to today’s rate below.

This black market rate signifies the value at which individuals can trade their dollars for Naira outside the official or regulated exchange channels.

Investors and participants closely monitor these parallel market rates for a more immediate reflection of currency dynamics.

How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?

Kindly be aware that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not acknowledge the existence of the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market.

The CBN has advised individuals seeking to participate in Forex transactions to utilize official banking channels.

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

  • Buying Rate: N1,350
  • Selling Rate: N1,340

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Forex

Yen’s Plunge Persists Despite Japan’s Late New York Trading Intervention

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Japan’s attempts to shore up the yen faced yet another setback as the currency continued its downward spiral despite a late intervention in New York trading.

Despite efforts by Japanese authorities to stem the yen’s decline, traders remained unfazed, indicating a growing skepticism towards the efficacy of such measures.

The yen, which had initially weakened as much as 1.1% against the dollar during Asia trading, stubbornly clung to its downward trajectory, inching closer to levels seen before the suspected intervention.

Speculations ran rife among traders regarding Japan’s involvement in the currency market after witnessing abrupt fluctuations in the yen’s value during the final stretch of the US trading session.

This recent development underscores a deepening challenge for Japanese policymakers grappling with the yen’s persistent depreciation.

Despite their best efforts, the market sentiment appears to be increasingly immune to intervention tactics, casting doubts on the effectiveness of such measures in the long run.

Shoki Omori, chief desk strategist at Mizuho Securities Co., weighed in on the situation, remarking, “Japan’s finance ministry likely intervened but couldn’t break 152, where investors used to be cautious.”

He further noted, “Now that authorities are seen as having stepped in for a second time but gave the impression that they cannot stop the yen cheapening trend alone, market participants will likely feel more comfortable to short yen.”

The prevailing sentiment among traders suggests a growing consensus that Japan’s interventions may be insufficient to halt the yen’s depreciation trend.

Despite the authorities’ concerted efforts, the currency’s plunge persists, signaling a broader challenge for policymakers in navigating the complexities of the global currency market.

As the yen’s decline continues unabated, market participants remain on high alert, bracing for further volatility in the days ahead.

The inability of intervention measures to reverse the currency’s downward trajectory raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional policy tools in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable financial landscape.

In the face of mounting challenges, Japanese authorities may find themselves compelled to explore alternative strategies to address the yen’s persistent weakness.

Whether through unconventional policy measures or coordinated efforts with global counterparts, finding a sustainable solution to stabilize the yen remains a pressing priority for policymakers amid evolving market dynamics.

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BDC Operators in Abuja Face EFCC Crackdown: Chaos Erupts in Wuse Zone 4

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BDC Operators - Investors King

The bustling streets of Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja transformed into a scene of chaos and apprehension as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a surprise crackdown on Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

The operation, which unfolded on Monday, sent shockwaves through the financial district, leaving traders and residents bewildered.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of pandemonium as EFCC agents descended upon the area, swiftly apprehending an undisclosed number of BDC operators.

The raid, which occurred around noon, disrupted normal trading activities and prompted fear among the local populace.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, BDC operators confirmed the raid, expressing dismay at the sudden turn of events.

“EFCC just raided the market, arresting many operators. They arrested some persons seen on the street and even pursued some persons to their offices. We are still looking for N30,000 or N50,000 to bail those arrested on Friday yet they came again today,” one trader lamented.

The crackdown comes as part of the EFCC’s concerted efforts to combat illicit financial activities and restore stability to the foreign exchange market.

Last Friday, the anti-graft agency announced the arrest of 34 suspected currency speculators for alleged involvement in foreign exchange fraud, signaling a firm stance against financial malpractice.

However, the EFCC’s actions have stirred controversy, with some questioning the efficacy of such raids in addressing underlying issues affecting the Nigerian currency.

Despite these efforts, the naira opened the week on a negative trajectory against the United States dollar, signaling potential challenges ahead.

At the official market on Monday, the naira witnessed a significant depreciation, trading at N1,419 against the dollar, representing a loss of N58 or 4.3% from the previous trading session.

The decline underscores the persistent demand for the greenback amid economic uncertainties.

Currency traders at the Zone 4 market reported heightened volatility, with the dollar trading at N1,340 per dollar, marking a notable increase from the weekend rate.

Amidst the turmoil, traders like Abubakar Taura navigated the fluctuating market, capitalizing on the volatility to secure profits.

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