E-Financial
Emerging market currencies pressured, but Naira stable
by Hussein Sayed
The Naira has entered the trading week on a firm footing despite a stabilizing Dollar and global trade tensions pressuring emerging market currencies. There is a suspicion that the Naira’s stability could be based on continual intervention from the Central Bank of Nigeria. June was certainly a cruel trading month for emerging market currencies and this negativity could roll over into July if escalating trade tensions weigh on sentiment and erode risk appetite. It will be interesting to see if the Naira is able to maintain its stability at a time where trade war fears and prospects of higher US interest rates have triggered capital outflows from emerging markets.
Recession fears escalate as trade war heats up
It has been an interesting first half for2018. Economic fundamentals and politics took center stage as both fought for market influence. The Federal Reserve is in tightening mode as growth and inflation trended higher, while the trade war between the US and the rest of the world particularly with China and the EU intensified further. In parallel to these events the US administration provided massive stimulus to an economy that is already near full employment which led to further strengthening of the USDollar.
Looking at the big picture, strong economic growth in the US, despite signs of softening elsewhere, provided support for equities. However, geopolitical uncertainty and protectionism remained the key downside risk. We think that we’re in the late stage of the current economic cycle, but there are no signs of a recession yet. In such economic conditions equity investors should be more cautious when investing. A more selective approach is needed as valuations are likely to be further challenged in the months ahead as volatility is further elevated.
Given that inflation will be a key factor driving monetary policies in the second half of 2018, investors need to keep a close eye on Oil prices. The decision by OPEC and non-OPEC members to raise crude supplies by about one million barrels starting from 1 July was considered a negative factor for Oil prices. However, the rise in supply from some OPEC and non-OPEC members will be met by a decline from others; doing the math here will be complicated for investors betting on the direction of prices.
Iran currently faces the re-imposition of US sanctions on its Oil exports after the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Venezuela is also on investors’ radars as there are further signs that its Oil industry is entering a dangerous new phase. Meanwhile, Libyan Oil supply is also at risk with the current political mess. These three countries together may contribute to a fall of more than two million barrels a day by the end of 2018, which is likely to keep Oil prices elevated in the second half of 2018.
Investors and traders should also keep a close eye on the US Treasury yields. The gap between short- and long-term US bond yields fell to its narrowest levels since 2007, and as we get closer to the inversion, the probability of a recession becomes higher.
E-Financial
Ecobank Repays $500m Eurobond
Ecobank has announced the successful repayment of its $500 million five-year Eurobond issued in 2019. According to a statement filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the Eurobond garnered considerable interest from a diverse range of global investors, including long-term development partners such as FMO and Proparco, who served as anchor investors.
Commenting on this achievement, Ecobank Group Financial Officer, Ayo Adepoju, said: “The bond was listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange with a coupon rate of 9.5 per cent. The principal and interest repayment, totalling $524 million, was distributed to bondholders through the transaction agent on the bond maturity date of April 18, 2024.
“This inaugural bond we are retiring today was critical in introducing our firm to a wider array of global investors and contributed to the increased visibility of our brand in the capital markets.”
Against the backdrop of challenges posed by the global operating environment, including disruptions in the world supply chain and financial markets, Adepoju highlighted the Group’s resilience. He cited strong liquidity, a robust balance sheet, and a solid leadership team as key factors enabling Ecobank’s success.
He added that the successful repayment of the Eurobond underscores Ecobank’s commitment to financial stability and investor confidence, positioning the firm for continued growth and success in the global market.
E-Financial
Access Bank Unveils DiamondXtra Season 16, Dangles N200m, 3 SUVs
The sixteenth season of DiamondXtra, a savings and reward account where customers of Access Bank are rewarded with several prizes, have been unveiled in Lagos.
The Season 16th of the special interest yielding hybrid account which allows deposit of both cash and third-party cheques has been upgraded as customers will win prizes to the value of N200 million and three SUVs, amongs other mouthwatering prizes.
Speaking at the unveiling in Alaba International Market, Lagos, Mr Bolarinwa Animashaun, regional sales director, Lagos, said the new season will bring more goodies to the customers as the bank has taken their interest at heart.
“In the last fifteen years, we have been able to ensure customer loyalty, reward committed customers over time and show that we are a bank that is ready to empower people and partner with people.
“If I take it into specific figures, we have rewarded 26,696 customers and we’ve given a total sum of N6.5 billion over the period.
This Season16is interesting, because, we have seen a lot of opportunities to expand into digital opportunities and this time around, we will be rewarding 15,786 customers, and 10,000 of them will be digitally rewarded.
“This is almost half of what we have done over the last 15 years. So that is what is making it special. We have takenit into the possibilities of how technology can expand our business and reward customers”.
The draws for the new season are going to be the same like the previous ones as it will be held in different regions.
“So, we start from the monthly draws, quarterly draws and the annual draws. What makes it extremely interesting this year is that we will be rewarding with up to N200 million in prizes and we have added some very interesting gifts. We will be given out three SUVs as part of the N200 million price for this year”, Animashaun added.
At the unveiling, Access Bank conducted onsite draws where 48 customers who have DiamondXtra accounts and were present at the unveiling won cash prizes ranging from N20,000 to N200,000.
Breakdown shows 40 customers won N20,000 each, five customers won N50,000, two customers won N100,000, while one customer went home with N200,000.
Among winners of the N20,000 prize was Mr Victor Edobor, who said he opened the DiamondXtra accounts 24-hours before the draws.
One of the two winners of the N100,000 prize, Mrs. Maureen Nneka Oforka, said she was surprised to have won at the well-attended event as that was her first time winning any prize.
She said, “I have never won any prize in my life. This is my first. I came here reluctantly and thank God, I am here and I am a winner of N100,000 which has already been paid into my account.
The grand prize winner of N200,000, Mr. Emeka Ezikeugo, a trader in Alaba, said. “I will forever be grateful to Access Bank for the prize as I was not expecting it. I thank the bank for showing leadership among its peers”.
To be part of the winning train and qualify for the DiamondXtra season 16 which is open to both new and existing customers, new customers are required to open a DiamondXtra savings account with just N5,000 by dialling *901*5# or walking into one of our branches to open the account.
However, the more multiples of N5,000 both new and old customers save, the higher their chances of winning at the monthly, quarterly and annual draws.
DiamondXtra is an interest yielding hybrid account which allows deposit of both cash and third party cheques. Hybrid means a combination of both savings and current account features. The DiamondXtra reward scheme has given away over N6.5 billion in cash and household items to over 15,000 loyal customers over the last 15years. Please click HERE to learn more.
E-Financial
Lafarge Africa Launches Girls-in-Tech Programme to Empower Women Innovators
Recognising the underrepresentation of women in the technology sector, Lafarge Africa Plc, has launched the Girls in Tech Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering young women in technology.
Meticulously crafted to bridge the gender gap in tech and empower 10 young females between the ages of 18-25 years from Lafarge Africa Host communities in Cross River State, the program is poised to make a significant impact in the region.
The Girls in Tech Program seeks to harness the unique talents of these young women and introduce them to the dynamic world of technology. By providing them with essential skills and opportunities, the initiative aspires to equip them to become self-reliant as well as problem solvers in society.
In collaboration with Aptech and Arena Multimedia,globally recognized leaders in technology incubation and opportunity, as well as The Bridge Leadership Foundation, the boot camp promises to be a transformative experience for the participating girls, who are eager to make their mark in the tech industry.
Speaking during the onboarding to flag-off in Calabar recently, the Plant Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, Sotirios Valsamakis, who was represented by the Human Resources Business Partner, Lafarge Africa Plc; Barong Ita, revealed that the program was in line with the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
She also added that the initiative is designed to ignite a spark of inspiration, hope, and possibilities in the heart of the selected girls across the host communities.
“As an organization, people are an integral part of our sustainability drive, and we are invested in building lasting progress by empowering members of our host communities. We also recognize the need for greater and greener diversity and inclusivity within the tech sector.”
Today’s event is not just about launching a program. It is about igniting a spark of inspiration, hope, and possibilities in the hearts of these young women. It is about challenging stereotypes.”
Also speaking at the event, the Cross Rivers State Commissioner for Science, Innovation & Technology, Justin Beshel represented by Edwin Adie, Technical Senior Advisor, Cross Rivers State Ministry of Science & Technology commended Lafarge Africa for the initiative adding that it is in line with the State government’s plan towards science, technology and innovation development.
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