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FXTM: Markets Enter Q2 On a Mellow Note

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FXTM Research Analyst Lukman Otunuga comments on the Greenback cruised into the second quarter of 2017 with style as bulls propelled prices towards 100.60 amid the positive sentiment towards the U.S economy.

Global stocks traded mildly higher on Monday as investors re-accessed both the health of the global economy and major market themes for the second quarter of 2017.

Although a sense of caution lingered across the board ahead of a data-packed week, Asian shares remained resilient with most stocks strolling into the green territory.

While the moderate appetite for risk has supported European equities, gains on Wall Street could be limited if market participants decide to observe the action from a safe distance.

Much attention will be directed towards Donald Trump’s pending meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping which may be classified as an event risk.

Any complications or tension in the meeting could spark risk aversion consequently pressuring stock markets while boosting attraction for safe-haven assets.

Dollar Index Hovering Around 100.50
The Greenback cruised into the second quarter of 2017 with style as bulls propelled prices towards 100.60 amid the positive sentiment towards the U.S economy.

While the upside momentum that has elevated prices back above the 100.00 psychological level is undeniably impressive, questions may be asked if the rally is sustainable.

The expectations over US rate hike timings have heavily impacted the Dollar with investors desperately seeking further clarity on when rates will be hiked again.

While the Greenback could trade higher from the improving confidence towards the US economy, participants remain somewhat cautious over Trump’s protectionist measures and the threat of his market shaking policies falling below expectations.

When accessing the Dollar from an aerial view, the currency is engaged in a fierce tug of war between the Fed and Trump with no clear winner in sight.

Focusing on today, a positive ISM Manufacturing PMI figure could encourage bullish investors to propel the Dollar Index back above 100.60.

Brexit Season 3: Negotiations Get Under Way
Sterling/Dollar has been erratic, volatile and range bound since the official invocation of Article 50 last week with resistance around 1.2570 and support at 1.2370. Now that the European Union has shared the draft guidelines on the future of the UK relationship after Brexit, investors are now waiting for the next key steps. It seems that the EU may be willing to play hardball in the negotiations, especially after rejecting Theresa May’s Brexit timetable and demanding for a divorce settlement before any future trade deals are discussed.

With uncertainty still a certainty when dealing with Brexit, Sterling may be exposed to further downside shocks. If bears manage to drag the GBPUSD back below 1.2370, a decline towards 1.2200 remains a live possibility.

On the other hand, a breakout above 1.2570 could trigger a further incline towards 1.2650.

Currency spotlight – EURUSD
The EURUSD found itself under fresh selling pressure on Monday as the lingering political uncertainty in Europe created a foundation for sellers to attack.

With optimism diminishing over the ECB raising interest rates fueling the downside momentum, the EURUSD could be poised to descend much lower.

Last week’s rejection from the 1.0900 resistance has given bears the green light to install repeated rounds of selling. From a technical standpoint, previous support around 1.0700 could transform into a dynamic resistance that encourages a decline towards 1.0500.

 

 


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E-Financial

Lagos State Appoints MoneyMaster as Payment Partner for “Ounje Eko” Programme

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“Ounje Eko”, the food price discount initiative of the Lagos State Government, has appointed leading payment service bank, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank Limited (MMPSB), as its collaborator in the bid to ensure ease of payments at the market.

MoneyMaster is one of the Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria.

Under the partnership, MMPSB will apply its cutting-edge payment solution to engender easy payment and reconciliation in order to make   the experiences of Lagosians who will be getting their food supplies from the markets pleasurable. Its payment solution is also all-encompassing and ensures real time value to payment destinations.

The mobile bank was appointed as the collection and payment partner for “Ounje Eko” Food Markets programme which is a government initiative serving the five divisions of Lagos State. Consequent on this, MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank will collect payments in 57 LCDAs in the state.

The partnership gives credence to the quality of payment solutions that MoneyMaster is reputed for in its services to its growing business clientele in private and public sectors.

 


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CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is investigating irregular foreign exchange transactions and forward contracts valued at approximately $2.4 billion.

CBN, EFCC Probe Banks, Firms over Alleged Forex Racketeering

The  inquiry follows an extensive audit by Deloitte, which scrutinized $7 billion in dollar debts accumulated under the bank’s previous leadership.

In the aftermath of the 294th Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, Yemi Cardoso, governor of CBN,  disclosed to journalists that the investigation, supported by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, among other security bodies, aims to clarify the legitimacy of these FX allocations identified as problematic by the audit.

“It was determined that a number of these transactions did not qualify…they were outright illegal. The law enforcement agencies are now looking into those transactions that as far as we are concerned, are not valid to be paid,” Cardoso detailed, emphasizing the unlawful nature of these forex deals.

The crux of the investigation lies in the audit findings that a significant portion of the scrutinized transactions lacked proper documentation and, in many instances, were deemed outright illegal.

However, the unfolding investigation has raised concerns within the organized private sector, with some entities contemplating legal action against commercial banks for unresolved forex bids.

Despite these tensions, Governor Cardoso reassures that the foreign exchange market remains open and transparent, inviting stakeholders to address their forex needs through the official channels.

Furthermore, Cardoso clarified the distribution of fertilizers to farmers as a one-off measure and not indicative of a shift back to direct interventions by the CBN, underscoring a commitment to strategic, regulatory governance rather than direct market involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed deposit money banks in the country to expedite action to increase their capital base from the current ₦25bn.

CBN Urges Banks to Expedite Action on Recapitalisation

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, stated this during the apex bank’s 294th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday in Abuja, when the MPC hiked the interest rate by 22.75% to 24.75%.

The apex bank chief said the MPC examined developments in the banking sector and expressed satisfaction that the industry remained stable. The committee, however, said to guard against risk, commercial banks in the country should accelerate their recapitalisation efforts.

Cardoso said, “The MPC also reviewed developments in the banking system and noted that the industry remains safe, sound, and stable. The committee thus called on the bank to sustain its surveillance and ensure compliance of banks with existing regulatory and macro-potential guidelines.

“The MPC also enjoined the banks to expedite actions on the recapitalisation of banks to strengthen the system against potential risks in an increasingly globalised world.”

 

 

 

 


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