IS NIGERIA EXPOSED TO THE EMERGING MARKET CHAOS?

It has certainly been an explosively volatile trading quarter thus far as investors juggled with global trade tensions, Dollar strength and chaos across emerging markets. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html

The simmering trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies fuelled global risk aversion while a brutal sell-off in the EM space rattled investor confidence. With fears mounting over a full-blown trade war triggering global instability and negatively impacting growth, emerging markets especially remain under extreme pressure.

Fears remain elevated over the turmoil in Turkey and Argentina spreading like a virus across developing and developed nations. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html With the South African economy already descending into a recession, will Nigeria be the next economy to take a hit?

Throughout the third quarter of 2018, Nigeria has kept afloat with GDP expanding 1.5% during Q2 and inflation easing 11.14%. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html Although the nation’s external reserve dropped to the lowest since March to $45 billion, it still remains at manageable levels. With oil prices somewhat supported by geopolitics and the Naira displaying a degree of stability against the Dollar, the outlook looks somewhat encouraging. However, external risks in the form of an appreciating Dollar, prospects of higher interest rates and trade tensions could cripple Nigeria’s fragile recovery.

Contagion fears stemming from the EM selloff may force investors to scale back on investing in emerging markets, including Nigeria, while capital outflows could complicate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s effort to defend the Naira. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html Although expectations were initially elevated over the CBN cutting interest rates in the second half of 2018 to stimulate growth, the current global and domestic economic landscape could force the central bank to maintain the status quo.

A CBN rate cut will widen the interest rate differential with the Federal Reserve, ultimately accelerating capital outflows and threating price stability. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html With inflation also expected to rebound thanks to election spending, some even feel the CBN may end up hiking rates instead.

Referring to price stability, the Naira, like most other emerging market currencies, remains impacted by external forces. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html Although the local currency has barely budged against the Dollar, this is based on the CBN’s repeated intervention in the FX markets. While this strategy could ensure the local currency remains supported in the short term, Nigeria’s external reserves are already feeling the pressure. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html On the plus side, with Nigeria achieving a current account surplus, the Naira’s punishment may not be as severe as those currencies belonging to markets with a high account deficit.

Although Nigeria’s economic prospects remain tied to Oil prices, the upcoming presidential elections could play a leading role in determining if the nation is able to conclude this year on a firm footing. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html The increased spending ahead of the February elections will most likely be a welcome development for economic growth. If Oil prices remain at current levels and support both government revenue and consumption, this may stimulate the recovery further. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html

The largest economy in Africa still has the ability to shock the world stage this year. While it is widely known that the cure to Nigeria’s illness - Oil dependency - can be found in economic diversification, the correct steps must be taken while the conditions are still accommodative. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html

As the third trading quarter of 2018 slowly comes to an end, global sentiment is likely to remain heavily influenced by U.S.-China trade tensions and the emerging market rout. With the U.S. Federal Reserve expected to raise interest rates this month, the CBN’s effort to defend the Naira may be obstructed. http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html

Are you an exporter? Do you like to master the contemporary dynamics of non-oil export trade and avoid getting defrauded by the foreign buyers of your exportable products? Click on the link below:

http://www.tectono-business.com/2016/02/contemporary-step-by-step-guide-to.html      

Have you ever imagines how the financial status of your company will grow when more than 20,000 CEOs and top managers of multinational companies pay for your products and services? For more information, click on the link below:

http://www.tectono-business.com/2015/07/tectono-business-review-in-conjunction_21.html