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Risk Appetite Flickers to Life on Vaccine Hopes, Nigeria Inflation in Focus

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By Lukman Otunuga, Senior Research Analyst at FXTM,

 

Investors across the globe have been injected with a renewed dose of confidence towards risk as governments relax lockdown measures and first human trial results raise hopes for a coronavirus vaccine.

The mood across financial markets is quite encouraging and this positive vibe should support global stocks and emerging markets in the week ahead. However, questions should be raised over the return in risk sentiment given how US-China trade tensions have made an unwelcome return. Concerns remain elevated over slowing global growth despite countries easing lockdown measures while fears mount around a second wave of coronavirus infections.

In Nigeria, the All-Share Index (ASI) also rose by 0.29% to close at 23,941.75 points on Monday and could mirror similar gains on Tuesday amid the positive vibe. While global equity bulls may be in the driving seat for now, bears are lurking in the corner waiting for another opportunity to pounce.

Nigeria Inflation in focus but major risk event remains GDP report

Repeated signs of rising inflationary pressures in Nigeria have squashed hopes over the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) cutting interest rates to stimulate economic growth.

The annual inflation rate in Africa’s largest economy rose for the seventh straight month to 12.26% in March amid border closures and the new VAT tax rate. Given the Naira’s weakness over the past few weeks amid severely depressed oil prices, inflation is forecast to hit 12.9% in April. Such a figure may place the CBN in a tight spot, especially if first quarter GDP figures scheduled for release next week confirm that Nigeria experienced an economic contraction last quarter.

King Dollar to maintain grip on iron throne

The mighty Dollar should reign supreme this week despite the semblance of stability enveloping financial markets.

Although investors are clearly hopeful over economies re-opening after an extended lockdown period, global macroeconomic conditions remain depressing while renewed trade tensions are bound to hit sentiment. As risk aversion makes a return and market players rush towards safety, one of the first destinations is likely to be the Dollar.

Another day, same old story for Pound

The path ahead for the British Pound is filled with many obstacles and dead ends as fears over a no-deal Brexit return to the scene.

One can’t help but feel a familiar sense of déjà vu as the UK government prepares for its final round of talks scheduled in June to try and avert a no-deal Brexit outcome.  To rub salt into the wound, economic data from the United Kingdom remains discouraging with the number of people claiming unemployment benefits soaring to 2.097 million in April.

With the fundamentals not in favour of the Pound, it may be only a matter of time till the technical paint a similar picture. The GBPUSD is under pressure on the daily charts and may trend lower if prices break below 1.2200. Sustained weakness below this level could open the doors towards 1.2000.

 

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Euro eyes 1.10 but upside capped by fundamentals

Where the Euro concludes this week will be heavily influenced by the pending Purchasing Managers Index data scheduled for release over the coming days.

A disappointing set of economic data may put an end to the current rally with 1.1000 acting as a ceiling. Looking at the technical picture, the EURUSD remains a wide range on the daily charts with support at 1.0770 and resistance 1.1000. Expect the currency pair to find comfort within these levels until a decisive breakout is achieved.

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Commodity spotlight – Gold

Gold should remain in fashion despite stock markets rising and economies easing lockdown measures.

The precious metal remains supported by global growth fears, lower interest rates across the globe and fears around a second wave of coronavirus outbreak. Gold is trading at levels not seen in more than 7 years above $1430 and has gained over 14% year-to-date. A solid daily close above $1430 may pave the way back towards $1765 and $1770. Alternatively, sustained weakness below $1720 could open the doors back towards $1700.

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E-Financial

DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled the announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust, a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to establish single asset trusts for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that people’s assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management.

The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families to effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors or Corporations, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes.

The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level.

DLM Trust Company, acting as the designated Trustee, holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation.

“As a game-changer in the trust services industry, the DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.”

The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities.

As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.


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E-Financial

UBA Champions Youth Empowerment through Graduate Programme, Employs 398 Across Africa

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United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 young Africans were inducted into the UBA Tribe after a rigorous six-month hands-on-work and learning experience.

The event, which was held in a grand ceremony in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, the UBA management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class.

The granduads are from six African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Addressing the gathering, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who congratulated all the graduates, expressed profound pride and admiration for their success having completed the intense capacity-building programme, combining learning with on-the-job training experience, garnered while rotating across several departments and units in the bank.

Elumelu took time to highlight the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa, while bridging the unemployment gap, which according to him, remains one of the greatest challenges of the continent.

“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group, that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part. UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” Group Chairman said.

Continuing, he said, “At UBA, identifying these young ones, bringing them to the centre, training them, equipping them for the future and the task ahead, not just for a career in UBA, but wherever they end up remains our passion, because this is how we play our role as a Pan-African bank, in helping to empower the next generation, which is the African youth. We are helping to create employment and this for us is our driving force.”

Earlier in his speech, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduating class for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of UBA leaders.

“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family.

While recognizing the invaluable support extended by families and friends, the GMD said, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for their steadfast support as the invaluable support of your families and friends throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”

UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the bank remains committed to nurturing talent and leadership within the organisation. She noted that the GMAP programme, which marked its second graduation will be a continuous initiative, as it culminates an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries and across 4 continents.

With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France and more recently the United Arab Emirates, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.


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Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

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Nigerian banks on Thursday announced that they will kick-start the implementation of the stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent on loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds.

Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

This is coming after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had directed banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that requires duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages.

According to the FIRS, as the manner of business transactions continue to evolve and change pattern, the law on stamp duties will also change. It noted that the stamp duties has therefore undergone several amendments over the years up to the Finance Act 2019.

Stamp duty is essentially a duty chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments. The stamp duties Act defines duty to mean “any stamp duty for the time being chargeable under any act and also includes any fee chargeable hereunder”.

In several email notifications sent to its customers, banks revealed that they will start implementing the FIRS directive while adding that the charge will be applied to the value of the assets and remitted back to the revenue office.

Access Bank in an email notification titled to its customers, “Stamp Duty Automation Update”, said, “We will like to inform you that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed all Nigerian banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that require duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages”.

The bank noted that in compliance to this directive, it have taken measures to streamline the process to make transactions more convenient for its customers.

“To this end, a stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent will be applied to loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds. The charge will be applied on the value of legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds and remitted to the FIRS”, the bank said.

Access Bank added that all previously approved loans will remain unchanged and should be repaid in full as per the agreed terms and conditions.

“We are committed to providing you with exceptional service”, it said.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government stated it is looking to expand net on transactions covered by the stamp duty charges from regular bank transfers.

 

 


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