Nigeria week ahead: CBN rate decision, inflation and oil in focus

The combination of mounting geopolitical risk and Fed rate expectations rocked global financial markets last week. Volatility is likely to intensify over the next few days as investors not only focus on these key themes but top-tier economic reports from across the globe among other high-risk events.

In Nigeria, the CBN’s recent removal of FX restrictions on 43 items sparked some optimism as dollar supply surged. This development offered an opportunity for the naira to fight and was also welcomed by the IMF which acknowledged the series of reforms aimed at fixing Nigeria’s economy.

Nevertheless, inflation remains piping hot in Africa’s largest economy while interest rates are currently at their highest levels since the monetary policy rate was adopted in 2006. It is worth keeping in mind that, the inflation menace continues to draw strength from the removal of fuel subsidies, devaluation of the official naira and security issues in food production regions. Given how inflation is projected to jump in September to 27.1 percent, the CBN is likely to raise interest rates at its policy meeting this week for the fifth consecutive time. This vicious cycle of rising inflation and interest rates certainly presents a risk to Nigeria’s fragile economy. The question is whether the central bank will move ahead with a 25 basis points (bp) hike or opt for a larger move to tame inflation.

VOLATILE WEEK AHEAD FOR USD?

Dollar volatility could be the name of the game this week due to key US economic data and speeches by a host of Fed officials.

After receiving a boost from stronger-than-expected US inflation data, dollar bulls could switch into higher gear if the incoming economic releases support the case for another Fed hike in 2023. The US Empire manufacturing will be in focus on Monday, with key US retail sales and industrial production figures published on Tuesday and US initial jobless claims on Thursday. These reports will be complemented by speeches from various Fed officials including Fed chair Jerome Powell.

If US economic data miss expectations and Fed officials reiterate their dovish remarks, this could hit the dollar as bets rise over the Fed pausing hikes for the rest of 2023. A strong set of economic releases may fuel speculation around the Fed raising rates one more time this year — boosting the dollar as a result.

COMMODITY SPOTLIGHT — OIL

Oil prices ended last week gaining over 7 percent thanks to mounting geopolitical risks.

The global commodity has the potential to extend gains due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, home to almost a third of global oil supply. Bulls are likely to draw additional strength from the US tightening its sanctions against Russian crude exports. Supply concerns remain rife with growing concerns over the conflict between Israel and Hamas spreading through the region, resulting in major disruptions in an already tight market.

While oil is likely to remain supported by supply-side factors, the demand side of the equation may create headwinds down the road — especially when factoring global recession fears. Looking at the technical picture, Brent bulls have a steep hill to climb before heading anywhere near $100. But the daily close above $90 last Friday could be the first signs of bulls reclaiming lost territory.