Banking

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) — The Central Bank of Nigeria kept its key policy rate unchanged at 11.5% at its March meeting, as was widely expected. The decision reflects the committee’s desire to strike the right balance between support for the economy and the need to contain the country’s rising inflation pressures. Governor Godwin Emefiele also confirmed the devaluation of the naira but rejected claims the CBN had moved to a flexible exchange rate…

NEW YORK (Capital Markets in Africa) — The International Monetary Fund’s board conveyed broad support for drafting a proposal to create $650 billion in additional reserve assets to help developing economies cope with the pandemic, with an eye on considering a formal plan by June. The institution’s executive board discussed the case for the reserves informally on Tuesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a statement after the conclusion of the meeting. Fund staff will develop…

NEW YORK (Capital Markets in Africa) — Jerome Powell has a goal that is bigger than the bond market’s near-term inflation concern. In perhaps his most forthright press conference since taking the helm of the central bank three years ago, the Federal Reserve chair this week laid out three critical messages for investors who have been propelling bond yields higher on the bet inflation would eventually force his Fed to tighten monetary policy faster than…

NEW YORK(Capital Markets in Africa) — The Federal Reserve will let a significant capital break for big banks expire at month’s end, denying frenzied requests from Wall Street that it extend the relief to mitigate any impacts to the financial system and the $21 trillion Treasury market. The reprieve that was granted last April — a response to coronavirus that allowed lenders to load up on Treasuries and deposits without setting aside capital to protect…

LAGOS(Capital Markets in Africa) — Nedbank Group Ltd. expects to resume dividends this year after joining rival Absa Group Ltd. in scrapping payouts for 2020, with the South African bank likely to enjoy a profit boost this year. The Johannesburg-based lender also set a target to improve return on equity in the medium term to levels better than the 15% achieved in 2019 and sees earnings growth of more than 20% in the first half…