South Africa’s Mminele Downplays Chance of Imminent Rate Cuts

South Africa’s Mminele Downplays Chance of Imminent Rate Cuts

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – Uncertainty limits the opportunity for rate cuts in South Africa even as inflation remains within the central bank’s target band, according to Deputy Governor Daniel Mminele. The bank unexpectedly kept its key rate unchanged at 6.75 percent at its last policy meeting in September, concerned about higher inflation expectations. Price growth quickened to 4.8 percent in August, its fifth month within the central bank’s target range of 3 percent to 6 percent. “Amid…

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Bank of England Governor Mark Carney Confirms Rate Hike Is Near

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney Confirms Rate Hike Is Near

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) – Mark Carney reaffirmed that the Bank of England is close to its first interest-rate increase in over a decade, as inflation hit 3 percent and one of his colleagues said the economy is approaching a “tipping point.” In a series of testimonies to lawmakers, the BOE governor and the two newest members of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee signalled that the erosion of economic slack is dominating their thinking as they prepare for…

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Deutsche Bank Is Said to Drop Spanish Unit Sale Over Price

Deutsche Bank Is Said to Drop Spanish Unit Sale Over Price

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Deutsche Bank AG said on Monday that it will keep its Spanish retail operation, dropping plans for a potential sale to shore up capital. “To end all speculations, we confirm that we remain committed to our successful and profitable business in Spain,” a Deutsche Bank spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. The Frankfurt-based bank had planned to sell the business but didn’t get the price it wanted, according to a…

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Frankfurt, Germany Doesn’t Want London’s Bankers

Frankfurt, Germany Doesn’t Want London’s Bankers

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – In the scramble to lure financial jobs from London in the wake of Brexit, Frankfurt is leading the pack—at least nine banks have said they’ll move positions there. That could ultimately mean 10,000 new jobs and well over $100 million annually in new tax revenue for the German financial capital, auguring an economic and cultural rebirth. Micha Hintz hates the idea. “Brexit will be very bad for people with a…

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Carney’s Countdown to BOE Rate Hike Faces Make or Break Week

Carney’s Countdown to BOE Rate Hike Faces Make or Break Week

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Mark Carney is heading into a crucial week in the countdown to a possible Bank of England rate increase in early November. After the International Monetary Fund meetings where most central bankers fretted about weak inflation even amid robust global growth, the governor returns to an economy that’s almost the mirror opposite. While Brexit is weighing on U.K. businesses, price growth is above target — something for lawmakers to press him on…

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Bank of Baroda Is Said to Be Probed in S. Africa Over Guptas

Bank of Baroda Is Said to Be Probed in S. Africa Over Guptas

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – India’s Bank of Baroda is being investigated by South Africa’s central bank over money held for companies controlled by the politically connected Gupta family, according to a person familiar with the matter. The South African Reserve Bank’s probe, which comes after it fined the bank in June for not doing enough to combat financial crime, was sparked after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse alleged in court papers that mine-rehabilitation funds held for two of…

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Nigerian Bank Just Sold Most Expensive Emerging-Market Bond

Nigerian Bank Just Sold Most Expensive Emerging-Market Bond

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Nigeria’s Fidelity Bank Plc sold the highest-yielding Eurobond from emerging markets this year, joining a rush for issuance before higher U.S. interest rates push up borrowing costs. The mid-sized Lagos-based lender issued $400 million of five-year securities with a 10.75 percent yield on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified. The deal initially had guidance of about 11 percent, said the person. Fidelity is the…

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