The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has reached its lowest point in four months, bringing potential relief to homebuyers navigating a challenging market. Freddie Mac’s latest data showcases a substantial drop in the average 30-year mortgage rate, sliding from 7.22% to 7.03% over the past week. This is a notable shift from the 6.33% recorded […]
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court has dismissed Niger’s junta’s plea to lift sanctions imposed by neighboring nations in response to the unconstitutional coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July. The swift response from ECOWAS included border closures, suspension of financial transactions, and freezing of assets, with Nigeria going so far […]
In response to the persistent depreciation of the shilling and the resulting economic challenges, Kenya’s Central Bank has taken a measured step by announcing a significant 2 percentage point interest rate hike. This decision comes as the shilling’s decline raises concerns about inflation, obstructs foreign investment, and impacts debt servicing. This move marks the first […]
Overview:Private payrolls in the United States witnessed a moderate increase of 103,000 workers in November, according to a report by ADP. The figure, falling slightly below the revised October count of 106,000, failed to meet the Dow Jones estimate of 128,000. Sector-Specific Insights:While the leisure and hospitality sector, a significant job creator since the pandemic’s […]
In a joint statement on Tuesday, military leaders of Mali and Niger announced the termination of tax cooperation treaties with France, citing persistent hostility and the imbalanced nature of existing agreements, which they argue have resulted in substantial revenue losses. The decision, effective within the next three months, signifies a pivotal moment in the evolving […]
The Kenyan High Court has imposed a temporary suspension on the government’s ambitious plan to privatize 11 strategic state-owned parastatals valued at Ksh200 billion ($1.31 billion). This decision comes in response to a legal challenge mounted by Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, asserting that the proposed sale warrants broader public input. Represented by […]
India is on a trajectory to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings. The country, currently ranked fifth, is expected to maintain its status as the fastest-growing major economy for the next three years. S&P projects a growth rate of 6.4% for the ongoing fiscal year, with […]
In a recent revelation from the AFEX Wet Season Crop Production Report for 2023, Nigeria faces a critical challenge as the demand for rice significantly outpaces local production. The annual supply gap of approximately 2 million metric tonnes has triggered a noteworthy 37% surge in rice prices in 2023. Impact on Rice Dealers Rice dealers […]
As Kenya’s $2 billion Eurobond approaches maturity, the secondary market witnesses a surge in volatility. Traded on the Irish stock market, the 10-year sovereign bond, launched in June 2014, has experienced weekly yield fluctuations exceeding a percentage point since November. In contrast, other Eurobond issues maturing between 2027 and 2048 have shown more modest movements, […]
Moody’s Investors Services has painted a cautious outlook for global banks in 2024, citing a confluence of factors that could pose substantial challenges. The credit rating agency points to sluggish global growth, an elevated risk of borrower defaults, and increasing pressure on profitability as key concerns. The backdrop for these concerns includes prior central bank […]
Kenya's inflation rate edged lower to 4.5% year-on-year in November 2025, down from 4.6% in October, marking the 29th consecutive...
The euro zone's annual inflation rate edged higher to 2.2% in November 2025, according to flash estimates published by Eurostat...
South Africa's economy maintained its upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, expanding by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, according to data...
The International Finance Corporation and the Kenya Investment Authority have entered into a strategic collaboration that establishes a comprehensive framework...
