Nigeria’s Naira Rated Worst-Performing Currency in H1 of 2024; Kenyan Shilling Named Best Performer

In the first half of 2024, the Nigerian currency depreciated by nearly 40%, making it the worst-performing currency during that period. Meanwhile, the Kenyan shilling appreciated by 20.7%, ranking it as the best performer. The depreciation of the Nigerian naira was primarily driven by U.S. dollar shortages. Naira Falls for 9 Straight Days The Nigerian … Read more

Former House Speaker Paul Ryan: Stablecoins Can Help Fight an Upcoming US Debt Crisis and China’s Growing Influence

Paul Ryan, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, has assessed the possible role that stablecoins will play in fighting an upcoming U.S. debt crisis. According to Ryan, the demand derived from the increasing relevance of dollar-backed stablecoins, which use U.S. treasuries as backing, will help keep a healthy demand on U.S. debt and … Read more

IMF Data Shows Decline in US Dollar Dominance

Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) points to an ongoing decline in the U.S. dollar’s share of allocated foreign reserves held by central banks and governments. Economists explained that reserve managers are attracted to nontraditional reserve currencies “because they provide diversification and relatively attractive yields, and because they have become increasingly easy to … Read more

Moscow Exchange Stops Trading in Dollar and Euro Due to US Sanctions

On Wednesday, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) announced new restrictions on its trading activities. The exchange revealed that, due to the enactment of U.S. sanctions against its platform, it would stop activity in all trading pairs involving the U.S. dollar and the euro. These measures came into effect on June 13th and affected FX, precious metals, … Read more

Euro’s Reserve Currency Status Threatened as Its Share of Foreign Reserves Holdings Drops

A report from the European Central Bank indicated that the euro’s share of foreign exchange reserves declined by one percentage point to 20% in 2023. According to the report, the continued diversification of global reserve portfolios into nontraditional currencies threatens to further erode the euro’s share of foreign exchange reserves. Euro’s Decline Coincides with US … Read more

Ghana’s Cedi Hits Record Low Against US Dollar Amid Cocoa Output Decline

The Ghanaian cedi recently plunged to a record low, trading at GHS 14.9335 against the U.S. dollar, which led to its designation as the fourth-worst-performing currency globally. Additionally, a decline in cocoa production has further complicated matters for the cedi, a currency previously ranked as the world’s worst-performing during the last quarter of 2022. Cedi … Read more

Nigeria Increases Capital Requirements for Currency Dealers Nearly Sixtyfold to $1.4 Million

The Central Bank of Nigeria has increased the capital requirements for national bureau de change operators from approximately $24,000 to $1.4 million. The central bank has given operators a six-month period to comply and they must apply for new licenses. The bank’s director for risk management stated that street trading of foreign exchange is now … Read more

IMF Calls Zimbabwe’s Gold-Backed Currency an ‘Important Policy Action’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Zimbabwe’s recently introduced gold-backed fiat currency represents a significant policy step. This is the IMF’s first substantial comment on the currency since its inception. The global lender has reportedly announced plans to send a team in June to evaluate the performance of the new currency. Contrasting IMF … Read more