It appears that consumers’ and investors’ confidence are gradually been restored across major markets across the globe. Below are the performances of global markets:
Macro Update
In a stunning turn of events, the U.S, largest economy, added jobs in May after a record-high number, the previous month. The jobless rate fell to 13.3% from 14.7% in April.
The second phase of the lockdown easing is to last 4 weeks spanning from June 2nd – June 29th and will see airlines begin operating from June 21. While the curfew is still in effect, it has been relaxed and is now in effect from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
In what appears to be a bid to address the revenue situation that plagues the country as a result of the pandemic, the country has launched its first licensing round for marginal oilfields in nearly 20 years.
Marginal fields are smaller oil blocks that are typically developed by indigenous companies. The Federal Government revoked the existing licenses on the fields so that they could be put into the new licensing round; additionally, judges in Lagos have blocked the government’s efforts to revoke two existing oilfield licenses.
In a recently concluded OPEC+ meeting, the bloc agreed to extend the supply cut by an additional month, bringing the total length of the cuts to 4 months.
It appears the cuts have brought some stability to the oil markets as oil prices gained 48% during its first month. As at print time, oil finally crossed the $40/bbl point ($40.08/bbl) for the first time since March.
OBB and Overnight rates rose by 1340 bps and 1380 bps to close the week at 15.60% and 16.70% from 2.20% and 2.90% respectively w/w. Market liquidity is estimated to be c.N150 billion according to market sources.
Experts expect funding rates to hover around current levels next week barring any significant flows.
Treasury Bills
The Treasury Bills market started the week on a relatively quiet note with minimal activity witnessed across board due to the unattractive NTB yields. Hence, activity in the space maintained its relatively weak trend for the rest of the week on the back of the limited market supply.
According to experts in Commercio Partner, a similar trend in the Treasury Bills market is expected next week as attention skews towards the PMA.
Bond Market
The Bond market started…
Read more:Mixed trends trail Nigerian markets