Business
Speculators strike as exchange rate falls to N366/$1
Speculators strike as exchange rate falls to N366/$1, stocks lose another N1 trillion.
The parallel market exchange rate between the naira and dollar fell to N366/$1 on Tuesday as speculators anticipated a possible exchange rate devaluation.
A Nairametrics survey conducted revealed a depreciation of the exchange rate at the parallel market as operators asked for a premium of N6 from the N360/$1 exchanged at the Investor and Exporter window.
The week started rather gloomy after Saudi Arabia and Russia sparked a global price war for the crude sending global markets into a tailspin. Oil prices crashed by over 30% to under $30 on Sunday before recovering earlier in the week. However, it was not enough to stem the losses for global stock markets with Wallstreet recording its lowest single-day drop since 2008.
Stock market crash: As global markets roiled in losses the Nigerian stock market followed suit continuing a massive sell-off that began in the immediate past week. Nigerian stocks closed Tuesday in deep red with the All Share Index falling by 4.91%. The stock market has now lost a whopping N1 trillion since Monday and over N2 trillion since last week.
A total of 33 stocks lost during trading on Tuesday with MTN, Dangote Sugar, Stanbic IBTC topping the losers’ chart with the maximum single-day 10% loss. About 28 stocks fell to their year lows highlighting the magnitude of the losses.
READ ALSO: Three reasons why the naira is depreciating
Forex Market: As stock market investors reeled, forex speculators, swooped in on an opportunity to make quick returns in anticipation of a rise in demand for the US dollars. According to one dealer who pleaded anonymity, demand for forex increased on Tuesday as Nigerians feared a possible scramble for the US dollars. “People have been calling asking for dollars but we do not have enough so the rate had to go up,” the dealer remarked.
Nairametrics research also gathers Nigerians in the diaspora are exploring the apparent surge in demand for dollars and have also increased their exchange rate for anyone looking to purchase. One seller informed Nairametrics that he sold to a BDC operator at N363/$1 and expects the rate to depreciate further as speculations increase.
Another buyer who also pleaded anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue disclosed that he was offered dollars at an exchange rate of N366/$1 up from N360 on Friday. Parallel market operators complain of a scarcity of the dollar and believe things could worsen if speculators buy now and hoard. Activities of the commercial banks will also need to be watched closely as this is when they start hoarding an analyst told Nairametrics.
Demand for dollars: In 2019, Nigerians spent a whopping $43.9 billion visible and invincible imports combined according to data from the central bank on sectorial utilization of forex. Nigerians exchanged about $7.6 billion in the first three quarters of 2019 according to CBN data on foreign personal travel allowances.
As we approach Easter, dollar demand could rise piling pressure on prices leading to a potential disparity between the parallel market rate and the rate at the I&E window. The official exchange rate at the NAFEX window operated by the FMDQOTC shows the exchange rate trading at N366/$1 while 1-year futures quoted at N416/$1.
All eyes on the CBN: The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele is hosting a consultative roundtable on Wednesday at the CBN Auditorium in Abuja, where he is meant to engage in discussions with policymakers and the private sector. All indications suggest he may address the global crash in oil prices and the possible effect on the exchange rate.
Godwin Emefiele is a staunch defender of the stable and government-controlled exchange rate and is expected to reconfirm he does not have plans to devalue the naira. However, this was the same reaction he had between 2015 and 2016 until he caved when the parallel market was trading for as high as N510/$1. The devaluation to N360/$1 and the creation of multiple exchange rate windows including the I&E extinguished speculators. He may well face another major debacle if the global oil market stays below $30.
Business
LIRS further extends deadline for filing annual tax returns by one month
“We constantly debated what other measures could be taken as an organization to support individuals and businesses at this time, hence, the additional one-month extension from June 1, to June 30, 2020.” – Ayodele Subair
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has again extended the deadline for filing of Annual Tax Returns from May 31 2020 to June 30, 2020.
This is part of the state government’s effort to provide relief to taxpayers in light of the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. With this development, annual returns for individuals, both employees and self-employed persons, can be filed anytime before June 30, 2020.
In a press release signed by Monsurat Amasa, the head of LIRS’ Corporate Communications Department, the agency urged taxpayers to take advantage of the magnanimity of the government and file their returns. The LIRS’ Executive Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Subair, explained the extension thus:
“As the Lagos State Government keeps abreast of global best practices in containing the Covid-19 pandemic and eases the effects of an economic downturn on taxpayers and residents of the State, LIRS had initially extended the deadline for filing annual tax returns for two months, from the statutory March 31st of every fiscal year to May 31, 2020.
“We constantly debated what other measures could be taken as an organization to support individuals and businesses at this time, hence, the additional one-month extension from June 1, to June 30, 2020.”
(READ MORE: COVID-19: Lagos issues new guidelines, considers full reopening of economy)
He further explained that taxpayers can file the annual returns from the comfort of their homes and offices using the LIRS eTax platforms. They can also generate assessment and payment schedule, and other tax administration matters on the same platform. Updates on business operations and alternative payment platforms are to be found on the verified handles, and the LIRS website.
Business
Where to invest in May
Post-COVID-19 lockdown, Nigerians need to send their money on the right errands in May 2019, if they will not be caught napping the expected recession.
This May, post-COVID-19 lockdown, Nigerians need to send their money on the right errands, if they don’t want to be caught napping during the anticipated recession.
When listing out assets that should make up the ideal portfolio in May 2020, founder of Nairametrics, Ugochukwu “Ugodre” Obi-Chukwu, explained that investors should consider choice stocks in the Nigerian and foreign stock exchanges, as well as investments in money market instruments where some decent profits can be made.
Ugodre said this during the maiden edition of the Nairametrics Monthly Investment Guide Webinar.
According to him, this will also be the time to look into Agri-Tech investments, using crowdsourcing platforms, after which you can sit back and watch your funds grow over a time span of 5 months to a year.
According to him, it is also important to invest in foreign currencies and crypto-currencies to balance one’s portfolios.
He noted that foreign direct investments have reduced over the last couple of years due to reduced trust in Nigeria’s economic policies, and the desire of foreign investors to cash out their funds with ease. This also explains why portfolio investments grew by 38% in 2019.
He said, “Foreign investors love portfolio investments because when they put their money in, they can easily take it out as well.”
(READ MORE: CrowdFunding: Who is qualified according to new SEC Guidelines)
Finding the right stocks
On the stock market, he noted that quite some stocks improved in the month of April and could improve in the coming months. He listed 20 suggested shares, including six stocks which he described as COVID-19 proof.
Dangote Sugar Refinery, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, GSK, Neimeth International Pharm, Nestle Nigeria, and Cadbury Nigeria Plc are fast-moving consumer goods companies that are expected to be resistant to pressure from the pandemic.
He advised investors to track stocks that are liquid, have good financials and good corporate governance, in order to limit risks borne by investors. Valuation of the shares, he said, could be done by comparing stock value and earnings per share.
Working around cryptocurrency volatility
While making a presentation on “Why Bitcoin should be in your portfolio,” Yele Badamosi, CEO of Bundle stated that foremost cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, had maintained a steady appreciation over the last decade giving investors high yields.
Although the market is highly speculative and unregulated, its high returns and high risk indicate that investors with high-risk appetites could find the market more attractive.
To avoid being on the wrong side, he advised users to consider time-based rebalancing, or tolerance rebalancing to reduce risks and rebalance one’s portfolio.
(READ MORE: AfCFTA delay: A bane to Africa’s $3.4 trillion economic bloc)
“There are reputable people in the space, but it is important to do your research, start small, and buy regularly. Be wary of get-rich-schemes and unrealistic guaranteed returns,” he advised. 
With applications like Bundle Africa on Google Play Store, buying cryptocurrencies is as easy as selecting the buy button and having it saved in your bundle wallet.
What to expect in Q2 2020
According to Wale, an economist, who also spoke at the webinar, the demand for crude oil will remain low as several countries and businesses are still in lockdown, even though OPEC has cut down production.
Interest rates may remain low, though, despite this, Nigerian business entrepreneurs cannot expect single-digit interest rates.
“Foreign reserve and government reserves will remain under pressure in the coming months. The World Bank says that this is the worst year so far, going back to the great depression and this is what I think as well. This is probably going to be the worst economic crisis we have seen,” Wale said.
He added that with the exception of industries in the Healthcare sector, telco companies, digital technology companies, and food producers, other sectors could very well expect a big hit.
Business
Why risk your life when you can bank with V by VFD (VBank or V)
Unlike other apps that are laced with either unbidden and hidden charges, V is free, as there are no charges for customers whether they are transferring money to another customer of V or another bank.
The recent lifting of the lockdown has seen Nigerians rush to the banks to execute banking transactions that they have missed in the last five weeks.
Saying that this action or mis-action contravenes the physical distancing preached by the health agencies and government, is only stating the obvious. By doing this, they endanger themselves, and other family members whom they return to after their day at the bank.
But what if it was possible to do all your banking from your phone?
V to the rescue
V disrupted the banking industry when earlier this year, it launched a highly optimized virtual bank app that enables users to carry out all banking transactions with ease and from their phones.
Users are able to create and set up a bank account with the app within 5 minutes and start carrying out transactions immediately.
Of course it doesn’t matter if you already have an account with the traditional banks. There’s always room for pleasant disruptions, aren’t there?
What they offer
VBank was launched as Nigeria’s first fully virtual bank to close the gap which hitherto existed between established traditional banks and their customers. That means there are no barriers between the bank and its teeming customers and potential customers.
Unlike other apps that are laced with either unbidden and hidden charges, V is free, as there are no charges for customers whether they are transferring money to another customer of V or another bank.
(READ MORE: VFD Group meets nutritional needs of residents of Olowogbowo community)
According to Azubike Emodi, MD/CEO, VFD Microfinance Bank, experts behind V are taking a consumer-centric approach with an aggressive feedback collection mechanism to build an app that meets the objectives of the customer.
The app, which is available for download on App store and google playstore allows users to monitor expenses and income, categorize budgets, and set spending limits. V is available to download by searching for “V by VFD” on App Store and Google Play store.
What else could one ask for in a bank?
Another landmark feature of V is referral functionality (Veelage), which is also connected to monthly financial reward. It allows interested users of V to earn income and advance though the V community simply by getting account holders signed up with a unique ID and maintaining an average balance.
About this unique feature, Olukunle Salami, Business Performance Manager, VFD Group Plc would say that It is a 2-way value proposition that ensures individuals can earn consistently for several months beyond the initial referral point.
Whoever guessed that we could earn from our bank?
