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Asian, European stocks plunge after US jobs report

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By Francesca Hangeior

Asian and European markets sank Monday after an outsized US jobs report dealt another blow to hopes for more interest rate cuts, while oil extended a rally sparked by new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.

The equity sell-off tracked hefty losses on Wall Street, where all three main indexes finished more than one per cent lower as the new trading year continued to falter.

Keenly awaited data on Friday showed the US economy created 256,000 jobs last month, a jump from November’s revised 212,000 and smashing forecasts of 150,000-160,000.

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The figures followed news that the crucial US services sector picked up in December, with the prices component soaring more than expected to the highest level since last January, while another report showed job openings hit a six-month high in November.

Hopes that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting rates through 2025 — having made three trims last year — were dashed when in December it indicated just two reductions over the next 12 months, down from four tipped previously.

The hawkish pivot came as inflation continues to hover above the bank’s two percent target, while there are also concerns that president-elect Donald Trump’s plans to slash taxes, regulations and immigration will reignite prices.

“Given a resilient labour market, we now think the Fed cutting cycle is over,” said Bank of America’s Aditya Bhave and other economists.

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“Inflation is stuck above target: in the December (summary of economic projections), the Fed not only marked up its base case for 2025 significantly, but also indicated that inflation risks were skewed to the upside. Economic activity is robust.

“We see little reason for additional easing.”

Markets in Sydney, Singapore, Seoul, Mumbai, Taipei, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta all sank. Tokyo was closed for a holiday.

Hong Kong and Shanghai also fell but pared initial losses as data showed Chinese exports and imports topped forecasts in December.

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London, Paris and Frankfurt fell at the open.

On currency markets the pound was wallowing around lows not seen since the end of 2023 owing to fading hopes for US rate cuts as well as worries about the British economy. The euro struggled at its weakest since November 2022.

Surging oil prices added to unease, with both main contracts jumping more than percent — extending Friday’s gains of more than three percent — after the United States and Britain announced new sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, including oil giant Gazprom Neft.

However, commentators do not expect prices to spike too much, even amid speculation that Trump will hit Iran with fresh sanctions.

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“A significant and perhaps underpriced risk to crude oil prices is the potential for supply to outstrip demand, especially given OPEC+’s intention to reintroduce barrels to the market,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“Even if US sanctions curtail Iranian oil production by 1.5 million barrels a day — a scenario similar to that during Trump’s previous presidency — this amount could easily be compensated by OPEC+, which is currently holding back 5.8 million barrels a day, or 5.3 percent of the total global production capacity.”

However, he added that some issues could lead crude to rocket, including an escalation of the Middle East crisis, a significant reduction in Russian output or exports and a strategic about-face by OPEC+ to slash production.

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Economy

Oyedele Delivers ₦39.63bn Lifeline to 24,814 Pensioners as PTAD Clears Long-Standing DBS Liabilities

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L:R: Director General of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Odunaiya in a warm handshake with the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pensioners with the successful disbursement of ₦39.63 billion to 24,814 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, ending years of anxious waiting for thousands of retirees.

Working under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) carried out the payments following the Minister’s directive to prioritise the settlement of verified pension liabilities, bringing relief to beneficiaries across the country.

Mr. Oyedele said the payment reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that retired public servants receive the benefits they earned through decades of dedicated service.

“A nation that values service must also honour those who gave their productive years in its service. This payment is about people, not just figures. It is about restoring confidence, rewarding sacrifice and giving thousands of pensioners and their families the reassurance that they have not been forgotten.”

The Minister explained that the disbursement covered three categories of outstanding pension obligations that had accumulated over the years.

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According to him, PTAD paid ₦25,053,703,604.12 to clear the outstanding 35-month pension liability owed to 9,675 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL.

The Directorate also disbursed ₦9,481,886,576.53, representing the initial 50 per cent payment of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears due to 3,959 eligible PHCN Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.

In addition, PTAD paid ₦5,094,784,054.27, representing the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, NITEL and People’s Bank of Nigeria.

For many of the beneficiaries, the payments mark the end of years of uncertainty. They provide the means to meet pressing family needs, pay medical bills, support loved ones and enjoy retirement with greater peace of mind.

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Mr. Oyedele said government remains mindful of the real lives behind every pension payment.

“Behind every approved payment is a retiree who served this country faithfully, a family that has waited patiently and a story that deserves a positive ending. We will continue to support measures that improve the lives of our senior citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability.”

The Minister commended the management and staff of PTAD for the prompt implementation of the directive, describing the successful disbursement as evidence of what can be achieved when institutions work together in the public interest.

“PTAD has demonstrated professionalism in implementing this exercise. The Ministry will continue to provide the policy direction and support required to strengthen pension administration and ensure that verified obligations are settled as resources become available.”

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The Director-General of PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, said the Directorate remained focused on delivering efficient pension administration and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his leadership and support, which made the release and prompt disbursement of the funds possible.

The latest payment represents another important step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and ensure that public institutions deliver meaningful outcomes for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 3rd July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.

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What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd July 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1408 and buy at ₦1396 on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1408
Buying Rate ₦1396
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1373
Lowest Rate ₦1360

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 1st July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 1st July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 1st July 2026?

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The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1400 and buy at ₦1390 on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1400
Buying Rate ₦1390
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1385
Lowest Rate ₦1376

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