The exchange rate between the US Dollar (USD) and Nigerian Naira (NGN) continues to fluctuate, with notable differences between the official market rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the parallel (black) market rates.

Black Market (Parallel Market) Exchange Rate
At the Lagos Parallel Market, also known as the black market, foreign exchange traders are currently buying one US dollar at ₦1,575 and selling it at ₦1,585. These rates are sourced from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who engage in unofficial currency transactions outside the banking system.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains a regulated exchange rate for financial institutions and official transactions. Based on recent data:

The highest recorded exchange rate for the dollar stands at ₦1,552 per USD
The lowest rate observed is ₦1,512 per USD
The CBN does not recognize or support the black market, advising individuals and businesses seeking foreign exchange (forex) to obtain their funds through licensed financial institutions such as banks.

Factors Influencing the Exchange Rate
Several economic and market conditions contribute to the fluctuations in Nigeria’s forex market, including:

Dollar Supply and Demand: A shortage of forex liquidity can push black market rates higher, while an increased supply from CBN interventions or foreign inflows can stabilize the naira.
Inflation and Economic Policies: High inflation rates and policy decisions from monetary authorities significantly impact the value of the naira.

Global Economic Trends: The strength of the US dollar in international markets, crude oil prices, and foreign direct investment flows all play a role in determining the naira’s performance.
CBN Regulations and Policies: Restrictions on forex transactions, such as bans on certain imports or tighter controls on foreign remittances, can create fluctuations in the black market rates.

Exchange rates are subject to constant fluctuations, and the rates at which individuals or businesses buy and sell forex may differ from those listed above. It is advisable to consult multiple sources or directly contact banks and financial institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rates.

Investors in the Nigerian Exchange Limited suffered losses amounting to N167 billion on Friday, in contrast, the United States stock market recorded historic gains.

After the close of business at the NGX on Friday, market capitalisation declined by 0.25 percent.

The bearish trend at NGX is caused by a wave of sell-offs and dampened investor confidence, leaving market watchers on edge.

From an opening value of N66.518 trillion on Thursday, the NGX capitalisation slumped to N66.351 trillion, marking a sharp decline.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) tumbled by 265.81 points to settle at 105,955.13, down from the previous close of 106,220.94.

Market sentiment remained negative, with 24 stocks posting losses against 22 gainers. On the losers table were Tantalizer, which nosedived by 9.85 percent to close at N2.93, and Jaiz Bank, which plunged 9.72 percent to settle at N3.25 per share.

Neimeth International Pharmaceutical suffered a 9.45 percent drop to close at N2.49, while industry heavyweight Dangote Sugar fell by 7.76 percent to N35.05 per share. Lasaco Assurance also dipped 5.96 percent, closing at N2.68 per share.

On the flipside, Royal Exchange led the gainers, surging by 10 percent to close at 88k. Linkage Assurance soared 9.57 percent to N1.26 per share, while Guinea Insurance rose 9.52 percent to close at 69k. Nigerian Enamelware climbed 9.05 percent to N25.30, and Red Star Express advanced 8.41 percent to settle at N5.80 per share.

US stocks surge, adding over $1.3tn

The US stock market on Friday recorded historic gains for the first time since November last year.

US stocks opened higher and gained steam later Friday morning. By the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had risen 675 points, about 1.7 percent. The S&P 500 added 2.1 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite led the way with a 2.6 percent gain, the best day for both since the day after the November U.S. presidential election.

Earlier on Thursday, new tariff threats and mixed inflation news pushed the S&P into its first correction since late 2023. Despite Friday’s gains, the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq ended the week down more than 2 percent.

On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed he would vote to advance a Republican measure to fund the government through the rest of the year.

Gold prices topped $3,000 a troy ounce late Thursday for the first time and ended Friday at a fresh record just below the milestone.

Similarly, oil prices ended higher to avoid an eighth consecutive weekly decline.

The Naira registered its first appreciation against the U.S. dollar on Friday, breaking a week-long depreciation streak at the official foreign exchange (FX) market.

According to market data, the Naira strengthened to N1,550.36 per dollar on Friday, improving from N1,554.85/$1 recorded on Thursday. This slight gain of N4.49 marks the currency’s only appreciation during the trading week.

While the official exchange rate saw a marginal improvement, the black-market rate remained stable at N1,590 per dollar, the same rate as the previous day. Despite Friday’s appreciation, the Naira generally experienced a downward trend throughout the week.

Compared to its position last Friday, when it stood at N1,517.24/$1, the Naira has weakened by N33.12 over the week. Similarly, in the parallel market, the Naira declined by N10 on a week-on-week basis, dropping from N1,580/$1 recorded last Friday.

Although Friday’s appreciation brought slight relief, the overall performance of the Naira during the week reflected a greater depreciation trend amid ongoing forex market volatility.