MPC Holds Rates Steady to Balance Inflation Control and Growth Amid Global Uncertainty
Global Macro Highlights U.S.–Japan Trade Deal Boosts Markets, Sets Stage for Auto Sector Shake-Up The United States finalized a trade deal with Japan during the week, with Japan pledging a USD 550bn investment into the U.S. economy. In return, the U.S. agreed to cut tariffs on Japanese imports, especially vehicles and auto parts, while steel and […]
Nigeria’s Inflation Slows for Third Month Despite Food and Core Price Pressures
Global Macro Highlights U.S. Inflation Climbs to 2.7% in June Amid Rising Shelter and Healthcare Costs The U.S. headline inflation as reported by the bureau of statistics rose by 2.7% YoY in June 2025 (vs. 2.4% in May). The uptick in inflation was primarily driven by core inflation which increased by 2.9% YoY, due to […]
President Donald Trump imposes fresh tariff on Canada
Global Macro Highlights President Donald Trump imposes fresh tariff on Canada U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, citing a “financial retaliation” to earlier duties. The new tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, alongside additional blanket tariffs of 15–20% on other trade partners. Adding to the […]
A Tech Insider’s Guide to Managing IT for Asset Management Firms in Nigeria
Introduction In Nigeria’s fast-evolving financial sector, asset management firms are increasingly reliant on technology to ensure data integrity, client trust, and regulatory compliance. At Utica Capital Limited, managing a growing IT infrastructure has shown us how a robust technology strategy can transform operations, reduce risk, and support long-term growth. This blog post explores the core […]
Nigeria’s Private Sector Expands Further in June, Led by Agriculture and Stable FX
Global Macro Highlights U.S. Trade Deficit Widens Sharply in May Amid Export Decline According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. trade deficit widened by 18.7% in May to USD71.50bn from USD60.30bn in April. This increase was driven primarily by a sharp drop in exports and a correction in earlier import surges. A […]
Nigeria’s Debt Hits ₦149.4trn in Q1:2025, Driven by Domestic Borrowing Surge
Global Macro Highlights US-China Trade Deal Eases Tensions, Unlocks Rare Earth Supply Chain The U.S and China has signed a new trade deal which includes an agreement for China to deliver rare earth materials to the US in exchange for Washington easing its own restrictions on certain export to China. The export of rare earth […]
Eurozone Inflation Falls Below ECB Target, Opening Door for Potential Rate Cuts
Global Macro Highlights Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Worries and Global Tensions The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at the 4.25%-4.50% range, maintaining a cautious stance amid persistent economic uncertainty. This decision reflects concerns over lingering inflationary pressures, especially those stemming from newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and […]
China Posts Fourth Month of Deflation Amid Trade Tensions and Weak Demand
Global Macro Highlights U.S.–China Strike New Trade Deal Balancing Tariffs with Strategic Concessions The U.S and China reached a new trade deal framework aimed at de-escalating the ongoing trade tensions. Under the deal, the U.S. will impose tariffs of up to 55% on Chinese imports (combining the 10% baseline tariff on most imports, a 20% […]
Moniepoint’s Acquisition of Sumac Microfinance Gets Green Light from Kenyan Regulators
Global Macro Highlights US Doubles Tariffs on Foreign Steel and Aluminium, Spares UK Amid Trade Strategy Shift The US has increased its tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum imports to 50%, from 25% previously. This increase will apply to all its trading partners except Britain, the only country that has struck a preliminary trade agreement […]
Nigeria’s National Assembly Proposes $24bn Structured External Borrowing Plan
Global Macro Highlights US Postpones 50% EU Tariff to July 9, Signalling a Strategic Pause for Trade Talks During the week, the US administration announced a postponement of the planned 50.0% tariff on European Union goods, shifting the implementation date from June 1 to July 9. This move follows recent discussions between U.S. and EU […]