Morning Biz News – 19 February 2025

The Namibian stock market recorded notable trading activity this month, with a total of 940,710 shares exchanged, valued at N$13.4 million across 53 deals. The financial sector led trading volumes, with 1,089,156 shares changing hands, amounting to N$2.6 million. Year-to-date, 8.4 million shares have been traded, totaling N$496.4 million across 660 deals.

In South Africa, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has delayed the release of the January 2025 inflation report to next Wednesday. The postponement is due to the incorporation of updates to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket and weights, which were announced on 28 January. The new CPI methodology aims to better reflect current consumer spending habits.

Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped to 24.48% in January following a rebasing of the price index for the first time in over a decade. According to Reuters, the reference period was updated from 2009 to 2024 to account for shifts in consumption patterns. Authorities emphasize that the update is crucial for more accurate inflation measurement.

Japan’s exports experienced a notable rise in January as businesses increased orders amid upcoming U.S. protectionist measures under President Donald Trump. The Ministry of Finance reported a 7.2% year-on-year increase in export values, primarily driven by strong shipments of cars and ships. The growth figures aligned closely with market expectations, according to Yahoo Finance.

Financial Indicators:

• Exchange Rates:
  • Namibia Dollar (NAD) to US Dollar: 18.40
  • Namibia Dollar to Euro: 19.21
  • Namibia Dollar to Pound: 23.18
• Commodities:
  • Gold: $2,934.65 per fine ounce
  • Brent Crude: $75.22 per barrel
  • Bitcoin: $1,753,355.89

Stay tuned for more updates on market trends and financial insights.