Akintunde Oyedokun
Research Analyst
Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday as thin holiday trading and renewed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia lifted sentiment. Brent closed at $63.34 and WTI at $59.10.
Optimism over diplomacy helped offset concerns from new U.S. sanctions on Russian producers. OPEC+ is expected to keep output unchanged at its upcoming meeting, while expectations of a December Fed rate cut also supported prices.
U.S. Unemployment Claims Decline Amid Sluggish Hiring
Initial U.S. jobless claims fell to 216,000, the lowest in seven months, indicating layoffs remain limited. Yet hiring remains weak, with more firms freezing recruitment rather than letting staff go. Continuing claims rose to 1.96 million, showing growing labor market slack.
The data, combined with modest employment declines noted in the Fed’s Beige Book, suggests another rate cut in December is unlikely, even as markets edged higher.
Tokyo Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target
Core consumer inflation in Tokyo hit 2.8% in November, driven by rising food prices, keeping it above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. Retail sales and factory output grew in October, while unemployment stayed at 2.6%, showing economic resilience. Service-sector inflation remained moderate at 1.5%, while goods prices rose sharply. A weaker yen and persistent inflation pressures suggest Japan’s monetary tightening could accelerate in the coming months, with further interest rate hikes likely to support price stability.
Egypt’s GDP Rises 5.3% in Q1 2025/26
Egypt’s economy grew 5.3% in Q1 2025/26, up from 3.5% last year, driven by government reforms. Full-year growth is now targeted at 5%.
Reforms under an $8 billion IMF programme and $24 billion in UAE investments, including a Mediterranean land deal, have helped Egypt recover from currency devaluation, high inflation, and regional conflicts.
AfDB Backs Nigeria with $500M Loan For Economic, Energy Reforms
The African Development Bank has granted Nigeria a $500 million loan to fund the second phase of its Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Programme. The initiative will focus on fiscal reforms, expanding electricity access, and advancing the country’s energy transition. Federal institutions and the private sector are set to benefit, with the programme aiming to strengthen public finances, attract investment, and support long-term infrastructure and green energy projects.
Invest 2026 Traders & Investors Summit
Theme: Pre-Election Year Investment Opportunities & Risks
Sub-Topics
1. Comprehensive Earnings Guide for Profitable Investing and Trading in 2026, by Mr Peter Sunday Adebola, Managing Director/CEO Edgefield Capital Management Ltd
2. Pre-Election Year Rally: How Economic Events & Tax Reforms Fuel Bull Or Bear Cases In 2026, by Mr Teriba Adeboye, MD/CEO, Qualinvest Capital ltd
3. NGX Pre-Election Year Performance & Historical Patterns:10 Golden Stocks For Profitably Investing, by Mr Ambrose Omordion, CRO. Investdata Consulting Ltd
4. Nigeria Infrastructural Gap & Fiscal Policy Reforms: Where are Investment Opportunities in 2026, by Mr Tope Ojo, Managing Partner, Tope & Tunde Estate Surveyors & Valuers
5. Investment Opportunities In The Alternative Markets In 2026 & Beyond, by Dr Sylvester Anaba (PhD, FCS) Head Research, United Capital Plc
6. The Pre-election Economy & 2016 Budget: Implementation and Impact On NGX, by Mr Abiola Rasaq, Former Head, Investor Relations & Portfolio Investments United Bank For Africa Plc
7. NGX New Highs & Correction: The Power Of Price Action, Time & Momentum In Profitable Trading In 2026 & Beyound, by Mr Abdul-Rasheed Oshoma Momoh, ED Operations, TRW Stockbrokers Ltd
8. Strategies For Equity Investing & Trading In A Pre-Election Year, by Mr Kebira Jimoh Aruna, MD/CEO GlobalView Capital Ltd
Riding the tide of pre- election Years in Nigeria, 2026 is not just any year—it’s part of a powerful historical trend or pattern that should be known to smart traders or discerning investors in any investment window, market or exchange in Nigeria today. It comes with tradable opportunities and risks that are associated with elections and post-elections. The ability to navigate between politics and economy creates the wealth to makes the difference in your investment. The reading of a nation’s electoral cycle and how investors perceive whether there could be a change in leadership or continuity, is a major factor that results in much of the uncertainty in pre-election years have been known for. This, it is believed can, and does spike market volatility and businesses, especially when it is seen that a new party may take power. This summit will help market players to navigate 2026 profitably by maximizing gains and minimize losses
Take away from this summit includes:
How to construct a resilient and Powerful Portfolio that adapts to market and economic changes.
● What to expect from the market and economy as the new tax reforms kicks off in 2026.
● Why historical patterns and trends in Nigerian election cycle is important when taking your investment decision in 2026 and beyond.
● The power of liquidity and corporate earnings in price movement.
● How to anticipate big sector moves and recovery in 2026 with ongoing reforms
● Understanding the cycle of 4 years opportunities time frames that comes with election preparation in Nigeria
● 10 golden stocks for 2026
Date: December 6, 2025
Fee: N75,000
Venue: Zoom
If you want to be among the winning investors and traders in 2026, send Yes to: 08028164085, or 08179547605 now.
