Akintunde Oyedokun
Research Analyst
Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since late July as renewed attacks on tankers involving Iran and the U.S. raised fears of tighter Middle East oil supplies.
Brent gained 3.5% to $101.32, while WTI rose 3.7% to $96.48, with falling shipments through the Strait of Hormuz adding to supply concerns.
Japan Factory Confidence Hits 2021 High
Business confidence among Japan’s major manufacturers rose to +21 in September, the highest since December 2021, supported by strong semiconductor and data-centre demand.
Electronics led the improvement, while non-manufacturers edged up to +29. Manufacturers expect sentiment to strengthen further, although Middle East tensions, rising raw-material costs and weak domestic demand remain risks.
Mexico Projects 1.5%-2.5% Growth in 2027
Mexico expects economic growth of 1.5%-2.5% in 2027, with the public-sector deficit narrowing to 3.9% of GDP. Growth is expected to benefit from stronger domestic demand, infrastructure investment and higher exports.
Inflation is projected at 3.0%, while public debt could reach 55% of GDP. Pemex is earmarked 81.1 billion pesos for debt payments and 255.5 billion pesos for investment.
Ghana Economy Grows 6% in Q2 on Digital Sector Boost
Ghana’s economy grew 6.0% year-on-year in Q2 2026, driven by a 30.9% expansion in the ICT sector. Growth slowed from 6.6% a year earlier and 6.4% in Q1.
Inflation also eased to 5.0%, highlighting continued economic recovery and improving stability.
Nigeria’s FX Inflows Rise 19% in August
FX inflows through NAFEM rose 19% MoM to $5.2bn in August, supported by stronger domestic and offshore participation. Offshore inflows climbed 29% to $1.9bn, while domestic inflows rose 14% to $3.3bn.
Exporter inflows increased 30% to $1.2bn, while CBN FX sales remained at $1.4bn. Improved liquidity supported the naira and reserves, with high yields, stronger oil prices and CBN reforms expected to sustain inflows.
