Background of the Study
Exchange rate stability is vital for maintaining a balanced external sector and ensuring overall economic stability. In Nigeria, interest rate dynamics—shaped by the Central Bank’s monetary policy—play a crucial role in influencing the exchange rate. Generally, higher interest rates attract foreign capital, leading to an appreciation of the naira, while lower rates may prompt capital outflows, contributing to currency depreciation (Okafor, 2023). This interplay becomes even more significant in an economy that is heavily reliant on imports and sensitive to global commodity prices.
The relationship between interest rates and exchange rates in Nigeria is complex and influenced by multiple factors including inflation, fiscal deficits, and international market conditions. When the CBN adjusts interest rates to control inflation, it indirectly affects the attractiveness of Nigerian financial assets to foreign investors, thereby influencing the demand for the naira. This dynamic not only impacts the cost of imported goods but also shapes the overall competitive position of Nigerian exports (Bello, 2024). Moreover, the transmission of interest rate changes to the exchange rate is often moderated by market sentiment and the degree of financial market integration.
Recent empirical evidence suggests that in Nigeria, the sensitivity of the exchange rate to interest rate adjustments is heightened during periods of economic instability. External shocks, such as fluctuations in global oil prices, can further amplify the impact of domestic interest rate changes, leading to heightened exchange rate volatility (Chinwe, 2023). Understanding these mechanisms is essential for formulating effective monetary policies that promote both price and exchange rate stability.
This study aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between interest rate dynamics and exchange rate stability in Nigeria. By integrating macroeconomic data with market analysis, the research will elucidate how interest rate policy adjustments can help stabilize the exchange rate and contribute to a more predictable economic environment.
Statement of the Problem
Nigeria’s exchange rate has been characterized by significant volatility, posing challenges for trade, investment, and overall economic stability. One critical factor contributing to this instability is the complex interaction between interest rate dynamics and exchange rate movements. Despite efforts by the Central Bank to manage interest rates, the expected stabilizing effect on the naira has often been undermined by external economic shocks and internal market imperfections (Okafor, 2023).
Specifically, while high interest rates are designed to attract foreign capital and strengthen the currency, the anticipated appreciation of the naira is frequently offset by domestic inflationary pressures and fiscal deficits. Conversely, periods of low interest rates intended to stimulate economic activity have sometimes led to capital outflows and a depreciation of the currency (Bello, 2024). These conflicting outcomes create uncertainty for investors and complicate the formulation of coherent monetary policy.
Furthermore, the transmission of interest rate changes to the exchange rate is not uniform across different market conditions. In times of global economic turbulence, even minor adjustments in domestic interest rates can trigger disproportionate fluctuations in the naira’s value. The lack of a stable framework for interest rate management exacerbates these challenges, leading to persistent exchange rate volatility that hampers long-term economic planning (Chinwe, 2023).
This study seeks to address these issues by providing an empirical analysis of the relationship between interest rate dynamics and exchange rate stability in Nigeria. The goal is to identify the conditions under which interest rate adjustments are most effective in stabilizing the exchange rate and to propose policy recommendations that enhance the predictability of Nigeria’s external value.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study examines macroeconomic data and exchange rate trends in Nigeria, utilizing central bank reports and international financial statistics. Limitations include the influence of unpredictable global market conditions and potential data inconsistencies.
Definitions of Terms
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