A sharp selloff in the US bond market has driven the benchmark Treasury yield above 5%, sending shockwaves through equity markets and heightening investor anxiety.

The surge in yields, particularly on the 10-year Treasury note, reflects growing concerns over persistent inflation, the outlook for interest rates, and the broader path of monetary policy. As bond prices fell, yields climbed past the psychologically important 5% threshold, marking a significant move that has unsettled risk assets.

US stock markets reacted with broad declines, as higher yields increased the attractiveness of fixed-income investments relative to equities and raised borrowing costs for companies. Major indices came under pressure, with investors reassessing valuations amid the rising cost of capital.

Market analysts note that the rapid move higher in yields has intensified volatility across asset classes. Traders are closely watching upcoming economic data and any signals from the Federal Reserve for clues on whether the upward pressure on yields will persist.

The development underscores the sensitivity of both bond and equity markets to shifting expectations around inflation and monetary policy in the world’s largest economy.

The trading floor of the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) is agog this morning as billionaire industrialist,Aliko Dangote, declared opened trading activities for the day.

“I don’t want anybody again to call me the richest man in Africa. I want to be called the wealthiest man in Africa so that I can create wealth for others,” he said.

Dangote made the remarks on Monday while sounding the gong at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in Lagos to formally launch the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

The billionaire businessman said the IPO provided an opportunity for investors to participate in what he described as a transformational phase for Nigeria and Africa’s economies.

“Today, we are not merely offering shares. We are offering an opportunity to participate in the transformational chapter of not only Nigeria’s economy, but Africa’s economy,” Dangote said.

He urged Nigerians to deepen the capital market and promote wider ownership of wealth.

“Together, let us deepen our capital market. Together, let us create prosperity through ownership. Together, let us build a stronger Nigeria. Together, let us ensure prosperity for Africa,” he said.

BLACK MARKET

US DOLLAR ₦1385

POUND (GBP) ₦1880

EURO (EUR) ₦1580

CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) ₦1000

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦90

UAE DIRHAM (AED) ₦370

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦190

GHANA CEDI (GHS) ₦100

Central Bank of Nigeria Rates

DOLLAR (USD)₦1326.52

POUND (GBP)₦1794.52

EURO (EUR)₦1540.22

SWISS FRANC (CHF)₦1627.83

JAPANESE YEN (JPN)₦8.64

CFA FRANC (XOF)₦2.34

WEST AFRICAN UNIT OF ACCOUNT (WAUA)₦1811.58

CHINESE YUAN (CNY)₦197.74

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦353.20

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.24