Consumer Spending Dynamics and Forex Irregularities

Consumer spending pressures in South Africa are expected to ease in the second half of the year, with a focus on durable areas like high-ticket items. Canada's official international reserves decreased by $1.98 billion in January. The Fiserv Small Business Index for January 2024 indicates steady consumer spending, particularly in the Retail sector. The retail outlook in the UK and the US for Valentine's Day suggests a mixed outlook for consumer spending in 2024, influenced by financial challenges and inflation concerns. The Central Bank of Nigeria discovered irregularities in a $2.4 billion forex backlog, prompting measures to boost dollar liquidity.