In its latest publication entitled "Monthly economic outlook note", the Central Bank of West African States (Bceao) indicates that the world financial markets experienced positive developments during the month of May 2021.

Investors are encouraged in particular by the rise in profits and the hopes raised by the good global economic outlook. According to the BCEAO, the sub-regional and international stock market indices experienced upward trends over the period under review. Indeed, at the African level, stock market prices strengthened (GSE of Ghana: +10.4%, BRVM: +5.8% and Madex and Masi of Morocco: +3.6%), contrasting with the decline in the FTSE/JSE index of South Africa (-3.5%). Internationally, the trend was also positive. Thus, the Dow Jones index increased by 1.5% in May 2021. In Europe, the Euro Stoxx 50 of the euro zone and the CAC 40 of France increased by 0.5% and 2.6 respectively. %. In addition, the FTSE 100 of the London Stock Exchange recorded a monthly increase of 1.6%.

In the West African sub-region, the CFA franc appreciated by 2.7% in May 2021 against the currencies of other West African countries, after an achievement of +0.3% in April 2021. The most significant increases are noted against the Nigerian naira (+3.5%), the Sierra Leonean leone (+1.7%) and the Ghanaian cedi (+1.6%). In annual variation, the CFA franc strengthened by 26.1% against West African currencies. It recorded an increase of 35.9% against the Nigerian naira, 15.6% against the Guinean franc, 15.6% against the Sierra Leonean leone, 12.1% against the currency Ghanaian and 7.7% against the Gambian Dalasi. The fall in the CFA franc against the Liberian dollar (-4.6%) had a moderating effect.