IMF Says Sudan Made Tangible Progress Toward Establishing Strong Reforms

The International Monetary Fund logo is seen during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, US. (File photo: Reuters)
The International Monetary Fund logo is seen during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, US. (File photo: Reuters)
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IMF Says Sudan Made Tangible Progress Toward Establishing Strong Reforms

The International Monetary Fund logo is seen during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, US. (File photo: Reuters)
The International Monetary Fund logo is seen during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, US. (File photo: Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director approved on Monday the first review of Sudan's Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) but called for reform of a customs exchange rate and more transparency over state-owned enterprises.

"The Sudanese authorities have made tangible progress toward establishing a strong track record of policy and reform implementation - a key requirement for eventual debt relief", an IMF statement said, citing a recent devaluation of the currency and removal of fuel subsidies.

The IMF warned that the economic situation remained "extremely fragile" in Sudan, where a deep economic crisis has seen inflation of up to 300% and shortages of basic goods, Reuters reported.

"Authorities should implement the reform of the customs exchange rate in a timely fashion to lift revenue and competitiveness and avoid a return to distortionary policy measures," the statement said.

"Enhanced transparency and management of State-Owned Enterprises operations is vital to mitigate fiscal risks and bring more revenue on-budget," it added.

The IMF also called for the timely adoption of a central bank act and the establishment of an independent anti-corruption commission.



Safe-Haven Gold Breaks $2,700/Oz Level as Uncertainty Looms

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
TT

Safe-Haven Gold Breaks $2,700/Oz Level as Uncertainty Looms

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold breached the $2,700-per-ounce level on Friday for the first time ever, as US election jitters and simmering Middle East tensions boosted safe-haven demand, while a looser monetary policy environment also added fuel to the rally.
Spot gold firmed 0.6% to $2,709.28 per ounce by 0430 GMT and gained 2% this week. US gold futures rose 0.6% to $2,724.50.
Gold could gather further traction given the fluidity of election developments and geopolitical uncertainties, said OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.
Hezbollah said it will escalate war with Israel after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Elsewhere, with less than three weeks remaining to cast votes this US presidential election, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are stretching for the support of every last voter.
"Gold has scoffed at a surging dollar and rallies at every chance it gets. It's just a bull market that shows no signs of exhaustion," said Tai Wong, a New York-based independent metals trader.
US economic data released overnight pointed to a strengthening economy, which boosted the US dollar. But traders still see a 90% chance of a Federal Reserve rate cut in November. The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the third time this year as the euro zone economy sags.
Lower rates increase the non-yielding bullion's appeal.
Bullion will continue to perform well over the long term, benefiting from the precarious fiscal situations of many Western nations, and the global desire for a store of value independent of other assets and institutions, said Ryan McIntyre, senior portfolio manager at Sprott Asset Management.
Delegates to the London Bullion Market Association's annual gathering
predicted
gold would rise to $2,941 over the next 12 months and silver to $45.
Spot silver rose 0.9% to $31.97 and headed for a weekly gain. Platinum added 0.6% to $997.80 and palladium increased 0.6% to $1,048.55.