The covid-19 pandemic crossed Senegalese borders and indirectly those of the UEMOA zone on March 2, 2020. Already half a year, to the day, we are living with this virus even if the contamination and death rates are changing. arithmetic.
The economic consequences of this pandemic have been felt in global financial markets. Thus, on March 12 and 16, 2020, the CAC40 indices and the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded their worst falls in history with, respectively, 12.28% and 12.94%.

Loss of landmarks

In this context, the WAEMU Regional Stock Exchange continues in its “yoyo” movements. Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, is also the financial capital of the WAEMU zone, because it houses the headquarters of the sub-regional financial institution. From March 2020 to August 14, 2020, the market through its composite index contracted sharply by 17%. The agriculture and services sectors were the hardest hit with declines of 32% and 21% respectively.

While maintaining its downward trend, the composite index recorded a major fall on May 18, 2020. This flash crash can be explained by the loss of investor confidence in certain companies following the publication of the NOTICE relating to compliance with financial disclosure obligations by companies listed on the BRVM by the Financial Market Authority (AMF) on May 15, 2020. In the coming months, the market will be more volatile, with presidential elections looming in some Union country.