2018 KES to SOS Historical Review
A comprehensive breakdown of exchange rate performance throughout the year 2018.
2018 KES to SOS Performance & Market Timing Review
Analysis of key historical highlights and timing insights for 2018
During 2018, the KES to SOS exchange rate experienced significant fluctuation. The market reached its absolute peak on May 4, valuing the pair at 5.7927. Conversely, the yearly low was recorded on January 11, dropping to 5.5622.
This high-to-low spread represents a total annual volatility of 0.2305 SOS. From a start-to-finish perspective, comparing the January average rate of 5.6362 to the December average rate of 5.6750, the exchange rate registered a net change of 0.69% (reflecting a strengthening trend).
Looking at year-over-year peak valuations, the 2018 high of 5.7927 was up 0.65% compared to the 2017 peak of 5.7552, indicating shifts in long-term support levels.
Comparing the value generated converting 5,000 KES based on timing:
Trend Visualization
Monthly average fluctuations over the course of 2018.
KES to SOS Seasonal Trends & Volatility Analysis
A structured review of seasonal halves, trading extremes, consecutive streaks, and historical baselines.
Seasonal Halves (H1 vs H2)
SeasonalThe average exchange rate in the first half of the year (H1: Jan–Jun) was 5.7148, compared to 5.7153 in the second half (H2: Jul–Dec). This shows that the rate was stronger in the second half (Jul–Dec) by a margin of 0.0005 points.
Volatility Range Comparison
VolatilityThe most volatile month in 2018 was January, with a trading range of 0.1364 SOS (High: 5.6986 / Low: 5.5622). On the other end, August was the most stable month, with a tight range of 0.0453 SOS (High: 5.7660 / Low: 5.7207).
Growth Streaks & Declines
TrendsBetween January and March, the exchange rate recorded its longest consecutive growth streak of the year, climbing for 2 straight months. Conversely, the sharpest month-over-month decline occurred between October and November, when the average rate fell by 0.0692 points.
Same-Month Historical Baseline
YoY BaselineComparing the current year's strongest month average (May 2018: 5.7290) against the same month in 2017 (average: 5.6072), the exchange rate shifted by +0.1218 (+2.17%).
Monthly Breakdown
Statistical summary for each calendar month.
| Month | High | Low | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6986 | 5.5622 | 5.6362 |
| February | 5.7780 | 5.6824 | 5.7278 |
| March | 5.7839 | 5.7072 | 5.7430 |
| April | 5.7879 | 5.6972 | 5.7416 |
| May | 5.7927 | 5.6575 | 5.7290 |
| June | 5.7570 | 5.6558 | 5.7111 |
| July | 5.7720 | 5.7099 | 5.7450 |
| August | 5.7660 | 5.7207 | 5.7436 |
| September | 5.7501 | 5.7017 | 5.7346 |
| October | 5.7620 | 5.6851 | 5.7315 |
| November | 5.7233 | 5.6130 | 5.6623 |
| December | 5.7233 | 5.6467 | 5.6750 |