2018 LSL to KES Historical Review
A comprehensive breakdown of exchange rate performance throughout the year 2018.
2018 LSL to KES Performance & Market Timing Review
Analysis of key historical highlights and timing insights for 2018
During 2018, the LSL to KES exchange rate experienced significant fluctuation. The market reached its absolute peak on February 23, valuing the pair at 8.8287. Conversely, the yearly low was recorded on September 16, dropping to 6.4749.
This high-to-low spread represents a total annual volatility of 2.3538 KES. From a start-to-finish perspective, comparing the January average rate of 8.4424 to the December average rate of 7.1674, the exchange rate registered a net change of -15.10% (reflecting a weakening trend).
Looking at year-over-year peak valuations, the 2018 high of 8.8287 was up 5.15% compared to the 2017 peak of 8.3961, indicating shifts in long-term support levels.
Comparing the value generated converting 5,000 LSL based on timing:
Trend Visualization
Monthly average fluctuations over the course of 2018.
LSL to KES 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 8.2535, compared to 7.1658 in the second half (H2: Jul–Dec). This shows that the rate was stronger in the first half (Jan–Jun) by a margin of 1.0876 points.
Volatility Range Comparison
VolatilityThe most volatile month in 2018 was August, with a trading range of 0.7263 KES (High: 7.6135 / Low: 6.8871). On the other end, March was the most stable month, with a tight range of 0.2237 KES (High: 8.6634 / Low: 8.4397).
Growth Streaks & Declines
TrendsBetween September and November, 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 August and September, when the average rate fell by 0.4123 points.
Same-Month Historical Baseline
YoY BaselineComparing the current year's strongest month average (February 2018: 8.5710) against the same month in 2017 (average: 7.8429), the exchange rate shifted by +0.7281 (+9.28%).
Monthly Breakdown
Statistical summary for each calendar month.
| Month | High | Low | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.6419 | 8.2700 | 8.4424 |
| February | 8.8287 | 8.2900 | 8.5710 |
| March | 8.6634 | 8.4397 | 8.5321 |
| April | 8.5454 | 8.0463 | 8.3197 |
| May | 8.1747 | 7.8793 | 8.0262 |
| June | 8.0236 | 7.3176 | 7.6296 |
| July | 7.6802 | 7.3001 | 7.5073 |
| August | 7.6135 | 6.8871 | 7.2562 |
| September | 7.1624 | 6.4749 | 6.8438 |
| October | 7.1415 | 6.7830 | 6.9578 |
| November | 7.4866 | 7.0424 | 7.2626 |
| December | 7.5079 | 6.9851 | 7.1674 |