| Word on the Street Thursday 2/22/18 |
Word on the Street Thursday 2/22/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,171.7000 | 1,167.6000 | 1,171.7000 | | 07:10 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,688.9000 | 22,398.0000 | 22,470.0000 | | 07:10 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3624 | 6.3390 | 6.3472 | | 07:10 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.2997 | 0.2989 | 0.2992 | | 07:06 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3914 | 1.3857 | 1.3904 | | 07:10 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13,698.0000 | 13,608.0000 | 13,653.0000 | | 07:05 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Parliamentary finance likely to approve the budget next Tuesday
Release date: 2018/2/22 9:07 • 364 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) revealed the Finance Committee parliamentary, for important amendments to the paragraphs of the draft budget law for the year 2018.
"Several amendments have been made to the budget, including clauses to ensure greater interest to citizens and employees in general, including the abolition of the paragraph of the deduction of a percentage of salaries, 3.8%, by general agreement by the members of the Committee, as well as a member of the Committee, Majida Abdel Latif Tamimi said in a press statement. To find an alternative to the decline that will be caused by this cancellation, in addition to lifting the restriction on promotions and allowances and delete and development after it came from the government as a natural right to the work of the employee.
Tamimi added that "the budget included an increase of 144 billion dinars for the disabled victims of terrorism or those who responded to terrorism and urged them to sponsor them, as well as the allocation of 200 million dollars to establish small and income-generating projects for the employment of young people instead of remaining unemployed.
Al-Tamimi expected that "the parliament will vote on the draft budget in the parliament session - scheduled - next Tuesday."
Tamimi added that "the budget included an increase of 144 billion dinars for the disabled victims of terrorism or those who responded to terrorism and urged them to sponsor them, as well as the allocation of 200 million dollars to establish small and income-generating projects for the employment of young people instead of remaining unemployed.
Al-Tamimi expected that "the parliament will vote on the draft budget in the parliament session - scheduled - next Tuesday."
Iraqi Parliament Candidate Issued Arrest Warrant Ahead of Elections
The huge fund had been allocated and spent by the government for the construction of a road in Diyala province. However, the road never came to existence.According to the source, there are political attempt to influence the court’s decision in hopes of allowing Humeri to take part in the upcoming elections scheduled for May 12.
Jubouri to US official: The next phase requires the mobilization of efforts to ensure the success of the elections
Editorial date: 2018/2/22 11:44 • 77 times read
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Speaker of the House of Representatives Saleem al-Jubouri on Thursday discussed with US Assistant Secretary of Defense Robert Carmen the presence of US Ambassador to Baghdad Douglas Silliman on the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between Iraq and America to fight terrorism focus.
"Iraq needs the support of the international community and all the friendly countries, especially the United States of America, to eradicate terrorism, which has recently been trying to destabilize the security and stability of innocent citizens," al-Jubouri said in a statement.
"We must maintain the victory over terrorism through more intelligence coordination between Iraq and the international coalition in order to spare the opportunity to those who want to stir sectarianism and strife among the Iraqi people," he said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, "The next phase requires the mobilization of all efforts to ensure the success of the elections in preparation for the stage of reconstruction, which we seek to be the beginning to reduce the page of terrorism in the country."
"The role of the United States of America supporting Iraq in its war against terrorism and at all levels."
For his part, Carmen stressed his country's keenness to support Iraq and stand by him in his war against terrorism
"We must maintain the victory over terrorism through more intelligence coordination between Iraq and the international coalition in order to spare the opportunity to those who want to stir sectarianism and strife among the Iraqi people," he said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, "The next phase requires the mobilization of all efforts to ensure the success of the elections in preparation for the stage of reconstruction, which we seek to be the beginning to reduce the page of terrorism in the country."
"The role of the United States of America supporting Iraq in its war against terrorism and at all levels."
For his part, Carmen stressed his country's keenness to support Iraq and stand by him in his war against terrorism
IFC, Central Bank of Iraq to Strengthen Corporate Governance in Banking Sector
Baghdad, Iraq, — IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Central Bank of Iraq are launching a series of specialized workshops, starting today, to raise corporate governance standards in Iraqi banks and strengthen the country’s banking sector.
IFC’s advisory services team will support the Central Bank in implementing its new mandatory corporate governance banking guidelines. IFC will initially train all key managers in the Central Bank and then roll out workshops to board members from all the country’s banks. Topics include understanding the unique nature of governance in the sector, the right composition of boards, and risk management best practice.
Aly Al Alaq, Governor of the Central bank said: “Helping banks implement sound corporate governance practices will increase the sector’s resilience and sustainability and make them more investment-friendly, enabling banks to not only boost efficiency, but also increase profit.”
The initiatives are part of IFC’s strategy to spur private sector growth in Iraq and scale up support for fragile and conflict-affected states, where private sector investment is key. For companies operating in conflict-affected environments, strong corporate governance can be vital for sustainability.
“Our aim is to foster a positive corporate governance culture within which banks in Iraq can operate, to strengthen the sector and drive growth,” said Ziad Badr IFC Principal Country Officer in Iraq. “Improved practices help attract direct investments and ultimately stimulate social welfare and economic growth.”
IFC has been working to improve corporate governance in Iraq since 2014. As well as working with local institutions, in May 2017, IFC launched the country’s first independent institute of directors—the Kurdistani Institute of Directors (KIoD)—alongside the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Trade, which advises on best practice and strengthening the role of independent directors and boards.
IFC’s advisory work in Iraq focuses on building the capacity of financial institutions, supporting governments, helping private firms improve their environmental, social, and governance standards, and mobilizing private investments through public-private partnerships.
The parliamentary finance is looking at the internal and external debt repayment mechanism
The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed on Wednesday that the rate of transfer and reduction in the budget for the current year 2018 will be the lowest compared to previous years because of the current economic crisis.
"The committee discussed with the officials of the Ministry of Finance and the head of the Audit Bureau, the government mechanism to repay the external and internal debt of 114 billion dollars," said member of the Committee Hossam al-Aqabi. "The government will pay about seven billion dollars as benefits and premiums to international and local bodies."
He added that "the parliamentary committee canceled the tax deduction of 3.8% of the salaries of employees and retirees," noting that "the proportion of transfers and reduction in the budget this year will be few compared to the budgets of previous years because of the economic crisis experienced by Iraq." d
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:ddd
Provides work for 30,000 Iraqis .. Egyptian-Saudi alliance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq
Vice President of the Saudi Business Council, Abdullah bin Mahfouz, announced on Thursday the conclusion of alliances between 20 Saudi and Egyptian companies to begin the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
"The conclusion of alliances between 20 Saudi and Egyptian companies to start the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, noting that the alliances between these companies will result in the rehabilitation and provide employment opportunities for 30 thousand Iraqi citizens in the construction projects."
Mahfouz said that "Saudi-Egyptian companies will increase their strength at the Union. Saudi Arabia has capital and infrastructure expertise. Egyptian companies have skilled hands. They can provide between 15-30 thousand Egyptian workers to work in Iraq. Foreign companies to rebuild Iraq. "
He predicted that "the Saudi-Egyptian companies will start their business within three months, in light of the meetings between the two parties currently, and that the most prominent Saudi companies qualified in the field of contracting to enter into this alliance are:" Bin Laden, Nesma, Al-Muhaidib, Al-Fawzan and Al-Saif. "
Mahfouz noted that "the partnership of these companies with their Egyptian counterpart will result in huge projects, describing the new Egyptian investment law as the most important and important in the Arab region. It will help to address all the previous investment systems and will not need to change for many years."
He explained that Saudi Arabia is seeking to expand trade and investment exchange with Egypt due to the economic weight of the two countries. He added that Egypt has succeeded in supporting tourism opportunities, implemented many successful tourism projects and Saudi Arabia recorded successes in the field of infrastructure and housing.
Mahfouz said that "the current time is the best for investment in Egypt. There are 4,776 Saudi companies operating in Egypt with investments worth 27 billion dollars," he said. "Egypt is implementing an economic reform program in agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The first tranche of the loan by $ 2.75 billion of the total 12 billion.
"The conclusion of alliances between 20 Saudi and Egyptian companies to start the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, noting that the alliances between these companies will result in the rehabilitation and provide employment opportunities for 30 thousand Iraqi citizens in the construction projects."
Mahfouz said that "Saudi-Egyptian companies will increase their strength at the Union. Saudi Arabia has capital and infrastructure expertise. Egyptian companies have skilled hands. They can provide between 15-30 thousand Egyptian workers to work in Iraq. Foreign companies to rebuild Iraq. "
He predicted that "the Saudi-Egyptian companies will start their business within three months, in light of the meetings between the two parties currently, and that the most prominent Saudi companies qualified in the field of contracting to enter into this alliance are:" Bin Laden, Nesma, Al-Muhaidib, Al-Fawzan and Al-Saif. "
Mahfouz noted that "the partnership of these companies with their Egyptian counterpart will result in huge projects, describing the new Egyptian investment law as the most important and important in the Arab region. It will help to address all the previous investment systems and will not need to change for many years."
He explained that Saudi Arabia is seeking to expand trade and investment exchange with Egypt due to the economic weight of the two countries. He added that Egypt has succeeded in supporting tourism opportunities, implemented many successful tourism projects and Saudi Arabia recorded successes in the field of infrastructure and housing.
Mahfouz said that "the current time is the best for investment in Egypt. There are 4,776 Saudi companies operating in Egypt with investments worth 27 billion dollars," he said. "Egypt is implementing an economic reform program in agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The first tranche of the loan by $ 2.75 billion of the total 12 billion.
Deputy reveals hidden: meeting presidencies will fail to resolve the budget crisis
MP for the National Alliance Hilal Sahlani said the expected meeting of the three presidencies in order to resolve the differences of the budget will not come out new and did not change many of the convictions of the blocks.
He said in a press statement that "was agreed within the parliament to convene a meeting of presidencies in order to resolve the differences of the general budget between the government and the parliamentary blocs before being submitted to the final vote."
He added that "the government does not want to make transfers of funds between the sectors of the budget in general more than the ceiling of 1 -2%, and the Prime Minister told the blocks the need to approve the budget as drafted by the government," noting that "the addition of allocations to the Kurds 4-5 trillion dinars or 4 trillion dinars to the provinces Destructive, this is far from the direction of the government. "
He added that "the size of financial grants allocated to the provinces of the Kuwait Reconstruction Conference, was less than ambition, and therefore this is more because the expectations of the blocks and representatives of the provinces otherwise," adding that "the coalition of forces will not respond to the passage of the budget on the pretext of lack of access to the provinces sufficient grants , As well as the Kurds to allocate amounts of loans to the region.
He said in a press statement that "was agreed within the parliament to convene a meeting of presidencies in order to resolve the differences of the general budget between the government and the parliamentary blocs before being submitted to the final vote."
He added that "the government does not want to make transfers of funds between the sectors of the budget in general more than the ceiling of 1 -2%, and the Prime Minister told the blocks the need to approve the budget as drafted by the government," noting that "the addition of allocations to the Kurds 4-5 trillion dinars or 4 trillion dinars to the provinces Destructive, this is far from the direction of the government. "
He added that "the size of financial grants allocated to the provinces of the Kuwait Reconstruction Conference, was less than ambition, and therefore this is more because the expectations of the blocks and representatives of the provinces otherwise," adding that "the coalition of forces will not respond to the passage of the budget on the pretext of lack of access to the provinces sufficient grants , As well as the Kurds to allocate amounts of loans to the region.
UNHCR: Distribution of 5 million biometric cards
The Independent High Electoral Commission distributed five million voter registration cards, and exceeded 49% in all governorates except Nineveh, while confirming that more than one million and 700 thousand voters of newborns have happened
Their data.
"The distribution of the biometric voter cards is proceeding smoothly and has reached an advanced stage. Five million cards have been distributed, more than 49 percent of them out of a total of 11 million cards," said Nemaa al-Moussawi, .
"The average daily distribution in all governorates amounted to about 100 thousand cards, pointing out that this percentage of distribution
Will be sufficient to hand over all voter cards. "
Their data.
"The distribution of the biometric voter cards is proceeding smoothly and has reached an advanced stage. Five million cards have been distributed, more than 49 percent of them out of a total of 11 million cards," said Nemaa al-Moussawi, .
"The average daily distribution in all governorates amounted to about 100 thousand cards, pointing out that this percentage of distribution
Will be sufficient to hand over all voter cards. "
He confirmed that "the new born (1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000) of the 3 million and 333 thousand voters printed their ballot cards to be included in the vote during the parliamentary elections to be held on the twelfth of May next, noting that the million and 700 thousand voters, including the data.
The International Alliance undertakes to develop development programs for Iraqi pilots and maintenance technicians
Release Date: 2018/2/21 18:22 • 98 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The United States of America announced its support for the opening of the Iraqi Air Force Air Academy at Balad Air Base.
"The United States congratulated the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Air Force on the reopening of the Iraqi Air Force Air Academy at Balad air base today," a statement from the US embassy in Baghdad said.
"The United States and the International Alliance will be supported by the new academy by providing guidance to the first course of the Academy's trainees on issues related to air safety, aviation discipline, professional development of officers and familiarity with aircraft technical regulations," he added.
"In coordination with the Iraqi government, the coalition will help establish standard development training programs aimed at developing pilots and maintenance technicians," said Brigadier Andrew Croft, director of the coalition's training and navigational advisers.
"The airline's aviation advisors will work with these trainees and students in the future to offer English speaking practices as part of their training," he said.
"The Iraqi Air Force Academy will focus on developing the capabilities of maintenance officers, pilots, reconnaissance and transport, as well as training on Cessna 172, Cessna 208, T6 and T50."
"The first 40 trainees will start their studies in March, and after graduating from the academy, the pilots will focus on specialized training in different locations in Iraq," he said.
"With this support to the Government of Iraq, the United States and the Alliance are helping to build a sustainable aviation institution to meet Iraq's security and defense needs in the future," he said.
The academy is another step in Iraq's march towards rebuilding its military institutions and will give it a structure that will sustain the building of their air force.d
"The United States and the International Alliance will be supported by the new academy by providing guidance to the first course of the Academy's trainees on issues related to air safety, aviation discipline, professional development of officers and familiarity with aircraft technical regulations," he added.
"In coordination with the Iraqi government, the coalition will help establish standard development training programs aimed at developing pilots and maintenance technicians," said Brigadier Andrew Croft, director of the coalition's training and navigational advisers.
"The airline's aviation advisors will work with these trainees and students in the future to offer English speaking practices as part of their training," he said.
"The Iraqi Air Force Academy will focus on developing the capabilities of maintenance officers, pilots, reconnaissance and transport, as well as training on Cessna 172, Cessna 208, T6 and T50."
"The first 40 trainees will start their studies in March, and after graduating from the academy, the pilots will focus on specialized training in different locations in Iraq," he said.
"With this support to the Government of Iraq, the United States and the Alliance are helping to build a sustainable aviation institution to meet Iraq's security and defense needs in the future," he said.
The academy is another step in Iraq's march towards rebuilding its military institutions and will give it a structure that will sustain the building of their air force.d
UNHCR: Distribution of 5 million voter cards with the exception of Nineveh
Editorial date: 2018/2/22 8:46 • 169 times read
{Baghdad: Euphrates News} distributed the Electoral Commission for the elections, five million cards of voters Baiditr, and by more than 49 percent in all provinces except Nineveh.
"The distribution of biometric voter cards is proceeding smoothly and has reached an advanced stage. Five million cards have been distributed, more than 49 percent of them out of the total number of 11 million cards, "He said.
Al-Moussawi said that "the daily distribution rate in all governorates amounted to about 100 thousand cards, pointing out that" this proportion of the distribution will be sufficient to hand over all voter cards. "
He stressed that the "newborns (1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000) of the 3 million and 333 thousand voters printed their ballot cards to be included by voting during the parliamentary elections, which will be held on May 12 next, noting that the million and 700 thousand voters, including the data
Al-Moussawi said that "the daily distribution rate in all governorates amounted to about 100 thousand cards, pointing out that" this proportion of the distribution will be sufficient to hand over all voter cards. "
He stressed that the "newborns (1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000) of the 3 million and 333 thousand voters printed their ballot cards to be included by voting during the parliamentary elections, which will be held on May 12 next, noting that the million and 700 thousand voters, including the data
Iran, Iraqi Kurdistan Look to Bolster Trade
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Tehran and Erbil have reportedly agreed to raise the number of border crossings between them to six from a current three
According to official KRG figures, Iran represents the Kurdish region’s second largest trading partner after TurkeyI ran and northern Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government hope to increase cross-border trade volumes by increasing the number of border crossings between them, KRG local officials have been quoted by state-run news agency of the Turkish government Anadolu Agency as saying.
According to Aballah Akrayi, an official at KRG’s Foreign Relations Department, relations between Tehran and Erbil (the KRG’s administrative capital) have thawed noticeably since KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani visited Tehran last month.In a meeting between Barzani and Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Jan. 22, the latter called for closer economic cooperation between Tehran and KRG, saying that Tehran is keen to invest in development projects in Iraq's Kurdistan.Barzani noted that bilateral trade should be enhanced, noting that Iranian investors are welcome to help implement economic projects.
According to official KRG figures, Iran represents the Kurdish region’s second largest trading partner after Turkey.In an effort to further enhance Iran-KRG trade, Tehran and Erbil have reportedly agreed to raise the number of border crossings between them to six from a current three. According to Iraqi government statements, experts from both sides have already carried out ground inspections in areas where they hope to set up new border terminals to ease commercial traffic.
The areas that have reportedly been designated for new crossings are (from north to south) Sairan-Band; Qalat near Sulaymaniyah; and Choshma in Halabja.Currently, nine official crossings are situated along Iraq’s 1,450-kilometer border with Iran.A referendum was held in Iraqi Kurdistan on Sept. 25, 201, producing an overwhelming 'yes' for independence from Iraq.Iraq's Supreme Federal Court ruled one month later that the referendum was unconstitutional and that the results of the vote were void.
Iraq's central government responded to the Kurdish independence referendum with a series of measures.It seized the Kurdish-held city of Kirkuk and other territory disputed between the Kurds and the central government, according to Reuters. It also banned direct flights to Kurdistan and demanded control over border crossings.Iran closed its border crossings with the Kurdistan region of Iraq following the vote in favor of independence in the Kurdish area but reopened them later.
The decision came after the Kurdish Regional Government stepped up its efforts to resolve the crisis in relations with Baghdad through dialogue rather than military means.Tamarchin (also known as Haj Omran) between Iran's West Azarbaijan Province and Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil, and Parvizkhan between Iran's Kermanshah Province and Iraqi Kurdistan's Sulaymaniyah reopened on Jan. 2, 2017.
The third border crossing between Iran and the Iraqi Kurdistan, Bashmaq, was reopened earlier on Oct. 25 the same day as the Kurdistan Regional Government offered to freeze the results of the Sept. 25 vote as a step toward resolving its disputes with Baghdad through dialogue.Iran’s Kurdish lawmaker, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, earlier said the closure of the country’s border with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region had inflicted losses worth $2.5 billion.Some experts said Iran was losing out as a result of the punitive measure since Turkey, which has left its borders open, quickly replaced Iranian products in Kurdistan.
The Kurdish region of Iran has significantly high rates of unemployment. The border closure led to loss of job for many locals who usually earn a living by trading goods between the two crossings.
According to Keyvan Kashefi, the head of Kermanshah Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, the closure led to the loss of some 3,000 local jobs.“Exports and transit through this frontier crossing amount to approximately $3 billion per year and its closure will have a negative effect on the country’s overall exports,” he said.More than 54% of Iran’s exports to Iraq are conducted through Parvizkhan border crossing.Iran exported commodities worth more than $3 billion to Iraq during the six months to Sept. 22, with less than one-third of the exports going to the northern Kurdish region.
Iraqi Kurdistan is a landlocked region heavily dependent on its neighbors.d
According to official KRG figures, Iran represents the Kurdish region’s second largest trading partner after Turkey.In an effort to further enhance Iran-KRG trade, Tehran and Erbil have reportedly agreed to raise the number of border crossings between them to six from a current three. According to Iraqi government statements, experts from both sides have already carried out ground inspections in areas where they hope to set up new border terminals to ease commercial traffic.
The areas that have reportedly been designated for new crossings are (from north to south) Sairan-Band; Qalat near Sulaymaniyah; and Choshma in Halabja.Currently, nine official crossings are situated along Iraq’s 1,450-kilometer border with Iran.A referendum was held in Iraqi Kurdistan on Sept. 25, 201, producing an overwhelming 'yes' for independence from Iraq.Iraq's Supreme Federal Court ruled one month later that the referendum was unconstitutional and that the results of the vote were void.
Iraq's central government responded to the Kurdish independence referendum with a series of measures.It seized the Kurdish-held city of Kirkuk and other territory disputed between the Kurds and the central government, according to Reuters. It also banned direct flights to Kurdistan and demanded control over border crossings.Iran closed its border crossings with the Kurdistan region of Iraq following the vote in favor of independence in the Kurdish area but reopened them later.
The decision came after the Kurdish Regional Government stepped up its efforts to resolve the crisis in relations with Baghdad through dialogue rather than military means.Tamarchin (also known as Haj Omran) between Iran's West Azarbaijan Province and Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil, and Parvizkhan between Iran's Kermanshah Province and Iraqi Kurdistan's Sulaymaniyah reopened on Jan. 2, 2017.
The third border crossing between Iran and the Iraqi Kurdistan, Bashmaq, was reopened earlier on Oct. 25 the same day as the Kurdistan Regional Government offered to freeze the results of the Sept. 25 vote as a step toward resolving its disputes with Baghdad through dialogue.Iran’s Kurdish lawmaker, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, earlier said the closure of the country’s border with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region had inflicted losses worth $2.5 billion.Some experts said Iran was losing out as a result of the punitive measure since Turkey, which has left its borders open, quickly replaced Iranian products in Kurdistan.
The Kurdish region of Iran has significantly high rates of unemployment. The border closure led to loss of job for many locals who usually earn a living by trading goods between the two crossings.
According to Keyvan Kashefi, the head of Kermanshah Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, the closure led to the loss of some 3,000 local jobs.“Exports and transit through this frontier crossing amount to approximately $3 billion per year and its closure will have a negative effect on the country’s overall exports,” he said.More than 54% of Iran’s exports to Iraq are conducted through Parvizkhan border crossing.Iran exported commodities worth more than $3 billion to Iraq during the six months to Sept. 22, with less than one-third of the exports going to the northern Kurdish region.
Iraqi Kurdistan is a landlocked region heavily dependent on its neighbors.d
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4 ways your Social Security benefits are being reduced
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Cryptos are tanking again, but not Bitcoin
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WH won’t say if Kushner still has access to classified info
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Citigroup Drove Puerto Rico Into Debt. Now It Will Profit From Privatization on the Island.
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dd
GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
4 ways your Social Security benefits are being reduced
USA TODAY
Whether you realize it or not, your Social Security payout is shrinking. Read the full story
5 simple ways to create a stress-free home, according to a happiness expert
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Mark Cuban says studying philosophy may soon be worth more than computer science—here's why
Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban explains why college students should consider a degree in philosophy over computer science.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Happiness expert Michelle Gielan says having a more positive and optimistic life at home only requires minor tweaks to your day-to-day habits.
The following four strategies can help you overcome the curse of knowledge, says Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker.
Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban explains why college students should consider a degree in philosophy over computer science.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold Prices at 1-Week Lows as Dollar Remains Supported
Investing.com
© Reuters. Gold prices under pressure on U.S. dollar strength Read the full story
Something unusual is going on with gold
Business Insider
Business Insider
Shop attendant Aya Ito holds gold bars at a jewellery shop in Tokyo. The gold price has risen more than 7% since mid-December, helped by a weaker US dollar. It fell by over 1.2% on Tuesday, the steepest decline since July last year. The Commonwealth Bank expects higher inflation-adjusted US bond yields will weigh on the gold price this year. Something unusual is going on with gold right now. That's the view of Vivek Dhar, mining and energy commodities analyst at the Commonwealth Bank, who says Read the full story
What to Expect From Crude After Rising to 2-Week High
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Non-stop business knowledge Get more on The Bloomberg App FGE President Jeffrey Brown weighs in on the price and production of oil. He speaks on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia." Read the full story
Crude Rises To Two-Week High As World Tugs On U.S. Oil Supplies
Investor's Business Daily
Investor's Business Daily
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Crude Oil Prices Move Sharply Lower Ahead of Supply Data
Investing.com
© Reuters. Crude prices drop on U.S. dollar strength, supply data on tap Read the full story
Investing.com
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BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Lloyds hails 'landmark' after return to private sector
BBC News US
Lloyds Banking Group has reported strong full year profits in its first year as a private enterprise. Read the full story
Lloyds serves up 'tasty' dividend yield but analysts wary of economic downturn
Proactive Investors
Proactive Investors
Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LON:LLOY) has dished out bigger returns to shareholders after higher profits, stronger revenues and improved capital generation in 2017 – but it is not out of the woods yet. Its focus on the UK market means it is one of the most exposed lenders to an economic downturn – something many economists have warned could happen in the event of a bad Brexit deal. “Implications of the UK leave vote for the housing market and consumer confidence will take time to emerge and some Read the full story
Banks have been fined a staggering $243 billion since the financial crisis
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Detained Latvian Central Bank Governor Denies Charges
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Bloomberg's Paul Gordon discusses Latvian central bank head Ilmars Rimsevics being detained and what it may mean for the ECB. He speaks with Francine Lacqua on "Bloomberg Surveillance." Read the full story
How to add credit/debit cards, gift/loyalty cards, and more to Google Pay
9to5Google
Facebook, HSBC, Deutsche Bank: CEO Daily for February 20, 2018
FORTUNE
9to5Google
With Google Pay now replacing Android Pay, we've gotten a lightly redesigned application. With this, comes a slightly new way to add various cards to your account. Here's how it all works... Steps to adding your different cards to Google Pay Adding a credit/debit card Adding a loyalty program Adding a gift card Adding a... Read the full story
FORTUNE
Good morning. Lots of media frothing over the long holiday weekend on the FBI’s Russia indictment and Trump’s Twitter ripostes. But CEO Daily thinks the biggest loser in the melee was Facebook. The indictment goes after a group of Russians who are beyond U.S. reach, and doesn’t cite any U.S. colluders in the process. But it does make graphically clear how the social media platform can be used and abused to sow dissent by the nation’s enemies. You can read more about it here. The company’s case Read the full story
Canadian bank earnings forecast bright but housing, NAFTA cloud outlook
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Central bank chief suspended in Latvia corruption scandal
Sky News
CBC News
The forecast for Canada's biggest banks is bright thanks to U.S. tax reform and higher interest rates, but as they report first-quarter results this week, domestic mortgage demand and the North American Free Trade Agreement could cloud the long-term outlook, analysts say. Read the full story
Sky News
Imagine the turmoil if Mark Carney, the Bank of England governor, had spent the weekend under arrest following allegations from a leading bank that he had been seeking and accepting bribes - all as payments from another top UK bank had been suspended while it was under investigation for laundering money including funds destined for North Korea's missile programme. Read the full story
JP Morgan 'recommits' to NYC with plans to build new Park Avenue headquarters
Construction begins next year on a building that will house 15,000 employees.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Construction begins next year on a building that will house 15,000 employees.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Wednesday
Investing.com
© Reuters. Investors are waiting for the Fed's FOMC meeting minutes later on Wednesday. Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Investors are waiting for the Fed's FOMC meeting minutes later on Wednesday. Read the full story
Opinion: The stock market faces a massive headwind in 2018: a lack of new money
MarketWatch
Higher interest rates and the end of central bank stimulus will stall the market’s advance this year. By Thomas H. Kee Jr. Read the full story
3 things you should know about market corrections
CBS News
CBS News
Although tumbling stocks might make investors nervous, the recent plunge is less scary than it seems -- here's why Read the full story
Why this week’s Fed minutes could hold the key to the market’s next move
CNBC
CNBC
It's a big week for the bond market, and the Federal Reserve's latest meeting minutes could be a particularly pivotal event for Treasurys. Read the full story
Market sell-offs 'tend to happen in three waves' and the last one is coming, strategist warns
CNBC
CNBC
The recent sharp pullback and volatility in global equity markets is not yet over, according to the chief executive of Longview Economics. Read the full story
Market correction was just an 'appetizer' for what’s to come later this year, Morgan Stanley says
CNBC
CNBC
The market correction experienced earlier this month is just a prelude of what's to come later in 2018, a Morgan Stanley strategist says. Read the full story
Fed could 'rock the boat' with what it says about market's worst fears: higher inflation, interest rates
CNBC
CNBC
The Fed minutes Wednesday could have more impact than usual if they provide any insight on inflation and interest rates. Read the full story
INSURANCE/HEALTH
How to Reduce Your Medical Bills by Negotiating
VICE
CNBC
VICE
A broken system means that fighting back on incorrect charges and haggling with hospitals. Read the full story
Can you vaccinate yourself against cancer?
CNN
A tax-free account for Medicare that very few people useCNN
Studies touting the benefits of cancer vaccines are emerging, but do those studies really show hope or just hype? Read the full story
Newborn Mortality Rate In The US Is Still Alarmingly High, New UNICEF Report Finds
Romper
Trump proposal boosts skimpy insurance plans, again undercutting Obamacare
POLITICO
Romper
It's 2018 and babies still die every day. This might seem impossible given the amazing developments in modern science, but it's an unfortunate fact. And it's not just happening in developing countries; a recent UNICEF report found that newborn mortal… Read the full story
POLITICO
His administration says the short-term plans will expand cheaper coverage options, but critics say the plans amount to nothing more than junk. Read the full story
CNBC
Get to know the cousin of the health savings account: The Medicare medical savings account. Here's why the Trump budget may drive more interest in them. Read the full story
Kratom linked to dozens of illnesses from salmonella
CBS News
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure You Get Sleep When You Have the Flu?
The Wall Street Journal
CBS News
The herbal supplement kratom was recently declared an opioid by the FDA, and now there are contamination concerns Read the full story
The Wall Street Journal
Catching Z’s when you’re fighting chills, headaches and coughs is no easy thing. One expert offers tips on how to help your body recover from the flu or even just a bad cold. Read the full story
8 Signs Your Cough Could Actually Be Pneumonia
Health.com
Fever and cough are typical symptoms of this common lung infection. Here's what else to watch for. Read the full story
Health.com
Fever and cough are typical symptoms of this common lung infection. Here's what else to watch for. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Cryptos are tanking again, but not Bitcoin
BGR
It took Bitcoin several weeks to reach $10,000 again after the price fell below $6,000 in early February’s bloodbath, and it marked the first time since November it dropped so far. Bitcoin then quickly smashed through $11,000, and $12,000 looked like a reasonable target just yesterday. But after a few days of growth, all cryptos... Read the full story
Blunder at a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange let investors briefly buy bitcoins for free
Business Insider
Business Insider
Bitcoin (virtual currency) coins are seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris Thomson Reuters A blunder at a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange let investors briefly buy bitcoins for free - though none were able to profit from the mistake. Zaif, a government-registered exchange run by Osaka-based Tech Bureau Corp, said on Tuesday that a system glitch had let seven customers buy bitcoin with no yen value during a 20-minute window last week. Zaif is one of 16 exchanges Read the full story
Inside Uncle Sam's Secret Bitcoin Hoard
FORTUNE
FORTUNE
When Alexandre Cazes hanged himself in a Thai jail cell in July, the 25-year-old left behind the trappings of a big-league drug dealer: villas, Lamborghinis, a Porsche, bank accounts in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. But Cazes, who authorities allege operated AlphaBay, the world’s largest black-market website for drugs and weapons, also left something else: Internet “wallets” holding millions of dollars’ worth of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. Cazes’s digital loot is now property of the Read the full story
A Cryptocurrency Pioneer Just Issued a Huge Word of Caution for Investors
Money
Bitcoin nearly doubles in value from year's low hit in early February
Reuters
Bitcoin’s bouncing back, here are the next big catalysts for the cryptocurrency
CNBC
Money
Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has some advice. Read the full story
Reuters
Bitcoin hit a three-week high on Tuesday and has surged nearly 100 percent from its lowest level this year, as its recovery continued after South Korea's financial regulator eased its stance on cryptocurrencies, weeks after it considered shutting down digital currency exchanges. Read the full story
CNBC
Bitcoin is about to surge even higher, and one trader lays out the next catalysts for the cryptocurrency. Read the full story
Crypto funds poaching Wall Street talent amid digital currency boom
CNBC
MarketWatch
CNBC
Cryptocurrency and blockchain hedge fund PanteraCapital announced the hiring of former Deutsche Bank Managing Director Tuesday. Read the full story
Bitcoin nearly doubles in value from year's low hit in early February
Business Insider
Hedge-fund honcho Singer says bitcoin is ‘one of the most brilliant scams in history’Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: A Bitcoin logo is displayed at the Bitcoin Center New York City in New York's financial district Thomson Reuters By Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss NEW YORK (Reuters) - Bitcoin hit a three-week high on Tuesday and has surged nearly 100 percent from its lowest level this year, as its recovery continued after South Korea's financial regulator eased its stance on cryptocurrencies, weeks after it considered shutting down digital currency exchanges. Analysts cited South Korean news agency Yonhap Read the full story
MarketWatch
Outspoken hedge-fund manager Paul Singer offers perhaps his most withering assessment of cryptocurrencies to date, denouncing the technology and describing it as worse than a fraud. Read the full story
Software update aims to lower costs and transaction speeds in bitcoin market
MarketWatch
MarketWatch
Coinbase and Bitfinex announced Tuesday they would be introducing a much needed software update. Read the full story
Here's what can happen if you don't pay taxes on bitcoin
If you're confused whether or not you owe taxes on an investment in bitcoin, certified public accountant Ryan Losi explains what the rules mean.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
If you're confused whether or not you owe taxes on an investment in bitcoin, certified public accountant Ryan Losi explains what the rules mean.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
CURRENCIES
Yes, the U.S. dollar is weaker — but there could be a silver lining
MarketWatch
That weakness in the buck could end up delivering a boost of more than 3% to the already growing global trade level in 2018, according to Oxford Economics’s head of global macro research Gabriel Sterne. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Hovers at 1-Week Highs with Eyes on Fed Minutes
Investing.com
Investing.com
© Reuters. Dollar remains supported ahead of Fed meeting minutes Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Edges Higher as Short Bets on Greenback Fall to 6-Week Low
Investing.com
Investing.com
Forex Feb 20, 2018 18:17 GMT Investing.com – The dollar traded higher against a basket of major currencies as investors eyed a raft of upcoming US debt auctions this week to gauge investor appetite for US assets ahead of the release of the minutes from the Fed’s January policy meeting. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose 0.59% to 89.61. The U.S. Treasury is preparing to sell more than $250 billion worth of Read the full story
Pound V euro: GBP exchange rate against EUR down as unemployment rises
Express
THE pound to euro exchange rate has fallen to €1.132 this morning, effectively erasing any gains seen over Tuesday. The pound has also seen losses in other pairings, having slipped against the US dollar and the New Zealand dollar. This poor performance is down to a negative response to the UK unemployment rate, which grew from 4.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent in December. The jobless rate growth was unexpected, and as such has cancelled out any positive impacts from better-than-expected average Read the full story
Express
THE pound to euro exchange rate has fallen to €1.132 this morning, effectively erasing any gains seen over Tuesday. The pound has also seen losses in other pairings, having slipped against the US dollar and the New Zealand dollar. This poor performance is down to a negative response to the UK unemployment rate, which grew from 4.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent in December. The jobless rate growth was unexpected, and as such has cancelled out any positive impacts from better-than-expected average Read the full story
USA/CANADA
WH won’t say if Kushner still has access to classified info
MSNBC
Jared Kushner, one of the most senior White House aides operating without a permanent security clearance, reportedly “issues more requests for information to the intelligence community than any White House employee.” Read more Read the full story
“This Is the New War”: Jared Kushner, Amid a Showdown with Kelly, Prepares for Battle with a Weekend in the Caribbean
Vanity Fair
Foreign investors cut appetite for Treasurys as U.S. set to flog record level of debt
MarketWatch
Five things to watch in the Fed minutesVanity Fair
As Trump melted down at Mar-a-Lago, and the administration reeled from one of its most dismal weeks in 13 months, Kushner and his wife left the country. Read the full story
MarketWatch
Foreign investors are pulling back from the U.S. bond market at a crucial time Read the full story
MarketWatch
Minutes of the Fed’s Jan. 30-31 meeting will provide the market a good idea of new Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress on interest-rate policy next week. Read the full story
Trump IRS seeks millions in Obamacare fines even though law is 'dead'
POLITICO
Hundreds of companies have been warned of penalties for failing to provide coverage. Read the full story
POLITICO
Hundreds of companies have been warned of penalties for failing to provide coverage. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Citigroup Drove Puerto Rico Into Debt. Now It Will Profit From Privatization on the Island.
The Intercept
One of the same banks that drove the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, or PREPA, into the red will now be paid to help auction it off to the highest bidder. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., or Citi, will be the main investment bank consultant in the restructuring and privatization of PREPA, the Washington-appointed Fiscal Control Board — the body now overseeing Puerto Rico’s finances — announced recently. Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló first announced the move toward privatization last Read the full story
Venezuela's national cryptocurrency is officially up for saleMashable
My San Antonio
Can the Petro token save the struggling nation? Read the full story
Venezuela's oil-backed cryptocurrency raised $735 million in one day, president claims
Nicolas Maduro said on Twitter that Venezuela's petro token raised more than 4.777 billion Chinese yuan, or $735 million.
Mexican government targets NAFTA defensive to U.S. marketNicolas Maduro said on Twitter that Venezuela's petro token raised more than 4.777 billion Chinese yuan, or $735 million.
My San Antonio
The Mexican government is borrowing a tried and true lobbying strategy in its fight to keep NAFTA alive, building an English language, interactive portal aimed at showing American leaders the number of jobs and volume of trade the agreement is credited with bringing to their particular state. Read the full story
NBC News
This follows years of steady decline in the island's suicide rates. Read the full story
Fox News
Puerto Rico narrowly avoided sending more residents back into blackout conditions after a judge granted Prepa access to a $300 million loan this week. Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
These four UAE hotels are among the world's best
Emirates Woman
Think top-tier service and exceptional facilities. It’s no surprise that the UAE is home to some pretty luxurious places to lay your head. How many of us knew seven-star hotels even existed before we made Dubai home? Hospitality is right up there in terms of what our country does best, so it makes sense that four UAE hotels scored a Forbes list of the best in the world. Read: This super-luxe concierge app is coming to Dubai… Here’s what you can expect to find at the world’s (new) tallest hotel Read the full story
Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal woes worsen as ex-top aide agrees to testify
Livemint
Livemint
Tel Aviv: Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal woes deepened after one of his closest confidants agreed to testify against him in a ballooning corruption scandal, complicating the Israeli leader’s efforts to hold on to his job. Read the full story
Netanyahu’s real crime: plundering land for settlers
Al-Monitor
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be indicted for receiving gifts from businessmen, but he will not be indicted for giving the gift of Palestinian land to settlers. Read the full story
UAE says oil allies to study long-term cooperationGulf Business
Al-Monitor
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be indicted for receiving gifts from businessmen, but he will not be indicted for giving the gift of Palestinian land to settlers. Read the full story
Mazroui said that he hoped a plan could be put to ministers at OPEC's next meeting in June The post UAE says oil allies to study long-term cooperation appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story
How the UAE's New Minister of AI Views the Future Of Tech in His Desert Nation
Chron.com
Can you actually have a state "minister of artificial intelligence"? Yes: The United Arab Emirates has actually appointed one. Related: 5 Ways to Make AI Work for Your Organization Read the full story
Chron.com
Can you actually have a state "minister of artificial intelligence"? Yes: The United Arab Emirates has actually appointed one. Related: 5 Ways to Make AI Work for Your Organization Read the full story
AFRICA
Ramaphosa Takes Tax Gamble as South Africa Targets Debt, Ratings
Bloomberg
South Africa’s ruling party took a political gamble by increasing sales tax ahead of elections next year as new President Cyril Ramaphosa seeks to stabilize debt and prevent a third junk credit rating. The value-added tax rate will be raised to 15 percent from 14 percent, the first time since the end of apartheid that the government has targeted a charge seen as hitting the poor hardest. Levies on fuel and luxury goods will go up, while spending will be pared back over the next three years, Read the full story
Mapping Africa's natural resourcesAljazeera
Oil and gas Africa is home to five of the world's top oil-producing countries, with an estimated 57 percent of Africa's export earnings from hydrocarbons. Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Mozambique are all rich in oil and gas. Proven oil reserves have grown by almost 150 percent, increasing from 53.4 billion barrels since 1980, to 130.3 billion barrels by the end of 2012. The region is home Read the full story
ASIA
Asian Stocks Higher; Hang Seng Outperforms
Investing.com
© Reuters. The Nikkei opened lower but recovered from its early slip Read the full story
Asia stocks dip, dollar recovery continues as yields rise
Reuters
Reuters
Stock markets dipped after a long winning run on Wall Street ended overnight, while the dollar gained momentum on Wednesday as yields on U.S. Treasury debt headed for highs not seen in four years. Read the full story
A massive US farming industry fears China trade trouble
CNN Money
CNN Money
China has warned it will respond if President Trump imposes new tariffs on metal imports. The U.S. soybean industry fears that could put it in the cross hairs. Read the full story
Flying taxis? Uber has a competitor in Chinese drone maker Ehang
South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post
Guangzhou government officials participate in test flight though some are doubtful flying taxis will become reality anytime soon Read the full story
Xi picks team of problem solvers to head China’s economic portfolios
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong stocks rebound on HSBC gains, China optimism
South China Morning Post
Hang Seng Index gains 1.18 per cent or 339.16 points at 31,237.04 by 11am after tumbling 241.8 points on Tuesday Read the full story
South China Morning Post
Much of country’s economic management may be delegated to Liu He, who will have to handle an increasingly hostile US government and a host of domestic economic challenges Read the full story
South China Morning Post
Hang Seng Index gains 1.18 per cent or 339.16 points at 31,237.04 by 11am after tumbling 241.8 points on Tuesday Read the full story
EUROPE
European stocks shoved down as eurozone business activity slows
MarketWatch
European stocks shoved down as eurozone business activity slows
MarketWatch
European stocks on Wednesday are falling Wednesday, as investors received disappointing updates on manufacturing and services activity in the eurozone and saw a break in the recovery run for U.S. stocks. Read the full story
German Private Sector Remains Strong Despite Easing in February
Investing.com
Brexit: Britain asks EU to consider longer transition period
The Independent
Investing.com
© Reuters. German private sector remains strong Read the full story
The Independent
The British government has asked the EU to consider granting the UK a longer Brexit transition period than the one proposed by Brussels, documents drawn up by negotiators show. Read the full story
Better out! Brexiteer economist HAILS trade opportunities & BIG post-Brexit prize
Express
Express
BREXITEER economist Julian Jessop has claimed the UK can take advantage of a “bigger prize” when signing new trade deals once the UK has left the European Union. The Government has said the UK will be leaving the customs union allowing Britain to strike trade deals once ties are cut with Brussels. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Jessop, chief economist at the Institute of Economic Affairs, highlighted opportunities the UK can take advantage of after Brexit. Read the full story
Can Brexit be stopped? Pro-EU campaigns try to turn the tide
ABC News
ABC News
Britain is due to leave the European Union in just over a year Read the full story
Brexit Bulletin: Facing Fury Road
The Telegraph
The Telegraph
Good afternoon. Read the full story
Foreign minister says UK can leave customs union and have no hard border in Ireland
Reuters
Corbyn Breaks Brexit Cover, Will Support a Customs Union With EU
Bloomberg
May Under Pressure After 62 Tory Hardliners Demand Clean Brexit
Bloomberg
U.K. Warns It Won't Pay Brexit Bill Without Good Trade Deal Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a potentially dangerous outcry from 62 members of her own party who are demanding a quick, clean break from the European Union, just as she tries to finalize her Brexit plans. Read the full letter from lawmakers to Theresa May The group of Conservative lawmakers challenged May to take a harder approach on two key issues: how far British rules should move away from those of the EU after Brexit, and Read the full storydd
Reuters
Britain should be able to leave the European Union's single market and customs union and still ensure there is no hard border in Ireland after Brexit, Foreign minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday. Read the full story
Bloomberg
U.K. Warns It Won't Pay Brexit Bill Without Good Trade Deal Jeremy Corbyn’s strategic ambiguity on Brexit is starting to give way. The U.K. opposition leader confirmed his Labour Party will campaign to keep Britain inside a customs union with the European Union, calling it necessary for trade and to prevent a hard border with Ireland. “We have to have access to European markets,” Corbyn told the EEF manufacturers’ organization. “We have to have a customs union that makes sure we can continue Read the full story
Bloomberg
U.K. Warns It Won't Pay Brexit Bill Without Good Trade Deal Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a potentially dangerous outcry from 62 members of her own party who are demanding a quick, clean break from the European Union, just as she tries to finalize her Brexit plans. Read the full letter from lawmakers to Theresa May The group of Conservative lawmakers challenged May to take a harder approach on two key issues: how far British rules should move away from those of the EU after Brexit, and Read the full storydd
Blessed and Highly Favored:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Thursday 2/22/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184
The currency auction is 194,883,291
There is no news and announcements for Thursday 2/22/18
ISX Update:
2/22/18
2-22-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Article: "Source: The increase in the depreciation of the dollar against the dinar due to the actions of the Central Bank " ...the Market Rate will never be less than the Official Rate at the CBI. And the CBI cannot stop the auctions until there is an alternative for international commerce. I believe I am correct, the 2% rule is calculated off the Official Rate plus CBI commissions (1182 + 8 dinar commissions X .02 = 23.8) which puts it at 1213 to $1. How long the CBI must wait may be subject to IMF review. We know they were not giving them an exception on the spread, but they may give them an exception on time (90 day rule) due to the urgency of maintaining stability and encouraging investment.
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke Let's look at the RATES. This is the way we "SEE" things. It's pretty Simple. Let's look at the "FACTS". FACTS, not Rumor. Not Hype. Not B.S. Not somebody's "Whatever". Let's Get sober for just a minute here. "IL-LOGICAL" Example: IRAQ in the 1990's Pre-War, the U.S. exchange rate was $3.00 plus. On average, over the past few years, you could exchange 1 Million Dinar at around $1,000 avg. What happens with Oil-Rich - Iraq, 15 yrs. later, given today's parameters, World economy & RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S.? At $3.00, your $1,000, suddenly exchanges for $3,000,000...."IL-LOGICAL"? - YES. "INSANE"? - YES. “NOBODY KNOWS FOR SURE, WHAT THE RATES WILL COME OUT AT, INITIALLY - NOBODY”...except the person sitting in front of the Computer Screen, at the time of Entry, the time of CHANGE, and the Person giving them the information to Input, based on the Committee’s Final Rate Decisions.
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Bluwolf ...TO ALL WHO ARE WAITING FOR NEWS FOR YOUR EXCHANGES, IT SHALL BE ALONG SHORTLY.
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Article: "IFC is cooperating with the Iraqi Central Bank to strengthen corporate governance in the banking sector" Quote: "This initiative comes within the framework of IFC's strategy to stimulate private sector growth in Iraq..." ...the IFC is going to drive investment into Iraq and as a result capital through the CBI. Exactly what we want...
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ...On a different subject, I saw a news clip about a confrontation in Iraq yesterday. It surprised me, because we’ve really seen almost NOTHING along those lines in the last year...major violence in Iraq has been almost non-existent lately when compared to 2013,14,15...as we all know here, Iraq certainly is not the same place it was 5 years ago! It makes one wonder...is Iraq finally to a point where they are “flying under the radar” for the most part, and therefore in a perfect place to surprise the world with something big? That could certainly be the case. Bring it on! They might catch the rest of the world by surprise, but not us. [post 2 of 2]
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Dinar is getting interesting again, isn’t it? It’s about time! Major news is pretty simple - no HCL yet, but it’s gaining a lot of outside support in a quick way. Notably, the price of Crude has stabilized to around the same price it was back in early 2014. This is exactly what the recent OPEC agreement was intended to do, and the fact that it’s succeeding is VERY encouraging. Reports that it should get back up into the $80 range are everywhere. The important part here is that oil IS stable, and it IS going up, in a mostly predictable fashion. This is what Iraq needs to really move on the HCL...Also promising is reports that some dealers are showing a shortage of IQD notes for sale. This could be a strong indicator that the available supply is drying up, or it could mean that demand from investors like us is getting lower... Good for us, either way!... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru G-Lin Articles "The recovery of the Iraqi dinar"; "Merry of Iraqi dinar" These arts. are by two leading economist from Iraq and they are heaping praise on the CBI for narrowing the spread in the market place. This is exactly what the IMF has been trying to get Iraq to do for years. This fights corruption and gives some prestige to the dinar. Higher value and stronger purchasing power. Hopefully this tread will continue and we will see them liberate the exchange rate in the open market internationally. We know Iraq is examining the example of Egypt pound... Egypt is a success story and their economy has improved since they started the float in 2016. I like this part of the above art. "restore the splendor in the currency market .. Financial stability and the strength of the Iraqi dinar aim to reduce the systemic risks that have emerged with the recurrence of financial crises."
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Bluwolf ...TO ALL WHO ARE WAITING FOR NEWS FOR YOUR EXCHANGES, IT SHALL BE ALONG SHORTLY.
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Article: "IFC is cooperating with the Iraqi Central Bank to strengthen corporate governance in the banking sector" Quote: "This initiative comes within the framework of IFC's strategy to stimulate private sector growth in Iraq..." ...the IFC is going to drive investment into Iraq and as a result capital through the CBI. Exactly what we want...
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ...On a different subject, I saw a news clip about a confrontation in Iraq yesterday. It surprised me, because we’ve really seen almost NOTHING along those lines in the last year...major violence in Iraq has been almost non-existent lately when compared to 2013,14,15...as we all know here, Iraq certainly is not the same place it was 5 years ago! It makes one wonder...is Iraq finally to a point where they are “flying under the radar” for the most part, and therefore in a perfect place to surprise the world with something big? That could certainly be the case. Bring it on! They might catch the rest of the world by surprise, but not us. [post 2 of 2]
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Dinar is getting interesting again, isn’t it? It’s about time! Major news is pretty simple - no HCL yet, but it’s gaining a lot of outside support in a quick way. Notably, the price of Crude has stabilized to around the same price it was back in early 2014. This is exactly what the recent OPEC agreement was intended to do, and the fact that it’s succeeding is VERY encouraging. Reports that it should get back up into the $80 range are everywhere. The important part here is that oil IS stable, and it IS going up, in a mostly predictable fashion. This is what Iraq needs to really move on the HCL...Also promising is reports that some dealers are showing a shortage of IQD notes for sale. This could be a strong indicator that the available supply is drying up, or it could mean that demand from investors like us is getting lower... Good for us, either way!... [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Newshound Guru G-Lin Articles "The recovery of the Iraqi dinar"; "Merry of Iraqi dinar" These arts. are by two leading economist from Iraq and they are heaping praise on the CBI for narrowing the spread in the market place. This is exactly what the IMF has been trying to get Iraq to do for years. This fights corruption and gives some prestige to the dinar. Higher value and stronger purchasing power. Hopefully this tread will continue and we will see them liberate the exchange rate in the open market internationally. We know Iraq is examining the example of Egypt pound... Egypt is a success story and their economy has improved since they started the float in 2016. I like this part of the above art. "restore the splendor in the currency market .. Financial stability and the strength of the Iraqi dinar aim to reduce the systemic risks that have emerged with the recurrence of financial crises."
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Bruce I think it is important to see that this redemption and we call it redemption is close and I know I have said it is close before, but I do mean that. I have heard (3) separate bankers say that we that shouldn’t get out of this week without being completely wealthy. Now am I calling it? No. I am just telling you what I have heard. We will see if it is true. We are at the point there are a few little things to be handled that I heard about, but the Intel we heard earlier said we shouldn’t get out of this week to be rich I believe is still true...there is not a lot we need to know except be ready. [post 2 of 2]
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Bruce ...We are sort of in that hour to hour phrase right now where something could change in hour or two that would either delay or move it forward. It has worked both ways...Some things moves quicker than we thought than some things take longer than we thought. We thought we would go today [Tuesday]. We thought we would go at lunch time. It didn’t happen. ...things change and this is a very moveable situation. It is flexible. I know what the rates are, and I know what I expect them to be, but the minute I put them out and do that, I will be wrong and then someone will be disappointed. Maybe they will be better than I think they are, and that will be a good thing. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf ...it is almost odds on certainty that the IQD will never float.
2-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Randy Koonce In addition, it is being rumored that Abadi has been trying to solicit money from various countries, in return for Dinar. But, some of that money would go to him, and not Iraq. If true, this may be the reason Abadi has been dragging his feet on 'pushing the button'. He could be wanting to make one last attempt to feather his own nest a little better. However, not only the Trump administration but these other countries as well, are putting tremendous pressure on Abadi to get this done...Or Else! ...In the event that we do not see this finished in the next 2 weeks - don't despair. They do not have to wait for another year. This will get gone - this year. ...the best thing we have going right now is a Very. Determined. President. We are close...Every large bank will exchange...RELAX the RV is coming...Check www.cbi.iq every day to see if it has changed...Breathe... [post 3 of 3]
2-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Randy Koonce ...there is a very real reason why the RV has not happened years ago. So, some history...One of the things that we learned was the fact that Obama was never going to let it happen as long as he was president. We learned that half of Obama's cabinet wanted to release the RV and the other half agreed with Valerie Jarrett, who did not want anyone in the US to participate in this blessing. ...So, between Maliki's regime and Valarie Jarrett's influence over Obama, the previous eight years were a total waste of time from the RV standpoint. Now that Trump is in office, he very much wants this done, but does not want Iran to benefit. President Trump is working hard to get this done, because he knows many of us are holding dinar, and wants to allow us to bless and grow the economy of the USA. You've probably heard the phrase...Make American Great Again? [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Intel Guru Bruce ...We are sort of in that hour to hour phrase right now where something could change in hour or two that would either delay or move it forward. It has worked both ways...Some things moves quicker than we thought than some things take longer than we thought. We thought we would go today [Tuesday]. We thought we would go at lunch time. It didn’t happen. ...things change and this is a very moveable situation. It is flexible. I know what the rates are, and I know what I expect them to be, but the minute I put them out and do that, I will be wrong and then someone will be disappointed. Maybe they will be better than I think they are, and that will be a good thing. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf ...it is almost odds on certainty that the IQD will never float.
2-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Randy Koonce In addition, it is being rumored that Abadi has been trying to solicit money from various countries, in return for Dinar. But, some of that money would go to him, and not Iraq. If true, this may be the reason Abadi has been dragging his feet on 'pushing the button'. He could be wanting to make one last attempt to feather his own nest a little better. However, not only the Trump administration but these other countries as well, are putting tremendous pressure on Abadi to get this done...Or Else! ...In the event that we do not see this finished in the next 2 weeks - don't despair. They do not have to wait for another year. This will get gone - this year. ...the best thing we have going right now is a Very. Determined. President. We are close...Every large bank will exchange...RELAX the RV is coming...Check www.cbi.iq every day to see if it has changed...Breathe... [post 3 of 3]
2-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Randy Koonce ...there is a very real reason why the RV has not happened years ago. So, some history...One of the things that we learned was the fact that Obama was never going to let it happen as long as he was president. We learned that half of Obama's cabinet wanted to release the RV and the other half agreed with Valerie Jarrett, who did not want anyone in the US to participate in this blessing. ...So, between Maliki's regime and Valarie Jarrett's influence over Obama, the previous eight years were a total waste of time from the RV standpoint. Now that Trump is in office, he very much wants this done, but does not want Iran to benefit. President Trump is working hard to get this done, because he knows many of us are holding dinar, and wants to allow us to bless and grow the economy of the USA. You've probably heard the phrase...Make American Great Again? [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
2-21-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Randy Koonce All the 'gurus' have watched since the first of the year for the RV to happen. What we have all learned is that the revaluation of the Iraqi Dinar has become the biggest political football in history. And that is why we are still waiting. However, it appears that the time has come for Abadi to finally step up to the plate. Based on information I am receiving, we believe that the RV will (should) take place within the next 2 weeks. Great pressure is being brought to bear to make this happen. Everyone - including the people who can make this happen - are tired of waiting for this to happen. And 'they' are pushing. So. We are in a 2 week window. Right now. [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip: d
The US ranked 21st, with a score of 75 - up one point and one place in the rankings, perhaps surprising critics of US President Donald Trump and his administration. Australia ranked 16th, Israel 36th and Cuba 65th.
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website; printed on both the Arabic and English sides)
Prime Minister Dr. Haidar Al-Abadi receives Assistant Secretary of Defense Robert Karem and his accompanying delegation
21 February 2018
Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi received at his office Wednesday Assistant US Secretary of Defense Robert Karem and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the regional developments and developments, and US support for Iraq in the post-victory phase.
Mr. Karem expressed his condolences for the Riyadh district incident in Hawija, which was carried out by a terrorist gang of cells and sleeping pockets against a number of popular crowd fighters.
The US Assistant Secretary of Defense said the United States continued to support Iraq, praising the significant development of Iraqi forces.
Dr. Haider al-Abadi stressed the importance of ending the conflicts in the region and the direction of construction, indicating that Iraq has begun the stage of construction and reconstruction after the great victories achieved by gangs,
Head Office
Ministers
21 February 2018
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ARTICLE 2
Tweets from PM Abadi's Twitter account, posted on 2-22-2018 around 2:30 am Eastern
Verified account @HaiderAlAbadi
We welcome any criticism of the government in order to correct it and rejoice in it. We investigate any subject that appears on the media, although we sincerely advise it
Verified account @HaiderAlAbadi
There was silence for three years and preoccupied with collecting money and privileges and blackmail ministers and the government and today began to remember the existence of the citizen
Verified account @HaiderAlAbadi
There is electoral fever these days, and I call for commitment to the proper electoral campaign behavior. Protecting and Integrating the Electoral Process is the duty of the government
Verified account @HaiderAlAbadi (posted on 2-22-2018, around 5:40 am Eastern)
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi arrives in Basra province (3 pix)
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ARTICLE 3
Deputy for the call: Maliki and Abbadi signed a coalition document after the elections
BAGHDAD - February 21 - The leader of the Dawa Party, Jassim Mohammad Jaafar, on Wednesday, the signing of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi and Vice President Nuri al-Maliki on the document of entry into the seats of the Dawa Party coalition victory and the rule of law within the largest bloc after the elections.
Jaafar said in an interview that "the Prime Minister Haider Abadi and Vice President Nuri al-Maliki signed a document written by hand refers to the coalition after the results of the election."
He added that "the coalition includes the entry of all the seats obtained by the Dawa Party after the elections on the list of victory and the rule of law within the largest bloc to form the government to ensure that the party does not split," pointing out that "the agreement was attended by all the leaders of the Dawa Party and Maliki and Abadi."
He stressed that "the two parties signed the handwritten document of a party leadership." Finished
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ARTICLE 4
Deputy for the National: the meeting of the three presidencies on the budget does not change the convictions of the blocks
2018/2/22 9:31
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The MP for the National Alliance, Hilal Sahlani, the expected meeting of the three presidencies in order to resolve the differences of the financial budget for 2018 will not come out new and does not change many of the convictions of the political blocs.
"It was agreed within the parliament to hold a meeting of presidencies in order to resolve the differences of the general budget between the government and parliamentary blocs before being submitted to the final vote," said Sahlani in a statement received by the agency All Iraq [where] a copy of it.
He added that "the government does not want to make transfers of funds between the sectors of the budget in general more than the ceiling of 1 -2%," noting that "Prime Minister Haider Abadi, told the masses to approve the budget as prepared by the government."
"The addition of allocations to the Kurds 4-5 trillion dinars or 4 trillion dinars to other destroyed provinces, this is far from the direction of the government."
He added that "the size of financial grants allocated to the provinces of the Kuwait Reconstruction Conference, was less than ambition, and therefore this is more because the expectations of the blocs and representatives of the provinces otherwise."
The Sahlani pointed out that "the coalition of Iraqi forces, will not respond to the passage of the budget on the pretext of lack of access to the provinces sufficient grants, as well as the Kurds to allocate amounts of loans to the Kurdistan region."
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ARTICLE 5
Saddam's lawyer fights death and reveals an exciting secret
2018/2/22 10:00
[Where - Continue]
Saddam Hussein's lawyer, a surprise to the latter, was kept for years. Badi Arif, in a state of severe illness, revealed a piece of information that he claimed had been kept secret for years.
"Death kills him and he is in very poor health," he said in a recorded audio message to the daily Ray.
He also revealed in his letter what he called the secret that prompted Saddam not to resist the US security force that arrested him before his trial.
According to Arif, the only one who continued with the ousted president several times during his trial before his execution, Saddam was arrested without showing any resistance, because he believed he would negotiate on behalf of the Iraqi state, the "American occupier."
Arif said he asked Saddam directly in prison: Why did not you resist the American force that arrested you? The answer was, according to Arif, that Saddam believed he would be able to negotiate on behalf of the Iraqi people and on the basis that he is head of state, explaining that Saddam moved from the adoption of the need to negotiate to inject the blood of the Iraqi people, "he claimed.
Saddam Hussein told Aarif at the time: "I did not want to get a vacuum after me."
Saddam Hussein was arrested during Operation Red Dawn, where he was arrested in the basement where he was hiding by US coalition forces in December 2003. He was executed on December 30, 2006 for crimes he committed against the Iraqi people.
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ARTICLE 6-A
Iraq tops the list of the most corrupt countries in the world
2018/2/22 13:10
[Where - Continue]
Iraq, the list of global corruption index, published recently, and six other Arab countries ranked first in the list.
The index, which was published by the International Organization [Transparency International], which has more than 100 branches in the world, "Iraq came again in the first place in terms of corruption among the countries of the world, while there were six Arab countries in the list of 12 State is the most corrupt in the world. "
"The most corrupt countries are Iraq, Venezuela, North Korea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, southern Sudan and Somalia."
"Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Belgium, the United States, Ireland and Japan, respectively."
Israel dropped from 28th to 32th place, and was ranked 23rd out of 35 OECD countries in the corruption index.
Among the countries that followed Israel were Slovenia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Spain, Georgia, Malta, South Korea, Italy, Slovakia, Croatia and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
The international standard of corruption ranks 180 countries in the world, each of which has been given the title and degree of the concept of corruption in the public sector, which has been developed by 13 sources of information and 12 independent research institutes.
The sources of the information referred to are competent in the areas of governance and society Civil, Economics and Business Administration, the results were examined by researchers in academia, international experts and business people in these fields, and research institutes in the examined countries.
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ARTICLE 6-B
Iraq tops the list of corrupt countries in the world for the tenth time in a row and New Zealand less corrupt
BAGHDAD - February 22 - Iraq's leading global corruption index is on the list of Transparency International, which lists 180 countries in the world, each giving a sign of the concept of corruption in the sector, according to informed sources on Thursday. General, which was developed by 13 sources of information and 12 institutes of independent research, to occupy Iraq ranked first in terms of corruption among the countries of the world.
"The least corrupt country in the year is New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Belgium, the United States, Ireland and Japan respectively." The most corrupt countries are Iraq, North Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, southern Sudan and Somalia. " AH
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ARTICLE 6-C
New Zealand ranked least-corrupt country in the world, again
*************
New Zealand has been named the least-corrupt country in the world.
Transparency International on Thursday released its latest Corruptions Perception Index, which rates countries on their "perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople".
New Zealand's score slipped from 90 to 89 (out of 100), but remains marginally ahead of Denmark, which scored 88. New Zealand was ranked first-equal with Denmark last year on 90.
Somalia once again came last, its score dropping from 10 to nine. Syria and South Sudan were barely better, scoring 14 and 12 respectively.
Transparency International NZ's David McNeill said Kiwis should be proud of their ranking.
"They understand what a fair go is, and nobody likes to see corruption where resources are transferred from the many to the few."
But more work would be needed in order to stay on top.
"We can only maintain that position from ongoing improvement."
Other countries ranked highly were Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the UK. Not surprisingly, Western Europe was the least corrupt region of the world.
But more than two-thirds of the 180 countries in the list scored below 50, with the average score a lowly 43. South Africa scored 43, so if you think South Africa is corrupt, it's not an exception - it's the norm.
Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and central Asia ranked the worst however, with Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, Lybia, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, North Korea, Iraq, Turkmenistan and Venezuela bringing up the rear.
Countries that have improved since last year include the Ivory Coast, Senegal and the UK. Syria, Yemen and Australia all slipped.
d
TNT Call 21-February-2018 :
[Music: It’s Done, It’s Finished…]
RayRen: Good afternoon, TNT super-fantastic family! This is Wednesday, February 21 2018, with yours truly RayRen98 here, and Tony as well. A couple of things were posted to keep you going in the forum and chat room. On Monday, things were happening in the banking system, and this is the first change to address that. Bank staff were meeting on Monday to work out the process, with IT and exchange staff smoothing things out. That led us to believe that Tuesday would be ‘it’. Numbers were released to all districts as well. Other information we shared was the ongoing tit-for-tat between Iraq and Kurdistan. There are also developments on the Zim.
Tony: Please read out what we put in the forum because not everyone can get in the forum. First, after every call, everyone who has my number wants to call me to discuss the call. I do understand the frustration – some of us have been doing this for 14 years. Ray and Tony are NOT in charge of this – if I could have made this happen, it would have happened five years ago. We probably have the largest network in Dinarland, and people come in and go away and come back again. Everyone wants this to go smoothly, and the more information you have, the smoother the process should be. I get the information in-country, out of the country, from the banking system itself, from call and exchange centers, and now from the tellers and branch managers. We get information at every level, from Iraqi television and on the street in Iraq and Kurdistan, even the CBI. They explain the situation to us and we explain it to you. They listen to our call in Iraq. All parties in the US also listen to our calls. They are concerned about how the majority of people will act and react. It’s about making it smooth to do the exchange, and to hold onto the money you receive so that it will last for generations.
When I was in network marketing, I would tell my downline exactly what do to, and maybe 2% would do what I did to become to successful. I’ve spent years telling you exactly what to do when you go to the bank: how to dress and act, how to negotiate, and what to do when you walk out of the bank. I don’t benefit from that – you do! Since 2. January they have rearranged the plan, chucking out ten years of planning. They want us to walk through this, with it going smoothly for everyone. We are in the window right now. I give you all the information I can, and you have to walk through the process with a banker – and you will know more than he knows – with the right questions to make this work.
I try to tell you what is happening. There will be limits, and we mentioned them in last Friday’s all. There are still changes being put in place, and we might have more changes by Friday. The point is to know what’s going on and to be prepared for whatever what might happen. Every time we say ‘X is done’, we know it’s closer to happening. We know that there is a good system in place, and everyone need to be prepared to work it. Let’s start with the updates. Remember, everyone can read those on the public part of the forum under
Latest Blasts.
Saturday update
Jabouri is indicating that the budget will be complete in one week.
While at the Security Council summit in Germany, Abadi is under pressure and agrees to getting it done....
Sunday reports:
The Baghdad/Erbil crisis comes to an end at the National Conference! The Kurds are happy with the results of the Article 140 debacle and are agreeing to cast their vote. Now, let's bring on this budget and move on to the public release of the new rates!
The 800 numbers from the Districts are ready to be sent to corresponding banks and various information providers (which includes us). A single district could have multiple 800 numbers to utilize for appointments.
ZIM UPDATE on Monday
The cap is 100 Trillion Zim per person at the prevailing rate at the time of exchange. That is the amount of currency, and that 100 Trillion can be from any combination of 100s and 50s from the trillions, millions, billions and thousands series. This CAP is in effect until further notice, although it is not a permanent cap.
Tuesday afternoon in chat:
I'm just waiting on 800 numbers to start flowing. The banks supposedly handled final glitches and conflicts yesterday. Also, Zim will not have a buy and sell rate, nor be paired for trading on Forex. The Zim cap is temporary.
Tony: How come this thing hasn’t happened yet when everyone expected it by now? Our intel says that there ARE 800 numbers, and every district is different, so there are at least 12 800 numbers. They have multiple lines, so you will be able to call and get through. Calls are supposed to last a maximum of five minutes. They will ask:
· What is your existing bank, and do you want to exchange at that bank? If not, there will be a choice of three banks, and you can have the one you want if it’s available. I would guess that 90% of you don’t even need that information. Of the eight million currency holders, 80-85% of them will go straight to the tellers because they have less than one million dollars in currency to exchange. I know that many people will go to the teller to exchange a million dollar’s worth of currency while they wait to see if the rates go up! Banks are not stupid; they know that people will try to get some money first even if they have an exchange appointment lined up. Be patient!
There will be limits to the exchange. Each zone will have its limit, and each branch will have a limit depending on what they had delivered that day. The US government just transferred 196 billion yesterday so that this thing can go through – so that they can raise their limits at the banks. There are no limits on dinar, dong, and rupiah, but there are still limits on how much the bank can handle. If they can’t exchange the rest today, they will do it in the ensuing couple of days. It’s possible that the bank might have handled all they can do on that day, but they will be able to accommodate you later. They have to conform to the system for that particular location. Don’t get upset or argue, just come back the next day and do what you need to do.
Since there are to be no limits on specific currencies (apart from Zim), I would do my Zim notes first because that is a flat rate. If I can only do 100 T this month or quarter, I’ll get that out of the way first. Then I would start exchanging my other currencies, keeping in mind ‘first mouse, second mouse’, OR “I will go in now because I know how to make money with my money”. Those are your two options.
RayRen: I would wait and see how the floating rates show up.
Canada will have three 800 numbers, one for each territory. We know that in the US there will be at least 12 numbers, and more likely multiple numbers for each district. We don’t know if they will create website with all the numbers and zones, or if they will give us all that information for us to disseminate. [Tony] I would prefer them to set up their own site – that way we don’t mess it up, and because your bandwidth is bigger than ours, so the official site is less likely to crash than ours.
At the moment, we have been told that the 800 numbers have been released to everyone but us (the gurus). We will be getting them from a government agency. I don’t know when that will be, but it should be very, very soon.
You know how Iraq functions: up and down, back and forth between Baghdad and Kurdistan amongst other issues. They are trying to accomplish something else, something apart from what we are looking for. However, the banking people on this side don’t care what’s happening in Iraq; they are in process and this is happening. Some are saying the US is holding this up, again; after all Iraq has done everything they are supposed to do. Some banks here have been identified as having system problems that stopped the whole process. Supposedly they have worked this out and the money was transferred yesterday. I don’t know what (if anything) they still have to resolve before this gets released. They do want everyone to go through as smoothly as possible.
To recap what we have heard about the exchange process in general [from last call]:
For $1 million (exchanged amount) and below you will go right to the teller and the teller will complete the exchange. The teller's not negotiating on anything. They are not authorized to do that. All tellers will be two lines and two tellers at the window, and it will be ‘first come, first served’. Multiple family members can each exchange up to $1 million such has husband and wife, children, uncle, cousins. However, you cannot get a cashier's check while at this teller; another bank person will handle that for you.
Between $1 million and $10 million (exchanged amounts) you will go right to a private banker. Appointments made on a first come, first served basis. You can have a partial exchange here if you are exchanging over $10 million at an appointment. You can do up to a million with a teller.
For $10 million (exchanged amount) and above, call the 800 # for an appointment with a wealth manager.
Calculation of the amount is based on exchange rates: Example: You have eight million Dong and the rate is $1.50 then you are in the over $10 million category. Also, you can lump all of your currencies together when calculating your amount. For example, let’s say you have five million Dong at $1.50 exchange rate and two million Dinar at a $4.00 exchange rate. Your total exchanged amount would come to over $10 million so you can call for an appointment.
Questions from the TNT forum
Q: It has been a while since we have heard about the bank employees exchanging their currency as being prohibited. Has that changed since time has gone by and the employees have been finding out about this and buying it? I have a couple of friends who are personal bankers that still are fearful of exchanging their currency and asked me to ask that question. A: the only people not allowed to buy dinar are those at the call and exchange centers. The bank people were just told it is a scam. I know people in the banks who have bought dinar; just hold on until after it’s live, and then ask the question, because then it won’t matter.
Q1: Re: Federal Reserve districts, is it our phone number or address that determines the correct district and 800 number to us? A: Your zip code determines your district. If you call into the wrong district, you won’t be able to complete your call, I think. If you don’t know from looking at the map, call the bank and ask which Fed district you’re in.
Tony: You have to exchange in a district where you have lived for the last 180 days.
Tony: You have to exchange in a district where you have lived for the last 180 days.
Q: Is the US Treasury still holding this up? Tony: The banks had their final meetings on Sunday for teller training and sorting out other issues. They were getting ready for this event. Ready or not, the 800 numbers have been sent to all the districts, and we are now waiting for ours to come from the US Treasury or the Federal Reserve. All sides have to be ready at the same time. They are ready and pushing for this to go now.
Q: I have 6 brothers and sisters that I gifted A 10 million Zim to. Each. Since it sounds that a 10 million note will not work now [because they are only exchanging 100s and 50s] I was wondering if I could gift to all of them one 50 trillion and they could split it evenly. Would they all go in and exchange or just one and open up separate accounts or open up one with all names on it. RayRen: The 100s and 50s are the ones being accepted initially. Sooner or later, those other notes will probably be accepted. Don’t discard them; hold on and they will be exchangeable at some point. Just wait. It might only be a few days or weeks. Don’t give anything away that you weren’t already planning to give away; just wait for more details, and we’ll find out what is happening.
Q: With the banks increasing their reserves, can they give us more than $7,000 at first appointment? Do we still have to wait the 48 hours to access the rest of our money? Tony: They are not going to increase the cash amount, because that is what they have been allocated at the bank. Why do you need more cash than $7k in the first day?? Surely you can pay for things with cards and checks and wire transfers. If you go through teller, you will have a card issued; if you go through a wealth manager, you might even get a black card. This is electronic; they want you to use cards and wires, so that they can track this money. Let’s do that.
Q: Here in the UK we feel like a boat without a pilot. When you speak with your sources please can you ask them to provide an 800# for the UK. After all we are forever being told the UK has a 'special relationship' with the USA. A: When we get information for the UK, we will let you know.
Q: Rupiah? A: Those have been the most constant at $1.08 to $1.25.
Q: Tony, if I gifted currency to family member and/or friends and I don't know their history and Homeland finds something in their past, do I receive the currency back or will they take it? A: I have no idea.
RayRen: Remember, the Zim cap is 100 Trillion ZIM for the moment. If the rate is .00000010, then that will mean ten million dollars; if the rate is .00000014, then the total will be 14 million dollars.
Questions from live callers
404/865: What’s the status on contract rates? Are there any left?
Tony: I want to wait and see on that. I haven’t discussed that with the people I need to discuss it with, yet. That is a whole other animal. Somebody needs to call me about that because we are trying to do this as smoothly as possible. I’m not ready to talk about this yet. You know that a certain percentage of people would get contract rates, and I’m looking for that percentage. I’ll have to see if that is up or down. I’ll find out before we release the 800 numbers.
I know that everyone wants to pay it forward on the tenth day after the RV is activated – helping to change people’s lives, etc. We then want to post it on Instagram, Facebook, etc., to let other members know. How can we do that? I want to do something for those who give tips/gifts of $500, $1,000, whatever. We will all be blessed when this happens and I want to set up something special for those who do pay it forward like that. Call Ray with your ideas. You can put ‘TNT-superfantastic’ on the check/bill, for instance.
RayRen: For the UK, there will be 800 numbers, although I don’t have the details yet.
314 caller: Regarding private bankers, I thought you said that if someone has between one and ten million, and under one million go directly to the teller, is that right? What do people do under one million if they don’t’ have an account at HSBC or Wells Fargo? I don’t think the tellers will have time to open an account on the spot.
RayRen: I didn’t set this up. I would try where I have an account first, and if that doesn’t work, you may have to wait in line for a while.
Caller: The districts and 800 numbers – are those only for ten million dollars and above? [Yes.] Those in the middle range won’t be restricted to their districts, right?
Tony: That’s my understanding, that the middle range will call their own bank and be assigned a wealth manager.
Caller: What about bank notification that the excise tax has been paid?
Tony: I don’t know how the bank is handling that.
303 caller: I’m still confused on ‘double dipping’. I have a layaway, and if the RV comes in and I exchange what I have in hand, then I’ll use the proceeds to redeem the layaway. Is that double-dipping?
Tony: At one point, years ago, they wouldn’t let you use that money on your layaway. I don’t know if that is the case now, because so much has changed. In the past, they were talking about dinar today, dong in five days, and they didn’t want people to buy up all the dong at the pre-RV price. But with it all coming out at the same time, that is no longer an issue. Let’s say you exchange a million dinar @ $4, and I have four million dollars. Why would I buy more dinar at $4? If the rate on Forex is $4, the rate at any exchanger will also be $4; otherwise, they would be losing money. The same is true for every other currency that is revaluing right now. It doesn’t make sense to exchange and then run out and buy more of the same currency in hopes that it will go up. If you know that your currency is going to go up, why even exchange it in the first few days? When I am exchanging, I should look for a lower-value currency that might go up. Gals, guys, we keep wanting to make this as smooth as possible, and then coming up with ways to make it more complicated!
Next caller: What is the situation/rate with Zim?
Tony: It’s still 11 cents or possibly a bit more.
Next caller: So If I exchange x million, I can receive $7,000 immediately, with 10% available in my account, and the rest available after 48 hours?
Tony: That’s right, according to what we have heard.
610 caller: if you are financially able to donate, please send your checks and money orders to Ray Renfrow, PO Box 1748, Elm City, NC 27822. You can also find the address on our website www.tntsuperfantastic.com; click on the Donate button and send your check today.
773 caller: You said there were three questions for when we call the 800 numbers: your bank, __________, and __________?
Tony: They will ask your preferred bank, your zip code, and your total currency. We will see whether they just ask about dinar or your total holdings.
Caller: With those how are going to a teller for under a million, would that be to the two lead banks, or any bank?
Tony: For those with under a million, exchanges will start with the two lead banks (or their affiliates). If you don’t want those two, and are willing to wait, in about two weeks the process will open up to other banks, we believe.
Caller: Between one and ten million, do you have to exchange in your district?
RayRen: Yes, that’s right. They want to exchange in your district by zip code.
NZ caller: In the last few days I purchased more currency, and at the bank they asked for my passport number, US address, and was I planning on travelling? So they seem to be tracking this a lot more than they had previously. If I want to go in with a friend for any reason, will they allow that?
Tony: Only if the person is your attorney or accountant, we think.
Caller: My original bank is in one state, but where I am living now is in a different area. So I will have to tavel to exchange?
Tony: Most banks have your information wherever you go, at least the national banks. But they want you to exchange in your district. If you live outside the US… don’t really know. I think you will have to go to your zip code’s district in the US. As for going with a friend to the bank, I don’t think the banks want to complicate this more than necessary. You can call the bank and ask them, and be prepared to wait in the car!
281 caller: I’m in Texas; when we call the 800 number and tell then the zip code, they then send us to a suitable bank, is that correct? Would it be okay to give them the zip code where we want to exchange, so long as it’s in the same district?
Tony: They will ask you your zip code and how much you have, and then they will send you to a location that can deal with what you have, with the most security. If you want to say you live in Bathwater but you want to exchange in Dallas… Nobody knows your information but you. If you want to go to a different, that’s up to you.
Caller: So those who call the 800 numbers will probably go to the exchange centers; will the limits apply to those centers as well?
Tony: I don’t know. I assume that the limits for that branch for that region still apply. However because you called the 800 number, and you told them how much you have, they will be anticipating you in that region.
Caller: Do you think the rates will be on Forex by the time we go to the banks?
Tony: I think the banks don’t care. Before, they wanted to get us out of the way first, but now most people will go to the tellers, so they will exchange at the screen rates; they wont have to negotiate.
Caller: What about dealers and exchangers like Travelex? Will they have similar limits?
Tony: I doubt it very much, at these levels. They will exchange people for small sums, but won’t be writing checks for a million dollars or more.
702 caller: We heard that there is a Zim cap at 100 T; when we call the 800 number, do we tell them how much we have, just in case?
RayRen: That’s what I intend to do. If they don’t exchange the rest, I’ll take it home. I’m not planning to leave any currency with a receipt.
Tony: I think the bank will give you a receipt if you want to leave the physical Zim with them. This only applies to those with a private banker or wealth manager. If you have more than you want to exchange that day, you can deposit it with them, and you have to negotiate the return. I know one guy who negotiated 800 million per week for six weeks. You can agree to receive your exchange monies over weeks or months; your wealth manager can make a written agreement with you.
Caller: They have transferred in X funds so that we can exchange Y dinar, dong and rupiah, but you won’t know how much you can exchange until you get there?
Tony: You won’t, because the banks themselves have caps, and if depends on the districts. Because they have moved over 196 billion, they were able to raise that cap. Now they will do all they can do every day, but we don’t know how much that is. It’s by region, and depends on how much they have delivered every day. So you and they might want to spread out the exchange over days or weeks.
RayRen: Are you specifically referring to Zim, or to all currencies? I wouldn’t make an arrangement for Zim in case the rate changes.
Tony: It’s not an SKR, it’s an agreement, and yes, you can do that with Zim.
Closing Statement
Take the first part of this call to heart. The biggest thing at the banks right now is how you react to the different situations – not once you have the money, but getting through the process. Respect the money and the process. We are right at the tail end of this. They are having the final meetings and telling us the information to give to you. No one said anything about timing today because it was supposed to gp yesterday. I imagine we’ll find out more today. Stay cheerful, because we are at the end of this. It was a good day today in Iraq, so it should be a good week here. Everything is good – the rates are good, and no caps apart from the Zim, and the bank/regional limits. Even the Zim will continue to be exchanged over time. Surely 100 T is enough to start with!
RayRen played I Believe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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