Word on the Street Saturday 3/3/18
Saturday UPDATE for March 3, 2018
THE HCL AND ARTICLE 140 WILL SOON BE REFERRED TO IN THE PAST TENSE. 
#wearethepeople
#wearethepeople
Word on the Street Saturday 3/3/18:
Forex Rates:
Closing Rates Friday night
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,180.0000 | 1,180.0000 | 1,180.0000 | | 16:33 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,715.0000 | 22,715.0000 | 22,715.0000 | | 11:31 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3474 | 6.3474 | 6.3474 | | 17:00 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.2999 | 0.2999 | 0.2999 | | 16:20 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3806 | 1.3806 | 1.3806 | | 17:09 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13,751.0000 | 13,751.0000 | 13,751.0000 | | 17:42 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dddd
Jubouri: The adoption of the budget on oil revenues must stop
2018/3/3
(Baghdad: Al Furat News) Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salim Jubouri, stressed the need to find alternatives in the provision of imports to the country and not rely solely on oil revenues.
"Only 94 percent of the country's income depends on oil," Jubouri said in a speech at a rally in southern Baghdad in support of community and tribal reconciliation. "Iraq must be endowed with wealth, wealth, self-development and industrial development that must be invested."
He added that "our responsibility in the next stage as a parliament and the government to maintain the stability of intellectual and economic," noting that "economic stability is not only related to the investment of wealth and potential, but the closure of the ports that waste these resources and possibilities and close the outlets of corruption."
"We will be supportive to achieve security and stability and the completion of legislation that achieves social reconciliation, the most prominent of which is the law of accountability and justice, which reached the stage of voting after great efforts and other legislation related to the return of former army officers and legislation on social coexistence."
He pointed out that "the presence of the tribes today and its meeting in southern Baghdad told a message addressed to those who were betting on the survival of terrorism or who wanted to spread sectarianism among the people of the country."
"The previous years witnessed by Iraq have been painful, but the cooperation, cooperation and extraordinary efforts made by all the regions have been liberated from dashing, and we value all the good blood that has been shed for that."
Al-Jubouri pointed out that "the son of the South was a race to liberate the land of the son of the North, and this is evidence of the solidarity of the Iraqis and their solidarity and the unity of their word d
He added that "our responsibility in the next stage as a parliament and the government to maintain the stability of intellectual and economic," noting that "economic stability is not only related to the investment of wealth and potential, but the closure of the ports that waste these resources and possibilities and close the outlets of corruption."
"We will be supportive to achieve security and stability and the completion of legislation that achieves social reconciliation, the most prominent of which is the law of accountability and justice, which reached the stage of voting after great efforts and other legislation related to the return of former army officers and legislation on social coexistence."
He pointed out that "the presence of the tribes today and its meeting in southern Baghdad told a message addressed to those who were betting on the survival of terrorism or who wanted to spread sectarianism among the people of the country."
"The previous years witnessed by Iraq have been painful, but the cooperation, cooperation and extraordinary efforts made by all the regions have been liberated from dashing, and we value all the good blood that has been shed for that."
Al-Jubouri pointed out that "the son of the South was a race to liberate the land of the son of the North, and this is evidence of the solidarity of the Iraqis and their solidarity and the unity of their word d
Iraq’s budget commits KRG to returning revenue of Kirkuk oil sales
Iraq, March 3, 2018
Iraqi federal budget for the fiscal year 2018 commits the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to returning the revenue of Kirkuk oil sales between 2014 and 2017.
The Iraqi Parliament held a session on Thursday (March 1) to vote the 2018 federal budget bill.
Iraqi lawmakers approved 12 articles of the 2018 budget bill consisting of 48 articles during the session, boycotted by the Kurdish representatives.
According to Articles 9 and 10 of the bill, the amount of oil revenue sold by the KRG between 2014 and 2017 in the Kirkuk oil fields will be a loan on the Kurdish government.
The amount will be cut from the budget share of the Kurdistan Region for the fiscal year 2018 and be given to the Kirkuk governorate, the articles stated.
Another term of the Articles commits the KRG to returning Kirkuk petrodollars deposited into the Kurdistan Region’s banks.
The KRG is also abided by exporting 250,000 barrels of oil per day from the region’s oil fields through Iraqi State Organization for Marketing Oil (SOMO), according to article 10.
An amount of money from the budget of the Iraqi ground forces is allocated to the Peshmerga forces considered as part of the Iraqi security system, according to the same article.
Iraq’s Council of Ministers completed and circulated the Iraqi federal 2018 budget bill in October. Kurds are concerned over the draft bill, saying there is an imbalance in the distribution of the budget over all of the Iraqi provinces.
In early November 2017, the KRG Council of Ministers challenged the bill on a number of points.
Of specific concern is that Kurdistan Region’s share in the proposal has been cut to 12.67 percent. Kurdish lawmakers call for the region’s percent of the federal budget to remain at 17% as previously set based on populations estimates in 2005.
Iraqi federal budget for the fiscal year 2018 commits the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to returning the revenue of Kirkuk oil sales between 2014 and 2017.
The Iraqi Parliament held a session on Thursday (March 1) to vote the 2018 federal budget bill.
Iraqi lawmakers approved 12 articles of the 2018 budget bill consisting of 48 articles during the session, boycotted by the Kurdish representatives.
According to Articles 9 and 10 of the bill, the amount of oil revenue sold by the KRG between 2014 and 2017 in the Kirkuk oil fields will be a loan on the Kurdish government.
The amount will be cut from the budget share of the Kurdistan Region for the fiscal year 2018 and be given to the Kirkuk governorate, the articles stated.
Another term of the Articles commits the KRG to returning Kirkuk petrodollars deposited into the Kurdistan Region’s banks.
The KRG is also abided by exporting 250,000 barrels of oil per day from the region’s oil fields through Iraqi State Organization for Marketing Oil (SOMO), according to article 10.
An amount of money from the budget of the Iraqi ground forces is allocated to the Peshmerga forces considered as part of the Iraqi security system, according to the same article.
Iraq’s Council of Ministers completed and circulated the Iraqi federal 2018 budget bill in October. Kurds are concerned over the draft bill, saying there is an imbalance in the distribution of the budget over all of the Iraqi provinces.
In early November 2017, the KRG Council of Ministers challenged the bill on a number of points.
Of specific concern is that Kurdistan Region’s share in the proposal has been cut to 12.67 percent. Kurdish lawmakers call for the region’s percent of the federal budget to remain at 17% as previously set based on populations estimates in 2005.
Baghdad extends Air Blockade over KRG-held Areas
Iraq, March 3, 2018
Daily Sabah reports that Iraq has extended its ban on international flights to Iraqi Kurdistan by three months.
The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) reportedly told Erbil International Airport (EIA) that the ban on international flights to and from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports has been extended to the end of May.
Zain Iraq, Ericsson Offer Boosted Data Services
Iraq, March 3, 2018
In preparation for the anticipated increase in data traffic and demand in Iraq, Zain Iraq has invested in the implementation of Ericsson’s award-winning virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) solution nationwide.
The deal is Ericsson’s first vEPC contract in Iraq, and one of the first in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Ali Al Zahid, CEO, Zain Iraq says:
“Since we have introduced 3G on a large scale in Iraq, data traffic has surged, and demand continues to grow. This will present exciting opportunities as we move forward. This deal will bring greater connectivity and virtual capabilities to our subscribers.”
Rafiah Ibrahim (pictured), Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says:
“The deployment of our vEPC will not only provide the scale and reach Zain requires, but it will also provide the demand management and advanced cloud infrastructure that will allow them to address new revenue streams in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Internet of Things (IoT).”
Ericsson vEPC provides verified solutions addressing a large number of vertical use cases, opening up new operator opportunities and improving deployment flexibility
In preparation for the anticipated increase in data traffic and demand in Iraq, Zain Iraq has invested in the implementation of Ericsson’s award-winning virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) solution nationwide.
The deal is Ericsson’s first vEPC contract in Iraq, and one of the first in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
Ali Al Zahid, CEO, Zain Iraq says:
“Since we have introduced 3G on a large scale in Iraq, data traffic has surged, and demand continues to grow. This will present exciting opportunities as we move forward. This deal will bring greater connectivity and virtual capabilities to our subscribers.”
Rafiah Ibrahim (pictured), Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says:
“The deployment of our vEPC will not only provide the scale and reach Zain requires, but it will also provide the demand management and advanced cloud infrastructure that will allow them to address new revenue streams in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Internet of Things (IoT).”
Ericsson vEPC provides verified solutions addressing a large number of vertical use cases, opening up new operator opportunities and improving deployment flexibility
Iraq declares its categorical rejection of US rules and warns against compromising its sovereignty
Editorial Date: 2018/3/2 18:04 • 59 times read
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Iraq declared its categorical rejection of the presence of US military bases on its territory.
The Iraqi rejection came in the words of Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jaafari at the end of his visit to the Russian capital, which lasted several days.
The House of Representatives on Thursday voted on a resolution calling on the government to set a timetable for the departure of foreign troops from Iraqi territory after the announcement of the final victory over terrorist groups.
Jaafari said in a press statement at the end of his visit: "The Iraqi government Amina, and a pledge to abide by the sovereignty of Iraq, and we do not deal with the issue of sovereignty."
"The presence of US military bases depends on the sovereignty of the country," he said. "The specter of bases in Korea, Turkey, Japan and many other countries of the world, even after the end of the Second World War, remains the basis of these rules."
"When we asked for assistance, I addressed a speech in 2014 in the Security Council that this assistance does not turn into building bases, but helps in a way that preserves Iraq's sovereignty and independence and does not remain permanently," Jaafari said.
He stressed that "the sovereignty of Iraq is a red line can not be exceeded, and can not be compromised, and this is the case of the State of Iraq, which is greater than any Iraqi government."
"The visit to Moscow was aimed at deepening the Iraqi-Russian relations and achieving the best results that are reflected on both countries. We discussed various files of a political, economic, security, social and cultural nature.
In response to the existence of Iraqi mediation to bring the views of Iran and America closer Jaafari explained: If the two parties, and Iraq found itself can provide assistance will spare no effort, and will never be delayed.
And the intention of Iraq to buy defensive weapons from Russia, Jaafari replied: There is still trading within the Iraqi government until the appropriate decision, but we avoid problems and obstacles to us and the Russian party, including: a refusal to buy planes from Russia.
On the closure of airports in Kurdistan between Jaafari: Iraq does not close the airport, but there is an irony, and a legal violation, adding: When the airports are committed to the laws of Iraq can not find from Iraq only tolerance, respect and appreciation.
On the diplomatic activity of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry at the regional level, he stressed, "Iraqi diplomacy will continue its activity and its vitality for further results."
Al-Jaafari met with the ambassadors of the Arab countries accredited in Moscow. During the meeting, he reviewed the overall security and political developments in Iraq and the efforts exerted to contribute to the reconstruction of the infrastructure of Iraqi cities.
They also discussed the challenges facing the region and stressed the need to intensify dialogues to overcome the crises experienced by the entire region.
Al-Jaafari visited the Grand Mosque of Moscow and met with the head of the religious administration of the Muslims of Russia, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Rawi al-Din. The two sides discussed the bilateral relations between Baghdad and Moscow and the importance of strengthening them to serve the interests of the two friendly countries. , The dissemination of a culture of dialogue, cooperation, tolerance and human concepts
The House of Representatives on Thursday voted on a resolution calling on the government to set a timetable for the departure of foreign troops from Iraqi territory after the announcement of the final victory over terrorist groups.
Jaafari said in a press statement at the end of his visit: "The Iraqi government Amina, and a pledge to abide by the sovereignty of Iraq, and we do not deal with the issue of sovereignty."
"The presence of US military bases depends on the sovereignty of the country," he said. "The specter of bases in Korea, Turkey, Japan and many other countries of the world, even after the end of the Second World War, remains the basis of these rules."
"When we asked for assistance, I addressed a speech in 2014 in the Security Council that this assistance does not turn into building bases, but helps in a way that preserves Iraq's sovereignty and independence and does not remain permanently," Jaafari said.
He stressed that "the sovereignty of Iraq is a red line can not be exceeded, and can not be compromised, and this is the case of the State of Iraq, which is greater than any Iraqi government."
"The visit to Moscow was aimed at deepening the Iraqi-Russian relations and achieving the best results that are reflected on both countries. We discussed various files of a political, economic, security, social and cultural nature.
In response to the existence of Iraqi mediation to bring the views of Iran and America closer Jaafari explained: If the two parties, and Iraq found itself can provide assistance will spare no effort, and will never be delayed.
And the intention of Iraq to buy defensive weapons from Russia, Jaafari replied: There is still trading within the Iraqi government until the appropriate decision, but we avoid problems and obstacles to us and the Russian party, including: a refusal to buy planes from Russia.
On the closure of airports in Kurdistan between Jaafari: Iraq does not close the airport, but there is an irony, and a legal violation, adding: When the airports are committed to the laws of Iraq can not find from Iraq only tolerance, respect and appreciation.
On the diplomatic activity of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry at the regional level, he stressed, "Iraqi diplomacy will continue its activity and its vitality for further results."
Al-Jaafari met with the ambassadors of the Arab countries accredited in Moscow. During the meeting, he reviewed the overall security and political developments in Iraq and the efforts exerted to contribute to the reconstruction of the infrastructure of Iraqi cities.
They also discussed the challenges facing the region and stressed the need to intensify dialogues to overcome the crises experienced by the entire region.
Al-Jaafari visited the Grand Mosque of Moscow and met with the head of the religious administration of the Muslims of Russia, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Rawi al-Din. The two sides discussed the bilateral relations between Baghdad and Moscow and the importance of strengthening them to serve the interests of the two friendly countries. , The dissemination of a culture of dialogue, cooperation, tolerance and human concepts
Captain: Parliamentary and government promises to eliminate the deductions of teachers and the adoption of the law on the protection of teachers
Release date: 2018/3/2 21:40 • 382 times read
(Al-Furat News) The head of the Teachers' Association, Abbas al-Naqib, revealed that he received parliamentary and government promises to remove deductions from teaching staff within the federal budget for 2018 and to pass the law on the protection of teachers.
The captain told the {Euphrates News} today, that "the abuse of teachers began as a problem and then increased and turned to beatings and beatings and threats of death," noting that "the union stood a serious stand with teachers through the convening of conferences resulted in a draft law on the protection of the teacher and presented in this The session was discussed and the first discussion and returned to the inclusion of the Cabinet and emptied on the shelf.
He pointed out that "after the exit of demonstrations and protests and claims to legislate the law returned to the House of Representatives and came out this formula," noting that "abuses against teachers is an exotic phenomenon after the understanding of democratic parents in the wrong way."
"We had a meeting with the Prime Minister after the injustice inflicted on teachers and teachers with regard to allowances and promotions and the salaries of teachers and teachers, and we have reached tangible results and good and our promises to delete them from the budget of 2018.
He pointed out that "after the exit of demonstrations and protests and claims to legislate the law returned to the House of Representatives and came out this formula," noting that "abuses against teachers is an exotic phenomenon after the understanding of democratic parents in the wrong way."
"We had a meeting with the Prime Minister after the injustice inflicted on teachers and teachers with regard to allowances and promotions and the salaries of teachers and teachers, and we have reached tangible results and good and our promises to delete them from the budget of 2018.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:ddd
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): More than 8.7 million Iraqis need humanitarian assistance
03-03-2018 12:21 PM
The Euphrates -
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq (OCHA) confirmed that more than 8.7 million Iraqis require some form of humanitarian assistance and every effort will be made to ensure continued provision of services in the camps and areas with a high proportion of vulnerable people.
The statements are contrary to the report of the UN Special Envoy, which said that the government expects in the coming months the return of about 2 million people out of the 2.5 million people who are still displaced, has been completed about 360 projects or is still underway, bringing the total number Stability projects to 1,887 projects, and in Mosul alone, approximately 600 stabilization projects are being implemented. d
Japan offers new funding to stabilize Iraq
Iran exports $ 5.5 billion in non-oil goods to Iraq
The Iranian trade attaché in Baghdad, Nasser Bahzad said that the country exported to Iraq during the period from 21 March to 19 February last 12 million tons of non-oil goods worth 5.5 billion dollars.
"This volume accounts for 18 percent of Iran's total exports to the world," Behzad said, noting that "the trade balance with Iraq recorded a surplus for Iran during the period mentioned." According to the Iranian Fars News Agency.
"66 percent of Iran's total exports go to China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Afghanistan," Behzad said.
The annual trade rate between Iran and Iraq now ranges between $ 5.6 billion and $ 7 billion, with the export of gas, oil, religious tourism, d
Al-Rafidain cancels the guarantor's condition to grant the five million advance
Rafidain Bank announced on Saturday the cancellation of the condition of the sponsor to grant the advance of five million dinars to employees of the Ministry of Education.
The bank's press office said in a statement that "the condition of the sponsor was canceled in granting the advance to the employees of the Ministry of Education and Education Karkh first and the first Rusafa and employees who have an electronic card issued by the Rafidain Bank."
The statement added that "a special link has been put forward for the advance and the advance will be given a record period."
Iraqi Government Reluctant to Reopen Erbil-Kirkuk Main Road
Saad Maan, an Iraqi official in the area said that they are waiting to finish the reconstruction of a bridge on the road between the two cities, and then they will re-open the highway.
After KRG's decree to reopen the road, the Peshmerga forces immediately removed any obstacles on the road, but the Iraqi forces prevented any passengers from traveling through that way.
The road has been closed by the federal government since disputes have arisen between the federal government and KRG last October.
Baghdad’s Negligence Leaves Thousands Stranded for Passports
ERBIL — The Iraqi central government for over a month ago has cut the networking system with the Kurdistan Region to prevent the issuance of passports and other national documents in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok.
Head of Erbil National Card Directorate, Ghofran Salim, told BasNews on 1st March that the issue occurred nearly 40 days ago, when the entire passport and national card issuance procedures have been put to halt.
According to the official, the Iraqi central government in Baghdad has informed the authorities in the Kurdistan Region of technical damages to a tower in Kirkuk where the Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed militias are in charge.
A delegation from Baghdad is expected to visit Kurdistan Region’s ministry of communication and transportation next week to seek for a solution.
d
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Why couples should keep their savings separate
BT.com
BT.com
Research claims many of us are financially cheaters because we keep separate savings. loveMONEY writer Sue Hayward argues that such infidelity should be commended. Read the full story
The scientific, efficient way to learn languages: “spaced repetition”
Quartz
Quartz
Before your trip abroad, you hit the flashcards hard. You memorized how to say essential words and phrases like “hello,” “where is the bathroom,” and… Read the full story
Evacuations underway as both coasts prepare for major stormsABC News
Preparations are already underway in Massachusetts for the nor'easter. Read the full story
Self-made billionaire Bill Gates reveals 3 times in his life that he's felt successful
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told Reddit users in an "Ask Me Anything" session the three times he has felt like a success.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/
These 30-somethings sell cans of Canadian air — and are bringing in more than $230,000 a year
It started as a joke. Now Moses Lam and Troy Paquette predict $500,000 in sales in 2018.
Equifax’s massive 2017 data breach keeps getting worse
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Another 2.4 million people have now been affected by the incident, the credit agency says. Read the full story
Bill Gates Says This Is the Reason He’s So SuccessfulMoney
The billionaire's comments came during his 6th Reddit AMA. Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold Prices Rebound as Risk Aversion Resurfaces
Investing.com
Investing.com
© Reuters. Gold prices move sharply higher as market sentiment wanes Read the full story
Crude Oil Prices Still Under Pressure, Near Multi-Week Lows
Investing.com
Investing.com
Commodities Mar 02, 2018 08:51 GMT Investing.com - Crude oil prices were still under pressure on Friday, amid ongoing concerns over U.S. production levels and fresh worries over U.S. protectionist policies. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude April contract was down 19 cents or about 0.34% at $60.80 a barrel by 03:45 a.m. ET (07:45 GMT), just off Thursday’s two-and-a-half week lows of $60.20. Elsewhere, Brent oil for May delivery on the ICE Futures Exchange in London eased 6 cents or about Read the full story
Crude Oil Prices Settle Under $61 as Fears Over Rising US Output Persist
Investing.com
Investing.com
Commodities Mar 01, 2018 19:38 GMT Investing.com – WTI crude oil prices settled lower as ongoing fears over rising U.S. crude output offsetting bullish data showing crude output from OPEC fell to a 10-month low in February. On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for April delivery fell 1.1% to settle at $60.99 a barrel, while on London’s Intercontinental Exchange, Brent fell 1.21% to trade at $63.93 a barrel. Crude oil prices bounced off their lows of $60.20 a barrel heading into Read the full story
Direction, future of US solar panel industry in conflict after Trump's tariffsFox News
When President Donald Trump fulfilled a major campaign promise in January by imposing tariffs on imported solar panels, no one was happier than SolarWorld Americas CEO Juergen Stein. Read the full story
Stocks Plunge After Donald Trump Promises Steep Tariffs on Foreign Metals
TIME
TIME
Treasuries climbed. Read the full story
Trump defiant after criticism of steel and aluminum tariffsReuters
U.S. President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone on Friday, saying trade wars were good and easy to win, after his plan to put tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum triggered global criticism and a slide in world stock markets. Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Commerzbank's Zhou Calls Financial Deleveraging a Key Issue for China
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Hao Zhou, Commerzbank Senior Emerging Markets Economist, discusses China's GDP and who may become the next PBOC governor. He speaks with David Ingles and Haslinda Amin on "Bloomberg Markets: Asia." Read the full story
Opinion: These 3 trends could give fintech a bigger say in your money mattersMarketWatch
The uses and usefulness of financial technology are growing, writes Eyal Lifshitz. Read the full story
Toronto-Dominion has record U.S. profit even before tax cutMy San Antonio
The booming U.S. economy continues to fuel earnings at Toronto-Dominion Bank -- and Donald Trump's tax cuts will only make things better. The Canadian lender, which has more branches in the U.S. than its home country, had record profit of $741 million (C$952 million) from its U.S. retail business in the fiscal first quarter, a 19 percent surge from a year earlier. Earnings will get a further boost from a tax bill President Trump signed into law in December, adding about $300 million to the Read the full story
Bank lending surges with growing economySacramento Business Journal
As Sacramento's economy continues to grow, regional banks increased their earnings and assets in 2017, according to new FDIC data. Read the full story
Trend of Japanese banks raising fees for transfers, currency exchange continues - The MainichiThe Mainichi
Japanese banks are increasingly raising fees on transactions such as transfers and currency exchange due to a plunge in revenues caused by ultralow interest rates and other factors. Read the full story
Elizabeth Warren rips Wells Fargo at Fed chair hearingFox News
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) grilled Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday over the measures the U.S. central bank is taking to hold Wells Fargo accountable for consumer abuses dating back to 2016. Read the full story
Latvian central banker in bribery probe returns to workReuters
Latvia's central bank governor, recently detained in a bribery probe, returned to work as an ECB policymaker this week, the country's central bank told Reuters. Read the full story
Banks: Past karma and new headwinds to rob banks’ FY18 profits
Livemint
Livemint
Years of undisciplined pursuit of top line growth by public sector banks has now come back to erode their profits for the second straight year. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
5 things you need to know Friday
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
The biggest news to start your morning Read the full story
Here's why Trump's tariffs spooked markets around the world
CNN Money
CNN Money
The whiff of a trade war has prompted sharp falls in global stock markets. Read the full story
What Happened in the World Economy This Week and What It MeansBloomberg
President Donald Trump announces tariffs on imported steel and aluminum at a meeting with metals industry executives. Just when it looked like the global economy was running on all cylinders, President Donald Trump injected a degree of risk to the otherwise favorable outlook. The U.S. president announced on Thursday plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on imported steel and 10 percent tariffs on foreign aluminum, with more details to be unveiled next week. American equities cratered for a third Read the full story
Opinion | The Saudis Can't Just Throw Their Bond Market Weight Around
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Saudi Arabia could return to the international bond market this month for a third time, once it has wrapped up refinancing a syndicated loan. The kingdom's last two jumbo issues went well, but this time is different. The Federal Reserve will most likely raises rates at its March 20-21 meeting, and funding costs are rising along with U.S. Treasury yields. Credit spreads are widening also, notably in the shorter maturities for Saudi debt. Oman looks smart to have jumped the gun with $6.5 billion Read the full story
Upcoming Economic Data May Push 10-Year Note Yield To 3%
Investing.com
Investing.com
Economy Mar 02, 2018 09:36 GMT Investing.comJust two weeks ago, it seemed like the yield on the ten-year Treasury note was about to hit 3%. But market concerns about rising inflation and a potential glut of new debt eased and the yield drifted down from its four-year high of 2.95%. Even Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s hawkish sounding comments on the economy weren’t enough to push yields through the important 3% level. Still, most market watchers believe it’s only a matter of time before it happens Read the full story
Shades of 1987 in the Dow’s 500-Point Drop
Barron's
Barron's
The parallels between the 1987 market crash and today are unnerving. Read the full story
Carl Icahn says ‘creeping inflation’ is biggest market threatMarketWatch
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn says “creeping inflation” is the biggest concern for markets right now, but scoffs at pundits who definitively predict near-term stock market direction. Read the full story
Ex-Fed chair Alan Greenspan: 'We are in a bond market bubble' that's beginning to unwind
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
"As real long-term interest rates rise, stock prices fall," but that's probably not the cause of the wild market swings, Greenspan tells CNBC. Read the full story
INSURANCE/HEALTH
Diabetes has five categories not just types one and two, study shows
The Telegraph
The Telegraph
There are five distinct types of diabetes that can occur in adulthood, rather than the two currently recognised, research has found. Read the full story
There are more surgery centers than hospitals in the U.S. – but are they safe?
CBS News
CBS News
A joint investigation by USA Today Network and Kaiser Health News found more than 260 patients have died after surgery center procedures since 2013 Read the full story
What Is "Superblood," and Why Do I Want It?
Futurism
Futurism
Startup biotech company Rubius Therapeutics wants to use red blood cells to replace missing enzymes and ultimately treat rare diseases and conditions like cancer. So far, the company has raised $220 million to fund their developments. Read the full story
Here's Why Health Insurance Innovations Is Soaring Today
The Motley Fool
The Motley Fool
Traders cheer after the company posts better-than-expected quarterly results and shares upbeat guidance. Read the full story
A Study Found That Depression Can Physically Change Your Brain If Left Untreated
Bustle
Bustle
If you've ever been told depression can be cured by positive thoughts or by getting out there and experiencing nature, you've now got a new study to point to that suggests depression, if left untreated, can actually cause increased inflammation in pe… Read the full story
Carney calls for crackdown on crypto-currency 'mania'
BBC News US
BBC News US
Bitcoin and other digital currencies must be regulated, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warns. Read the full story
Bank of England chief slams cryptocurrencies; urges action
ABC News
ABC News
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has launched a scathing attack on cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, and laid into the "global speculative mania" that has fueled them Read the full story
Sheila Bair says bitcoin has no intrinsic value — but neither does the dollar
MarketWatch
MarketWatch
Former FDIC chair Sheila Bair isn’t too worried about the mania surrounding and cryptocurrencies, and sees no reason why bitcoin and its brethren should be outlawed. Read the full story
Got Crypto? Be Careful How You File Your Taxes
Futurism
Futurism
You made a lot of money on cryptocurrency this year. Here's what you need to tell the IRS about your newfound riches. Read the full story
Cryptocurrency Will Replace National Currencies By 2030, According to This FuturistMoney
'They're just much more efficient.' Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Perfect Storm Brewing for the Dollar, ING Says
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Viraj Patel, FX strategist at ING, discusses proposed tariffs from the U.S. and what they may mean for currencies. He speaks with Mark Barton on "Bloomberg Surveillance." Read the full story
Dollar drops for second day as tariffs spark fears of global trade war
MarketWatch
MarketWatch
The dollar dropped for a second straight day on Friday, as fears of a global trade war prompted investors to dump the greenback after President Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Still on the Back Foot on U.S. Tariff AnnouncementInvesting.com
© Reuters. Dollar remains under pressure despite Powell remarks Read the full story
Pound V euro: GBP exchange rate declines as US metal tariffs threatens UK steel jobs
Express
Express
THE pound to euro exchange rate has been underwhelming today, with GBP declining in the pairing on widespread concerns over the future of the UK steel industry. These concerns have been brought on by the actions of US President Donald Trump. Mr Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel imports into the United States. His decision amounts to a protectionist trading plan, where the US’s reliance on imports is reduced via a greater focus on products and materials ‘made in America’. Read the full story
Forex - USD/JPY Turns Negative as US Tariffs Trigger Risk-Off SentimentInvesting.com
Forex Mar 01, 2018 18:55 GMT Investing.com – The dollar surrendered gains against a basket of major currencies after President Donald Trump’s said the U.S. will impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports next week, fuelling investor fears of a trade war. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose 0.12% to 90.72. Trump said the US will impose a 25% tariff on steel imports and 10% tariff on aluminium. The highly Read the full story
USA/CANADA
1 thing every employee should do in 2018 because of the new tax law
"This year, filing is business as usual. It's next year that will be really different," says tax attorney and CFP Rebecca Walser.
Trump finally gets his tariffs — and much of the world recoils
The Washington Post
The president imposed strict trade measures on steel and aluminum imports. Read the full story
Trump steel tariffs: Trading partners threaten retaliationBBC News US
Plans to impose tariffs in steel and aluminium imports bring an angry international response. Read the full story
Analysis | Trump attacked Sessions again. But can he actually fire him?The Washington Post
In this occasional series, we will bring you up to speed on the biggest national security stories of the week. 1. Can President Trump fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions? What are the consequences? Yes. Cabinet officials serve at the pleasure of the president, and can be fired for any cause, or no cause. However, the […] Read the full story
Hope Hicks's Tearful Resignation Came After President Trump 'Berated' Her for Being 'Stupid': Report
People
People
After word spread that outgoing White House communications director Hope Hicks admitted Tuesday to a congressional investigative committee that she told “white lies” on behalf of President Donald Trump, he reportedly “berated” her, according to CNN. Erin Burnett reports that a source told her Trump “berated Hicks after her testimony to Congress yesterday.” “According to the source, Trump asked Hicks after the testimony how could she be so stupid, and apparently that was the final straw for Hope Read the full story
Goldman’s playbook on how to invest around a global trade war
Goldman Sachs recommends companies with large domestic sales exposure in the event of a global trade war.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/
Tens of thousands of Californians evacuate as storm brings mudslide riskCNN
Tens of thousands of Californians have been ordered to evacuate as an approaching storm brings the risks of "dangerous flash flooding, mud and debris flow," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said Thursday. Read the full story
California has worst 'quality of life' in US, study says
Fox News
Fox News
Awards season is in full swing in California, and the Golden State itself just took home a booby prize of its own. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico to Quit Amid Tense Relations Under Trump
The New York Times
The New York Times
Roberta S. Jacobson is one of the most experienced Latin America experts in the State Department, having spent most of her 31-year tenure focused on the region. Read the full story
The industry keeping Venezuela afloat is under pressure from both inside and outside the country
Business Insider
Business Insider
Workers at an oil pump in Lagunillas, Ciudad Ojeda, in Zulia, Venezuela, March 20, 2015. Venezuela is increasingly reliant on its faltering oil industry for revenue. But the deteriorating economy is undermining the oil sector. And other countries in the region want to roll back Venezuela's oil diplomacy to further isolate its embattled government. Venezuela's embattled government has relied on oil - which provides about 95% of the country's export revenue - to help keep it afloat as it fends off Read the full story
Investors pulled $5.8 billion out of emerging market stocks in February
Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance
Emerging market stocks and bonds, which have benefitted from increased risk tolerance, had seen net inflows from foreign investors for 14 straight months before February's . Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
Police probe Netanyahu in corruption case ahead of D.C. visit
CBS News
CBS News
Israeli leader and wife questioned over allegations involving country's telecom giant, and news coverage of the prime minister Read the full story
Netanyahu investigation: What happens next?
Reuters
Reuters
Benjamin Netanyahu is the dominant Israeli politician of his generation. On the domestic and international stage, no rival comes close to the veteran Likud Party leader known widely as "Bibi". Read the full story
How Netanyahu Will Use Trump to Save His Hide
POLITICO
POLITICO
Israel’s prime minister is in great political and legal peril. He’s hoping his visit to Washington will prove to the folks back home that there’s nobody else who can keep his country safe. Read the full story
To survive scandals, Netanyahu relies on mantra: no one else can lead IsraelThe Christian Science Monitor
Netanyahu vows to stay in office even if, as police recommend, he is indicted. His critics say that would be damaging to Israel's democracy. But for his supporters, the long-serving premier has delivered security and prosperity, so what harm is a little corruption? Read the full story
Kushner real estate company sought funding from Qatar shortly before blockade: Report
Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
The real estate company tied to President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly tried to secure financing from the Qatar government for its debt-laden office tower on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. Kushner’s father, Charles, made a pitch to Qatari Finance Minister Ali Sharif Al Emadi during a meeting in New York in April 2017, weeks before a Saudi-led economic blockade against Qatar, according to an Intercept report. The standoff, led by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, Read the full story
Saudi Arabia issues tourist visas for the first time - including for lone women
Express
Express
SAUDI ARABIA to issue tourist visas from 1st April 2018, as well as increased investment in the deeply conservation nation, in a bid to welcome 30 million tourists annually by 2030. The desert country boasts some of the world’s most religious sites including the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi, burial site of the prophet Muhammad. With plans to create a new tourist hotspot twice the size of Wales, Saudi Arabia has miles of unspoilt coastline on both the Red Sea and Gulf Read the full story
World's most conservative country wooing tourists like never before
The Telegraph
The Telegraph
When it comes to holidaying in the Middle East, there's a new kid on the block. From April 1, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will start issuing tourist visas for the first time since it clamped down on visitors in 2010. Read the full story
Ancient Egypt: Even Pharaohs Had A Plan To Combat Climate Change
Newsweek
Newsweek
When the pharaohs were confronted with environmental catastrophe they didn't bury their heads in the sand. Read the full story
AFRICA
Ethiopia to join Somaliland, UAE port development venture
Aljazeera
Aljazeera
Dubai's state-owned DP World said on Thursday the Ethiopian government had taken a 19 percent stake in Somaliland's Port of Berbera. The port operator said it would retain a 51 percent stake in the port and that Somaliland would retain 30 percent. DP World took a 65 percent stake in the port in 2016 as part of a joint venture with the government of Somaliland under a 30-year concession. Financial details were not disclosed but the statement said the Ethiopiangovernment would invest to develop Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Court Orders U.S.$30,000 Compensation After Raid Ordered by Grace Mugabe
AllAfrica
AllAfrica
(Photo: Flickr) Tormented Mazoe villagers whose properties and homesteads were destroyed by the police following orders from former First Lady Grace Mugabe in 2015 have been awarded more than $30 000 as compensation by the court. The villagers, who were represented by Noble Chinhanu of Zimbabwe Lawyers Human Rights (ZLHR), argued that together with their children, they suffered great humiliation, shock, trauma as a result of the destruction of their homesteads and property and endured emotional Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Power Utility Workers Barred From Staging Protests
AllAfrica
AllAfrica
(Photo: Jerry Chifamba/allAfrica) The High Court has barred Zesa Holdings Private Limited workers from staging demonstrations, saying anyone caught protesting on the streets will be arrested. Justice Clement Phiri yesterday granted an interdict sought by the power utility on the basis that the Energy Sector Workers' Union (ESWUZ), one of the respondents, had a pending demonstration appeal at the Supreme Court. In December last year, another High Court judge Justice Happias Zhou ruled in favour Read the full story
ASIA
US holds 'frank and constructive' talks on trade with China
Donald Trump's top economic aides held "frank and constructive" talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping's top economic adviser Liu He on Thursday.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/
How Much Steel Do We Import From China? It's Complicated.Mother Jones
President Trump's newly announced steel and aluminum tariffs are widely seen as a strike against China. But here's an odd thing: the tariffs are based on a pair of Commerce Department reports (steel here, aluminum here) that examine whether domestic production of these products is essential to national security. However, the reports recommend tariffs only... Read the full story
China will use Trump's tariffs to its advantage
CNN Money
CNN Money
Beijing could retaliate by imposing punishing measures of its own, but it may also seek to cast itself as the defender of global trade. Read the full story
Opinion | Who Gains From Trump's Tariffs? China
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
China's already been slashing steel capacity. If Donald Trump was aiming at China with his lofty proposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, he’s a terrible marksman. Not only will Chinese leaders likely brush off the measures. They have good reason to embrace them. China is unquestionably the big, bad wolf of the global steel industry. With roughly ten times the steelmaking capacity of the U.S., it's been widely accused of dumping cheap steel on global markets, pushing competitors in other Read the full story
Australia Welcomes Chinese Aid to Pacific, Despite New Zealand Warning
The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets with U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell (not pictured) at the Federal Reserve in Washington, U.S., Feb. 22, 2018. SYDNEY/WELLINGTON–Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday he supports Chinese foreign investment in impoverished Pacific Island nations so long as it is productive, amid concerns Beijing is buying increased influence in the region. “We welcome this investment from any source, any nation, any development Read the full story
Asian markets fall flat to start MarchMarketWatch
Asia-Pacific stocks began the day on the back foot, kicking March off on a sour note after most indexes in the region logged their worst monthly performance in two years during February. Read the full story
EUROPE
As May Readies Trade Speech, Tusk Sees Difficulties
The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May meets with European Union Council President Donald Tusk at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, March 1, 2018. LONDON/BRUSSELS—“Real political difficulties” lie ahead for Brexit, EU summit chair Donald Tusk said after Prime Minister Theresa May gave him a preview of the vision of future trade ties she will unveil on Friday March 2. Over lunch at her Downing Street office, aides said, May told him a draft Brexit treaty published by the European Union on Read the full story
British PM May says close to agreeing Brexit implementation period termsReuters
Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday Britain was close to agreeing the terms with Brussels of an implementation period that will help smooth the country's exit from the European Union. Read the full story
Brexit: UK faces unprecedented food crisis if no trade deal secured with EU, says Sainsbury's boss
The Independent
The Independent
The UK faces an unprecedented food crisis if it leaves the EU without a trade deal, the boss of the country’s second-largest supermarket has warned. Read the full story
UK Construction PMI Rises to 51.4 in February, Still Remains Subdued
Investing.com
Investing.com
© Reuters. Construction in the UK rose in February. Read the full story
Theresa May will WARN the EU 'our historic Brexit deal MUST endure' and respect referendumExpress
THERESA May will send a stark Brexit warning to the European Union today by calling for a long-lasting deal in a move that will belittle Remoaners looking to offer quick compromises in negotiations, it has been revealed. In a speech at Mansion House in central London, the Prime Minister will call for a deal that “must endure”, rather than offer solutions to deadlocked negotiations that would not be in favour of what the British public voted for. Read the full story
Europe lashes out against Trump's tariffs: EU will 'react firmly ... to defend our interests'
CNBC
CNBC
The European Commission warned President Donald Trump that it "will not sit idly" following his decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum. Read the full story
Brexit Britain favours FREE TRADE as UK eyes global deals outside EU
Express
Express
BRITONS are increasingly in favour of free trade with the rest of the world, new research has found as Theresa May’s ministers begin initial talks for deals with the US, China and Australia. British support for international trade is now higher than it has ever been since 2003, when the research began. A British attitudes survey revealed that almost two thirds of people now believe that "free trade leads to better products becoming available in Britain”, increasing six percent from 2003. Read the full story
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Blessed and Highly Favored:
CBI Update:
The CBI is closed on Saturday
The ISX is closed on Saturday
3-3-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru BGG Article: "Kurdish official: Baghdad committees completed the audit of salaries of the region by 96%" My first reaction is…They had to do an AUDIT Because the CROOKED Kurdish leadership was asking for salary money for 50,000 employees that didn’t exist!! It’s no wonder Baghdad kicked them in the 8@!!$$ with 12.5% of the budget thing…
3-2-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 The three presidencies accordingly met late Thursday evening and concluded that 12.7% will be allocated for the Kurds in the budget. PM Abadi reportedly agreeing to paying only two ministers of Kurdistan alleging the others are involved in corruption. Twelve articles in the budget did get passed, but not the "big one”. Saturday is the intended day for the final votes on the budget, however, the Kurds are vowing to continue their boycott of the vote. In spite of these issues, the 800 numbers are still expected sometime throughout the weekend! Excited about the weekend.
3-2-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat So is there really a connection between the RV and the Budget? ...there is really NO PROOF that there is a connect but we can see and track the stalling of the budget to a real time stalling of the new rate on FOREX. We get windows of the RV opportunity and they [then?] it stalls again and again, as the budget stalls. Why? We just don’t yet know the connection other than the US government and the IMF has put its foot down and told Iraq (mandated to Iraq) that they need a solid budget in place first. This is FACT not some rumor or my opinion. I have researched this and this is what I have found out. [post 2 of 2]
3-2-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...there may very well be a connection between the passing of the Iraqi budget and the reinstatement of the dinar on FOREX. This is no longer just opinion but FACT. So we still see them kicking the can down the road on the budget and now it is postponed (in part) to Saturday 3/3 but they did manage to pass many parts of it this week. So the final vote is now very close at hand. After voting on several articles already, members of Parliament walked out before voting on and the passing of the final budget parts.Some KRG parliament members are still boycotting. Abadi says the vote will be live Saturday on TV so that the citizens can see exactly whom is causing problems and the hold ups. Abadi again on national TV warned everyone that there would be serious repercussions due to the budget not being voted and passed as scheduled, if not concluded by Saturday, however, the Kurds are vowing to continue their boycott of the vote. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
3-2-2018 Newshoud/Intel Guru BGG Article: "Iraqi presidencies meet and discuss the federal budget" Well, the good news is – they met. They talked. They actually tried to get the vote done in the afternoon. Reportedly, they passed a “provisional budget” – or parts of it. Not exactly sure what it all means just yet. We’ll see. However, I have said all along – this budget will get done, it just won’t be the single harbinger some people are looking for.
3-2-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Article: "After the vote on 12 articles of the budget law .. Jubouri declares violation of the quorum 01/03/2018 15:48 BAGHDAD / NINA / Parliament ended the vote on Article 12 of the Federal Budget Law. The chairman of the council, Salim al-Jubouri, announced that the deputies had been defeated in the presence of only 159 deputies..." The Iraqi budget is read and approved article by article. After 12 articles the number of deputies present fell below 165 and the quorum was lost. There is likely no mystery to the budget process in Iraq. Generally the Parliament does not convene except to approve decisions made in committee and elsewhere. It appears that there was agreement on some articles, but not all so the quorum was disrupted "by design".
3-2-2018 Intel Guru Bruce In terms of where we are and concerning Intel I can tell you things are getting quiet...There is some chatter out there about Iraq not being complete with their budget yet, not getting a quorum...Guys it is noise. Iraq’s was done a week ago, Monday or Tuesday...All is done from Iraq’s perspective. Those companies that came in are signing off on their new contracts. We know for example, what the rate of the dinar is and was just a few days ago because our guys are trading it and we know what they are seeing on the screens. I will say this some people brought up the Paris Accord ...that we did not sign that agreement, but that agreement has nothing to do with the RV. It is not a factor for this to go. I am hearing some good things that are pointing to us tomorrow...things are looking very good. From what I understand this thing is pretty much ready to go.3-2-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat So is there really a connection between the RV and the Budget? ...there is really NO PROOF that there is a connect but we can see and track the stalling of the budget to a real time stalling of the new rate on FOREX. We get windows of the RV opportunity and they [then?] it stalls again and again, as the budget stalls. Why? We just don’t yet know the connection other than the US government and the IMF has put its foot down and told Iraq (mandated to Iraq) that they need a solid budget in place first. This is FACT not some rumor or my opinion. I have researched this and this is what I have found out. [post 2 of 2]
3-2-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...there may very well be a connection between the passing of the Iraqi budget and the reinstatement of the dinar on FOREX. This is no longer just opinion but FACT. So we still see them kicking the can down the road on the budget and now it is postponed (in part) to Saturday 3/3 but they did manage to pass many parts of it this week. So the final vote is now very close at hand. After voting on several articles already, members of Parliament walked out before voting on and the passing of the final budget parts.Some KRG parliament members are still boycotting. Abadi says the vote will be live Saturday on TV so that the citizens can see exactly whom is causing problems and the hold ups. Abadi again on national TV warned everyone that there would be serious repercussions due to the budget not being voted and passed as scheduled, if not concluded by Saturday, however, the Kurds are vowing to continue their boycott of the vote. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
3-2-2018 Newshoud/Intel Guru BGG Article: "Iraqi presidencies meet and discuss the federal budget" Well, the good news is – they met. They talked. They actually tried to get the vote done in the afternoon. Reportedly, they passed a “provisional budget” – or parts of it. Not exactly sure what it all means just yet. We’ll see. However, I have said all along – this budget will get done, it just won’t be the single harbinger some people are looking for.
3-2-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Article: "After the vote on 12 articles of the budget law .. Jubouri declares violation of the quorum 01/03/2018 15:48 BAGHDAD / NINA / Parliament ended the vote on Article 12 of the Federal Budget Law. The chairman of the council, Salim al-Jubouri, announced that the deputies had been defeated in the presence of only 159 deputies..." The Iraqi budget is read and approved article by article. After 12 articles the number of deputies present fell below 165 and the quorum was lost. There is likely no mystery to the budget process in Iraq. Generally the Parliament does not convene except to approve decisions made in committee and elsewhere. It appears that there was agreement on some articles, but not all so the quorum was disrupted "by design".
3-2-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 After voting on several articles, members of Parliament walked out before voting on and passing the final budget. Kurds are boycotting. Abadi says the vote will be live Saturday on TV so that the citizens can see exactly whom is causing problems with the process. The meeting of the three presidencies regarding the budget was postponed until later in the evening, no update yet. Members of Parliament who are absent from voting will be fined. Abadi again on TV warning everyone of serious repercussions due to the budget not being voted and passed as scheduled. I don't see any of this interfering with our 800 number process but, Time Will Tell.
3-2-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni …Over the last year or so the central bank has taken the development of the banking system seriously and started to make some serious changes in Iraq…The reality is the Central Bank of Iraq can’t do anything until they are in compliance [2% rule]. That’s the bottom line. If they want to open their banking system. If they want to make the dinar International tradable…where the dinar is traded among the Central Banks around the world…they have to get into compliance like every other bank in the world. This was the last restriction on Iraq. When you make your currency internationally recognized and internationally convertible more than likely they are also going to change the exchange rate regime…right now it’s pegged. We believe they are going to go to some kind of float which will allow the currency value to go up.
3-2-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni …Over the last year or so the central bank has taken the development of the banking system seriously and started to make some serious changes in Iraq…The reality is the Central Bank of Iraq can’t do anything until they are in compliance [2% rule]. That’s the bottom line. If they want to open their banking system. If they want to make the dinar International tradable…where the dinar is traded among the Central Banks around the world…they have to get into compliance like every other bank in the world. This was the last restriction on Iraq. When you make your currency internationally recognized and internationally convertible more than likely they are also going to change the exchange rate regime…right now it’s pegged. We believe they are going to go to some kind of float which will allow the currency value to go up.
3-1-2018 Newshound Guru EHankins In my opinion...I see the many things coming to the surface...the HCL, The auctions losing value and heading to a suspension, the price of the IQD is rising to meet parity with the auctions. The CBI is speaking to the three-headed monster of the "time frame" that is plugged into the current timeline of events. We wait for the budget yet, it is finished actually in reality...we just can't see it. I believe all...these things mentioned are in place and quivers with energy waiting on one thing... . When this one thing happens, what we look for will not explode... there won't be a boom. When the RI takes it's first breath... then EVERYTHING mentioned will simply lean forward into the center where the RI sits and all of this will simply function as one well oiled purposeful Monetary Reform without hesitation. Only in my Opinion...
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Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:d
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website)
At the time this report was submitted, there were no new messages posted on PM Abadi's website nor were there any new tweets on his twitter account. Likewise, there were no new posts on the Government of Iraq's twitter account.
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ARTICLE 2
Abadi's office responds to parliament: We still need foreign troops
2018/3/2 19:20
[Where - Continue]
Saad al-Hadithi, spokesman for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said that the Iraqi parliament has the right to request the departure of foreign troops from the country, but we still need those forces, as he put it.
Al-Hadithi said in a press statement that "Parliament has the right to request the departure of foreign troops from Iraq, especially after the defeat of Badash."
"The Iraqi government still needs assistance from foreign forces, in terms of training and other logistics, especially with regard to Syria, where terrorists continue to pose a threat to Iraq," he said.
"It may be possible to change the number of foreign troops in the country, with the path towards greater stability," al-Hadithi said.
The parliament voted yesterday to "thank and appreciate" all the forces of the countries that stood with Iraq to fight Daqash, and call on the government to set a timetable for the departure of these forces in Iraqi territory.
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ARTICLE 3
Parliament speaker calls for accountability of "public money thieves"
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - March 2 - Iraqi parliament speaker Salim al-Jubouri on Friday called for accountability for what he described as a "scourge" of public money, stressing the need to close the country's corruption outlets.
"The role of investment in the country should be activated, the gates of corruption should be closed and those who allowed themselves public money should be held accountable," Jubouri said in a speech on the sidelines of a conference for tribes south of Baghdad.
Jubouri said that "corruption caused a decline in services across the country," stressing "to promote the reality of the country from the fight against corruption."
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced last month the start of the anti-corruption mission, and stressed the existence of great cooperation between his country and the International Police (Interpol) to hunt down those wanted.
The Public Integrity Commission in Iraq last month also issued more than 2,000 arrest warrants on corruption charges in the country in 2017, and indicated that among those issuing arrest warrants were 290 government officials, including ministers. Finished
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ARTICLE 4
17 members of the preacher were arrested in a pre-emptive operation in Badush
BAGHDAD, March 3 (Xinhua) - The Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 17 members of the Da'ash group in a pre-emptive operation in the Badush district, indicating that among them are known leaders.
"The forces of the Swift Regiment of the Nineveh Police Command arrested 17 gang criminals and called the terrorist during a pre-emptive security operation carried out in the Badush area west of the city of Mosul," ministry spokesman Major General Saad Maan said Friday.
Maan added that "among the detainees are known and wanted leaders for the judiciary in accordance with Article 4/1 terrorism." Finished
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ARTICLE 5
The Iraqi parliament votes on the articles "15, 16, 17, 18, 19" of the budget and / Iraq Press / publishes the text of the law
BAGHDAD, March 3 (KUNA) - The Iraqi Council of Representatives on Saturday voted in its 13th session on articles (15, 16, 17, 18 and 19) of the federal budget for 2018, while Article No. 14 was rejected and therefore it fell.
In turn, Iraq / Press / text of the budget law for the year is published in link 2018 in the following link.
http://parliament.iq/wp-
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TNT Call 2-March-2018 by Adept 1
RayRen: Good afternoon, TNT super-fantastic family! This is Fantabulous Friday, March 2, 2018, with yours truly RayRen98 here, along with…
Tony: Goood morning, TNT!
RayRen: We had various updates yesterday and this morning:
Thursday’s update:
· After voting on several articles, members of Parliament walked out before voting on and passing the final budget. Kurds are boycotting.
· Abadi says the vote will be live Saturday on TV so that the citizens can see exactly whom is causing problems with the process.
· The meeting of the three presidencies regarding the budget was postponed until later in the evening, no update yet.
· Members of Parliament who are absent from voting will be fined.
· Abadi again on TV warning everyone of serious repercussions due to the budget not being voted and passed as scheduled.
· I don't see any of this interfering with our 800 number process but, Time Will Tell.
Friday morning update:
· The three presidencies accordingly met late Thursday evening and concluded that 12.7% will be allocated for the Kurds in the budget.
· PM Abadi reportedly agreeing to paying only two ministers of Kurdistan alleging the others are involved in corruption.
· Twelve articles in the budget did get passed, but not the "big one”.
· Saturday is the intended day for the final votes on the budget, however, the Kurds are vowing to continue their boycott of the vote.
· In spite of these issues, the 800 numbers are still expected sometime throughout the weekend!
Tony: Even though it’s Friday, votes are being held today. They have 20 laws they want to pass before the Budget; twelve have passed, and the rest will be voted on Sunday. Almost two weeks ago, we got the call from Kurdistan saying the Budget was signed and done, just not announced. We keep getting that message from Kurdistan, saying, “You know it’s already been done!” I cannot tell you why they are still doing this. Our sources say it is not up to them; they have done what they were supposed to do, and they are just waiting for the announcement.
The following came to us on Monday, and I don’t know if that is what they are waiting for or not. The CBI suspended the currency auctions to convert from old to new systems. The memo went out to all banks and exchange companies that they must fully integrate their systems with the new CBI systems. They were given specific time frames to complete their conversion to the new system for a success interface with everyone else. There various state and private banks, plus exchange and credit card companies. CBI has a target date to align all financial institutions. That was on Monday. I don’t know if that is what they are waiting for or not. Our banks are updating, and being testing; maybe it’s the same for them, and then this will happen.
Something is going on. There are reasons for the Kurds to be in agreement and everything to be signed, but not announced. There’s a reason it’s been going on this long. I think it’s a good sign that it will be televised tomorrow. Hopefully everyone is ready to go.
On our side, I’m looking at the same thing in the banking system. Possibly something happened yesterday evening. I don’t know if they are listening to this call or not. On Monday, we were told the exact date and time the RV was supposed to take place. That’ why I kept saying I wouldn’t tell you, just that it’s by the end of this week. However, this correlated with the Budget being announced, and that has happened several times already. They schedule the RV for when the Budget is announced, and there are several opinions on whether the Budget is required. Today, Iraq posted the Budget at the old rate; figures are in the trillions rather than billions. However, this shows the Iraqi people exactly what has been allocated to whom. Hopefully that will pass tomorrow, and then it will have the new rate in it. If the Budget comes out tomorrow and its in the trillions, the new rate can be dropped in any time after that. The CBI can change that rate whenever it chooses. At least they will have a Budget, something to operate on.
Our people gave us a date and time, which was yesterday, and it didn’t happen. So they gave us a new date and time, and that didn’t happen. They have contacted us and say it’s been put off until a new date. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. We did NOT get the rewritten NDA to post here. It has been sent to Washington to be approved, and it was supposed to come to us last night; hopefully we will get it today. I can tell you it started out at 28 pages and it is down to 12 pages now. They also broke down the 12 pages for us; some of it’s definitions, some are signature pages, and the rest is the actual NDA. I don’t think we will see it until it’s actually about to happen; I don’t think they want to give it to us a week beforehand, maybe for a day to review it and see how we want to go. It’s the same thing with the Budget – I don’t think they will give us time to learn rate, and have a week to mortgage our houses to buy more dinar before the RV!
This is all being discussed in the committees, etc. This event was never intended for the general public; it just happened It was certainly not meant for eight million people! They won’t give us information to buy more because they believe we have too much already. It just happened. They want to create parity, and that is why they are offering the contract rate to those with the least dinar, so that there are more millionaires rather than billionaires.
Otherwise, we are still waiting. I think we will get the NDA and the Budget maybe a day in advance. They have already rescheduled, and in Iraq the Budget vote will be televised. I don’t think they can use that as an excuse for much longer. The rate has been set, and the CBI can release it when they get word from the powers that be – meaning the US. The IMF, World Bank, etc., have all said “let’s go!” and someone in the US is wanting us to wait – I don’t know what for. The US banks were ready to go yesterday and they were told to wait. It is coming to a head, and if the vote is televised, then I cannot see waiting much longer because we are all ready to go.
What’s our first question in the forum?
Questions from the TNT forum
Q: Does the 1 billion total US dollars per person now replace the 10 Zim note total limit?? A: They are different limits. We are being told that an individual cannot exchange more than ten x 100T Zim – that is specific to Zim – AND no person will receive more than one billion US dollars from all their currency exchanges combined. That one billion – any way you get to it – is what we HEAR people are limited to. I haven’t seen anything in writing about that.
Q: Is there a time limit by which we have to exchange our currencies? A: The only limit I know about is the 000 dinar notes – that has a two-year lifespan. The others are asset-backed ‘forever’ currencies.
Q. Because the first group of currencies are supposed to all revalue simultaneously, is it possible that the delay to the Dinar revaluing is due to one or more of the other countries getting their act together like Iraq has? Might Tony's friends at the Treasury have some indication about what the holdup is? A: No. Everything is set, so far as I know. The value of the other currencies is included in the reserve currencies, so they cannot go until dinar goes. It is the foundation of the GCR, and the other cannot go until Iraq goes. I asked what is holding up the UST, and it is the UST
Q: What if you cannot get an estranged sibling to sign NDA. No longer have contact with them? A: there is an affidavit in the NDA where you can put the person’s name and say you have on contact with that person. Make sure you are speaking the truth as you know it when you sign that affidavit, which is a statement of truth.
Q: So do I surmise correctly that a US citizen living in Canada (now a dual citizen) for past 5+ years cannot do exchange in the US - must use a Canadian bank in Canada? Any way around this?? A: Do you have a problem exchanging in Canada? Do you have a residential address and/or bank account in the US? We really cannot address every single person’s individual circumstances. You are supposed to exchange where you have lived for the last 182 days. If you’ve lived in Canada for the last five years, youo will probably exchange in Canada, and probably get more than in the US.
Q: Will ZIM exchange require an NDA if one does not exchange dinar for contract rates? A: No, not to our knowledge.
Q: A fellow currency holder passed. His wife never got on the forum. The currency is now hers. She left Texas and stayed with both her kids until she just bought a home in Florida. She has not lived at the old or new address in the time period given. Can she use the new Florida address to RV?? A: She must have lived somewhere for the last twelve months! For these personal situations, call and ask the 800 number operator rather than going through people’s personal business here on the call.
Q: What I understand from this is that a person is ONLY required to call the 800 number WITHIN THEIR REGION, IF one wants to get the contract rate.? A: Call the 800 number is you want the contract rate, if you have ten million or more (in US dollars) or if you want to exchange Zim.
Q: Does the one billion dollar currency ceiling per individual apply to ALL currencies? And what happens to an individual's extra currency exceeding the 1 billion dollar ceiling? Do other family members qualify as "individuals" who can exchange the extra currency exceeding the billion dollar ceiling? A: I brought this up, and gave the xample before: it doesn’t matter if one person exchanges ten billion, or ten people exchange a billion, that’s still a billion into the system. They will track that, and whomever you give it to, they will take it from them. That doesn’t make sense to me, but that is what they said yesterday when we were discussing it. I don’t even know if they can enforce that. Even though you have this currency, technically it belongs to the CBI and they can take it from you. There are laws on our books that say the government can came and take what you have, especially if there is a run on the banks. I have to look into this, because it sounds crazy to me. However, that is the response we got to that question.
Q: Have you seen pictures of the lower denominations yet? A: I forgot about that.
Q: Have you got any indication that the NDA "still" contains language that requires signers to be in compliance with all current and future USA laws, as it did a few years ago? A: Huh? I don’t know what that means. Homeland Security is doing the background checks, and I don’t know what they are looking for. I know they have a list of people who they will not allow to exchange. A few years ago, a lady went into the bank with two suitcases of currency, and they confiscated the currency and wanted her to prove that the money to buy the currency came from legitimate sources, because there were drug dealers in her family.
Q: Any word on whether banks will offer SKRs for us to deposit currencies after RV that we were not permitted to exchange during our first exchange appointments, due to any limits on Zim? A: That is something to work out with your private banker. They said they are working on MultiCurrency Accounts (MCAs) for individuals as well as businesses. If you travel a lot and you want the bank to hold the currency so that they can exchange on a schedule, you can work that out with the bank. I know one person who had a schedule of 80 million every week for four weeks, and he went abroad.
Q: Friday you mentioned bank exchange fees will be @ 3 to 5 points. Does that translate to full percentage i.e.: $30,000 per million $ exchanged (0.03 & 0.05)? Our sweet Call transcribers stated ".003 & .005" to be used for our calculations = $3,000 per million$. OR .0003 = $300 per mil? Please clarify. A: A point is 1/100 of one cent. So that would be 0.003, or three thousand per mil. WE have been told 3-5 points. If you have a million dollars and they charge a couple thousand as a fee, that’s fine. It’s better to negotiate your interest rates, because you’ll get those points back within a month!
Q: If you chose to go to WF Bank and need to make an appointment to exchange, while waiting on your appointment and you decide you want to exchange a note while waiting, can you go to your bank you normally bank at and exchange or would I have to go to WF bank where I want to exchange my other currencies at? A: If you are exchanging less than a million dollars, you can go to any WF and do the exchange while you wait for your appointment.
Q: I really am having trouble with the idea of getting other people to sign a NDA. How in the world. Can we control anyone but our own selves? A: Here is where the affidavit comes in, in case you have hostile family members. Tony: It’s about who you have already told about this, and who you plan to tell. If you haven’t told cousin Joe because you haven’t spoken for ten years, it’s not an issue. I haven’t seen the NDA yet. I know they made some updates and sent it to Washington. As soon as I do get it, I will look over it, and post it if we can. It would be better if they create a site and post it so you can look at it directly.
Q: Past higher-ups who received the contract rate,.. did they sign an NDA? Was it the same wording that we have to Sign? When my Lawyer Reads the NDA and disagrees with some points, are they (PTB) willing to Exclude those POINTS?? A: I assume they signed NDAs, I have no idea if they are the same, and no, you will not have the option of changing the NDA.
Q: As the pastor of a church, I’ll personally exchange 100T Zim. Then a day or so later will I also be able to exchange 100T that was donated to our church into the church bank account? I’m thinking not, because my name is on church account. Please comment. A: Nothing beats a failure but a try. Is there anyone else on the church bank account that can exchange it for the church? Most churches and businesses have more than one person on the bank account.
Q: Since taxes are being taken out before we receive any funds does that mean that short and long term capital gains are out, that all currency is being taxed the same regardless of when we purchased it? A: There is no tax, long or short-term.
Q: Obviously, we will have greater bargaining power IF we pledge ALL of our currency with the 1st bank/exchange center, that's going against the first principle of investing "don't put all your eggs in one basket". [It’s a exchange, not an investment.] I wanted to use three of the top banks along with other time-proven investment entities and inform each one that more of the "total pot" will be transferred each year to the one who is doing the best job in making AND not losing our money. [That is a post-exchange activity.] Once we exchange and they take their "pound of flesh", is that the time to diversify? Or do we exchange in "pieces"? Tony: I would think it’s better to exchange in one place, and then move portions of your money to other banks. See which does the best and move the rest later. If you want to go to three banks to exchange, you can make a six-month agreement with each to see which serves you the best with their one-third of the funds… you can do that, but you won’t get the better deal than if you had 100 million in one bank. You won’t have the same bargaining power as with the full sum.
Q: If I were to gift my Dinar post-RV, to a favorite Veteran's charity, would the charity be able to get the Contract rates? (I have other currencies, but less than 1 Million dinar, so I think this is feasible.) As for them giving me a Receipt for a tax deduction, if they give me a receipt for X amount of dinar, at the prevailing Market or International rate that day, that would be good enough for me. I would obviously never know if they chose the Contract rate or not. A: If you are going to give major gifts, do it BEFORE the RV with gifting letters. Their ability to get the contract rate is then up to them.
Q: Current rate for the dong? A: Either 47 cents or $1.47. One of those should be the opening rate, so I would plan on 47 cents. They are saying the rate will be $1.97 to $2.10, but if you plan on 47 cents and it comes out higher, then you’re even happier.
Q: I am in Puerto Rico, which is District 2; will the bank assigned be on the island or the mainland? A: I was told that there is at least one back exchanging in Puerto Rico.
Q: I have four children that I want to set up a trust for before we exchange. Can I set up a generic trust with the bank until I fully set up their trust accounts? [Yes.] Also will the bank allow us to exchange IQD, VND for myself & Husband along with ZIM into our account, then exchange a 100T ZIM note into each one of our four children's trust accounts? A: Call the bank, and say, “This is what I want to achieve…”
Q: I seem to remember that at one point it was mentioned that ANY Zim exchange would be accompanied by an NDA. Is my memory correct? Is this still part of the Zim exchange process? A: No.
Q: Does the tax treaty apply to the contract rate, such that taxes are paid prior to our receipt of the exchange rate? A: Stop confusing income tax with excise tax. From our perspective, there is no tax.
Q: Do we still need to sweep the exchange funds into a new account? Will the bank have time to open that new account at the appointment? A: You can do that after the exchange appointment, because they will not have time during your appointment. Tell them you want to change over your main account for security reasons, with no tellers allowed to see it in the computer; everyone who wants to deal with you have to go through the wealth manager. They will explain all that to you when you go in.
Q: My neighbor cannot leave the house; can I exchange her currency and deposit it for her or do we have to go through legal channels (i.e., power of attorney)? A: You will need to set up a power of attorney.
Questions from live callers
951 caller: You mentioned ten x 100T Zim notes per person – can my wife and I each exchange ten 100 T notes?
Tony: That is the suggestion of the committee; it is not written in stone. If you have separate accounts, you might be able to go up to the limit each.
Caller: What if I then set up a separate entity?
Tony: They are not going to let you do that.
Caller: If you have over a billion in currency, the ideal is therefore to make those gifts now, so that you no longer reach that cap when you call the 800 numbers.
Tony: That is not what they want you to do. That’s all I can say.
Caller: The latest dong rate on the screen is more than a dollar?
Tony: That’s what I was told.
Caller: Should we still look like this weekend? Or next week?
Tony: It was supposed to be yesterday and then tomorrow, and it didn’t happen. I would look for the next seven days, and I don’t mean seven days. I can’t really tell you all how to go around what ‘they’ want you to do, with the caps and such. They are telling us what they are trying to accomplish, so I am not going to tell you ‘do X, Y, and Z’ to get around it. I did that 6-7 years ago, and they changed to law to block those work-arounds. They listen to our calls, and will make sure we can’t do what we’re talking about.
865/404: How closely are the Budget, Gazette, and banks being synchronized?
Tony: That’s a very big question, and I would say “12-24 hours”.
512 caller: What is the cap on the dinar rate for which we can get the contract rate?
Tony: The cap is ten million DINAR, not the exchange in US dollars. Over ten million dollars you need to call the 800 number to get a wealth manager. If you don’t want the contract rate, walk up to the teller if you have less than one million dollars’ worth of dinar; between one and ten millions, go to the teller to make you an appointment with a wealth manager. You can go for the contract rate for ANY amount of dinar, so long as it is ten million dinar or less. Over ten million dinar, you will exchange the rest at the regular rate. To get the contract rate, you MUST go through the 800 number system. For example, if you have four million dinar, that’s going to be about 16 million US dollars, so you would still go through the 800 numbers because it is over the ten million dollar limit, in any case. There is an overall cap of one billion US dollars in total, combined currencies.
Caller: As for the NDA, what DC said is that they don’t want you to disclose the rate and the amount of your exchange. Is that still the case?
Tony: That is my understanding, although I haven’t seen the new NDA yet. They were concerned that people will get different contract rates. We now know that the dinar contract rate is $28.50 for everyone, so that’s no longer an issue.
Caller: What is this about a gift tax?
Tony: The IRS allows you to give gifts up to $15,000 per year, per person. Over that 15K, you have to pay a gift tax of 40%. SO GIVE YOU CURRENCY GIFTS NOW, while they are at a lower value; if you give away 100T after the RV – that is, after the value goes up to 10 million – you will pay 40% on that gift.
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 find the address at www.tntsuperfantastic.com; click on the Donate button and send your check today.
[I had to leave the call here. Please check Sunny’s Cliff Notes for closing statements.]
Closing Statement by DC NY
Tony : I am looking for the NDA and hope I get it today. Hope we can review and post it so you guys have time to look at it. When we do get it and it is probably why they are holding it, it has been finalized and just going for final approval . They are holding it to make sure wde get it close to if not when the RV or RI should be occuring. That is what I am looking for. We are pretty much not going to get the reason why because there is a gag order in place right now, so we will see what happens. Still enjoy your day. Enjoy your weekend and hope to talk to you over the weekend and lets see what happens with the Budget tomorrow. I am getting texts now that we have been talking. Articles seems to say it is going through again, but I am thinking that should be our last hurdle for seeing what we want to see. Enjoy your day and enjoy your weekend guys and I will enjoy mine.
Ray: Ok that is going to do it for us for this Fantabulous Friday. Enjoy your weekend everyone! Keep Believing. .
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