Word on the Street Thursday 3/8/18

Thursday UPDATE for March 8, 2018

Iraqi TV continues to broadcast that lower denominations are part of the monetary reform and should be in full distribution in the coming weeks.

All salaries are to be paid within ten days - (just not sure at which rate yet).

We are still awaiting an update from the person that was scheduled to exchange on Wednesday. smile

#wearethepeople

Word on the Street Thursday 3/8/18:

Forex Rates:

http://forex.tradingcharts.com/quotes/custom_forex_quotes.html?sQSyms=USDIQD%2CUSDVND%2CUSDCNY%2CUSDKWD%2CGBPUSD%2CUSDIRR%2CUSDIDR&btnFinished=Finished%3A+Display+Favorite+Quotes

Symbol	Bid	Ask	High	Low	Open	Change	Time
USD/IQD	1,167.4000	1,215.8000	1,167.8000	1,167.4000	1,167.8000	-0.4000	07:12
USD/VND	22,427.0000	23,073.0000	22,725.7000	22,427.0000	22,437.0000	-10.0000	07:12
USD/CNY	6.3376	6.3396	6.3379	6.3192	6.3245	0.0131	07:12
USD/KWD	0.2996	0.3006	0.2996	0.2989	0.2993	0.0004	06:56
GBP/USD	1.3870	1.3871	1.3910	1.3854	1.3903	-0.0033	07:12
USD/IRR	12,048.0000	12,428.0000	12,048.0000	12,048.0000	12,048.0000	0.0000	17:51
USD/IDR	13,787.0000	13,801.0000	13,817.0000	13,749.0000	13,753.0000	34.0000	07:12

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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd

Spokesman for the Government of Iraq: Iraq rejects any external international tutelage

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BAGHDAD, March 8 (UPI) - Iraqi Foreign Minister Saad al-Hadithi said on Wednesday that his country rejects any external guardianship under any pretext.

The Iraqi government rejects the presence of external parties to impose guardianship on any part of the country and interference in internal affairs," al-Hadithi told Trend News. "The talk of imposing international tutelage on Iraq is contrary to the constitution."
"The federal government is responsible for every part of the land of Iraq and for any citizen, whether Kurdish or Arab or other component, and this is a responsibility can not be abandoned, and the government is practicing its work in accordance with the principle of equality among Iraqis.
"The issue of demanding the imposition of international tutelage on the Kurdistan region is absolutely incorrect. Iraq is an independent sovereign state, a member of the United Nations, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It has its borders and legal, political and sovereign entity, which is based in international law and recognized in all international norms, And the talk, contrary to this matter, talk to me.
Al-Hadithi's remarks came in response to statements by the MP in the Iraqi parliament about the Kurdish Change Bloc, Hoshyar Abdullah, in which he demanded the imposition of the UN's tutelage on the Kurdistan region. The MP appealed to the international community to intervene and declare the UN's tutelage on the Kurdistan region after the governments of Baghdad and Erbil Their responsibility towards the people of the territory, whose employees have no pay. '
The provinces of northern Iraq have decentralized administration under the federal-federal system of government, which is based on the Iraqi Constitution of October 15, 2005. The authorities of the region in late September to hold a referendum on secession The Iraqi government has taken a number of measures to restore its control and influence over all Iraqi territories, and to stop the Kurdish expansion of areas outside the scope of the Kurdistan Regional Council. end D region.

Barzani and US Ambassador to Iraq discuss the latest developments in the dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad

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They also discussed the revitalization of the economy and the facilitation of reconstruction ...

The Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region, Nezhirvan Barzani, on Wednesday evening discussed with US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and his accompanying delegation the latest developments in the dialogue process between Erbil and Baghdad, the issue of elections in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the Iraq Reconstruction Conference held in Kuwait last month, To participate in this process.

During the meeting, which was attended by Vice-President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Qubad Talabani, highlighted the factors that are active in the economic sector in Iraq in general and progressed more, and facilitate the process of reconstruction and pave the way for the investment sector and foreign companies in the reconstruction process.

The meeting also dealt with a number of topics related to the region, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the stage after the urging.

Kurdistan PM, US Envoy Discuss Erbil-Baghdad Talks

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received on Wednesday a US delegation led by Ambassador Douglas Silliman, discussing a range of issues including Erbil-Baghdad talks.

Barzani and Silliman also exchanged views over the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections which is set for 12th May this year.

The process of reconstructing the liberated areas was also on the agenda, according to a statement by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) website.

Central Statistics: More than 18 million women in Iraq and 11% of households headed by women

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Date of release: • 2018/3/8 14:44 • 58 times read

(Baghdad: Al Furat News) The Central Statistical Organization of the Ministry of Planning issued a statement on the occasion of the International Women's Day, in which he referred to a number of statements concerning the status of women in Iraq in the developmental fields.

"The results of population estimates prepared by the Central Bureau of Statistics showed that the number of females reached 18,375,761 while the number of males was 18,763,758 and the sex ratio is 102.1%," said the official spokesman of the Ministry of Planning Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi.
"According to data on the percentage of households headed by women in urban areas, it reached 11.4 percent, while in rural areas it reached 7.6 percent and represents 10.5 percent of the total population in 2016," he said.
He pointed out that "the total unemployment rate for individuals in all governorates of Iraq at the age of 15 years has reached 10.8%, while 22.2% of women are unemployed while the unemployment rate of males is 8.5%. The total activity rate for individuals At the age of 15 years has reached 43.2%, the number of females is 14.5% and the number of males has reached 72.1% in the provinces of Iraq.
"The net primary enrollment rate at the age of 6-11 years, according to the results of the Food Security and Vulnerability Survey for Iraq in 2016, was 89.1% in urban areas, 89.2% for males and 89.1% for males. The percentage of females enrolled in the primary stage was 79.8%, while the percentage of males was 86.9 and that the ratio of enrollment in the rural primary stage of both sexes reached 83.5 in the governorates of Iraq, except for Anbar and Nineveh governorates. Noting that "the enrollment rate for the secondary stages at the age of 12-17 years according to the results of the survey of food security and vulnerability of the family in Iraq for the year 2016 amounted to 55.6%, the total percentage of female enrollment in the study 53.7% in the provinces in which the survey was carried out.
The percentage of literate persons aged 10 years and over, according to the results of the survey, reached 87.2% in urban areas and 79.3% in rural areas, while illiteracy rate was 12.8% in urban areas and 20.7% in rural areas.

Masoud Jahangiri: Iraq is keen to refuse to harm the interests of neighboring countries

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Editorial Date: 2018/3/8 12:56 • 104 times read

(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The President of the Republic, Fuad Masum, to the First Vice-President of Iran, Hassan Rowhani, Iraq's keenness to prejudice the interests of neighboring countries and friendly.

A statement issued by Al-Furat News Agency said that Masoum met at the Peace Palace in Baghdad Thursday morning, Jahangiri and the large political and economic delegation accompanying him, "and stressed during the meeting the deep ties of historical friendship between the Iraqi and Iranian people, To develop relations of cooperation with the Islamic Republic in all fields to serve their common interests and promote stability and prosperity for all peoples and countries of the region. "
"The importance of a new start of cooperation between the two countries after the victory of Iraq on the terrorist advocate," Masoom said, adding that he welcomed the active participation of Iranian investments in construction and reconstruction projects, the development of agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as cooperation in environmental protection, navigation and tourism.
"The importance of continuing the coordination between the two countries in the fight against terrorism in the strategic term as well as in the field of energy and oil prices," he said, adding that "relations between Iraq and Iran are relations between the two peoples combined Many of the commonalities that give the relationship to the Iranian neighbor a permanent and distinctive character. "
He stressed that "Iraq's unwavering commitment to the unity of its people and sovereignty on its territory and national independence is always accompanied by the keenness to refuse to prejudice the interests of all neighboring and friendly countries and refused to look at any of them with the eyes of others."
For his part, Jahangiri conveyed to the president the greetings of Iranian President Hassan Rowhani, expressing his appreciation for the reception and hospitality extended by the accompanying delegation during his meetings with Iraqi officials.
The meeting was attended by the Iranian side in addition to the delegation, the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad Airj Masjedi and the former Iranian ambassador Hassan Danai fled

Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd

Currency War Coming

https://financialtribune.com/articles/world-economy/83193/currency-war-coming

Thursday, March 08, 2018

Kuroda’s domestic toolbox is starting to look empty. With a record 40% of government bonds already in its hands, the central bank is running out of assets to buy

As if a brewing trade war wasn’t enough to worry about, investors also need to be alert to the threat of a major currency conflict.

Norihiro Takahashi, president of Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund, dismissed Donald Trump’s tariffs plan as a “performance” for his supporters, and said US assets are no longer expensive, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal this week. That marks a change in stance since the December quarter, when the world’s largest pension fund scaled back its exposure to foreign assets, columnist Shuli Ren wrote for Bloomberg.

Takahashi’s comments could well be a veiled expression of Japan’s displeasure at a stronger yen. The Japanese currency has soared 6.6% against the greenback this year—and it's only three months now into 2018. For a yen-based investor, Treasuries, in particular, do indeed look more reasonably priced than in December.

In theory, currency policy falls under the jurisdiction of Japan’s finance ministry. In practice, government agencies from the Bank of Japan to the GPIF coordinate their actions. Don’t forget that on Oct. 31, 2014, the central bank expanded its monetary policy on the same day the GPIF adopted a “new policy asset mix” that increased the fund’s exposure to foreign bonds.

BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda can deny it, but the central bank has every interest in seeking a weak yen. Japanese corporate earnings are highly cyclical: On a market-weighted basis, companies on the Topix index derive more than 37% of their revenue from abroad, data compiled by Gadfly show. A strengthening yen can cause stocks to plunge, depressing consumption and tipping the economy back into deflation.

With the Topix down more than 10% from its January high, that’s no idle threat. CPI ex-food, the BoJ’s inflation metric, was 0.9% in January, still nowhere near the 2% target that was last breached in 2015. Kuroda’s domestic toolbox, meanwhile, is starting to look empty. With a record 40% of government bonds already in its hands, the central bank is running out of assets to buy.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. From Japan’s point of view, the greenback is frustratingly weak, even as new Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell prepares to raise interest rates at least three times this year. US bond yields have become divorced from the currency. In theory, a higher interest-rate differential—Japan has pledged to keep its 10-year yield at 0%—should lead to a stronger dollar. In practice, it has gone the other way.

Trump’s Fiscal Imprudence

The problem is Trump’s fiscal imprudence. After his tax cuts, the US budget deficit is forecast to widen further. And given the president’s saber-rattling on trade, it isn’t hard to conclude that he wants the dollar to depreciate.

The GPIF president’s remarks add intrigue to an idea floated in late February. The central bank can keep the yen weak by buying US government bonds as "a means for delivering proper monetary policy for Japan", Koichi Hamada, an economic adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, told Reuters.

Currently, markets are latching onto Kuroda’s March 2 remark that the BoJ will start thinking about how to exit its monetary easing program around the fiscal year starting in April. If an exit was ever contemplated, Trump’s trade talk may have changed the calculation.

Kuroda is an innovative man and has surprised markets in the past. With the central bank meeting again on Thursday and Friday, don’t rule out another shock.

No Exit in 2019

Kuroda made clear on Tuesday that while the BoJ may find itself thinking about exiting monetary stimulus in the 2019 fiscal year, this doesn’t mean it will actually be doing it then.

His comments, during a second confirmation hearing in Japan’s parliament, follow remarks on March 2 that sent the yen surging and pushed yields on Japanese sovereign debt higher across the curve.

“Right now it’s too early to debate what tools we should use, and what kind of pace we should take,” he said on Tuesday.

Kuroda emphasized that he hadn’t meant to imply that the BoJ would immediately make a change in the fiscal year starting in April 2019, when it forecasts meeting its 2% inflation target. "I said that we would be discussing how to move forward with exit. I never said we would be exiting immediately in fiscal 2019," he told lawmakers.

Lagarde Says Nobody Wins in Trade War

https://financialtribune.com/articles/world-economy/83211/lagarde-says-nobody-wins-in-trade-war

Thursday, March 08, 2018

The Trump administration has made the WTO a preferred target of its “America First” policy, threatening to pull the US out of the trade body

T he International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday that nobody wins in a trade war and that the macro-economic impact of US tariffs on imports would be serious if other countries respond with tariffs of their own.

“The macro-economic impact would be serious, not only if the United States took action, but especially if other countries were to retaliate, notably those who would be most affected, such as Canada, Europe and Germany in particular,” Lagarde said on French radio RTL, Reuters reported.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to slap big tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, warning the European Union it would get hit with a “big tax” for not treating the US well when it comes to trade.

“In a so-called trade war, driven by reciprocal increases of import tariffs, nobody wins, one generally finds losers on both sides,” Lagarde said, adding that she hoped that Trump would not implement the tariffs threat. “We recommend an agreement between the different parties, and talks,” she said.

However, she indicated that Trump might have a case for threatening to slap tariffs on some imports, saying there were a few good reasons to protest against the current situation.

“There are some countries in the world that do not necessarily respect the World Trade Organization agreements, and which impose technology transfers. China is a case in point but it is not the only country with such practices,” she said.

The Trump administration has made the WTO a preferred target of its "America First" policy, threatening to pull the US out of the trade body it says is hampering its ability to compete.

Point to Ponder

One has to wonder how the US will prevail in a trade conflict with China when its own companies have the most to lose, notably in the technology sector, Bloomberg reported.

Electronics is one of the largest slices of US-China trade. Apple Inc.'s iPhones are already made in China, by a Taiwanese company, so slapping on import tariffs at both borders won't affect sales much in the world's most populous nation.

It could upset the Apple cart in America, though. Apple would be forced to raise prices, then hope that Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou might be willing to build iPhones there. He did that once before, in Brazil, and wasted a lot of money. He's just done the same in India after that government slapped a tariff on smartphones, but not to build iPhones. Instead, Gou's FIH Mobile Ltd. is expanding to service Chinese brands such as Xiaomi and Oppo already in the nation.

It would be quite the irony if Trump's tariff plan saw non-Apple devices made in the US. And it would certainly help South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. gain ground.

I suppose it's germane to point to Foxconn's planned Wisconsin plant as evidence the company is willing to set up in America. But it shouldn't be forgotten that Gou's price was close to $20 billion—Foxconn even asked for $200 million upfront—and that he's planning to make display panels. IPhone assembly is far less automated and highly seasonal; Gou's going to need a lot more than $20 billion to make iPhones there.

Turning then to Intel Corp., Qualcomm Inc., Micron Technology Inc. and Broadcom Ltd. Here are four huge semiconductor firms that not only rely on China for sales, but which need to grapple with a national policy—backed by tens of billions of dollars of state money—to wean China off foreign technology.

EU's Backlash

The European Union intends to target €2.8 billion ($3.5 billion) of US goods ranging from T-shirts to motorcycles should Trump go ahead with his plan to impose a 25% tariff on foreign steel.

The EU aims to apply a tit-for-tat levy on a range of consumer, agricultural and steel goods imported from the US, according to a list drawn up by the European Commission and obtained by Bloomberg News. The commission, the EU’s executive arm, discussed the measures with representatives of the bloc’s governments at a meeting on Monday evening in Brussels.

The EU’s retaliatory list targets imports from the US of shirts, jeans, cosmetics, other consumer goods, motorbikes and pleasure boats worth around €1 billion; orange juice, corn and other agricultural products totaling €951 million; and steel and other industrial products valued at €854 million

Iraq and US at Odds over Purchasing S-400 from Russia

ERBIL — Following warnings from Washington, the Iraqi envoy to Russia has made it clear that his country can exercise its sovereignty in making any decision pertaining to the purchase of S-400 missile system from Russia.

Haider Mansour Hadi, the Iraqi Ambassador to Moscow, said in a statement made to Sputnik that Baghdad can resolve this issue with Washington through diplomatic talks.

However, he noted that Iraq has the right to make the final decision on the issue in order to take the necessary measures to protect its people against threats.

Hadi also emphasised that Baghdad maintains good relations with Washington, and purchasing S-400 system should not be interpreted as distancing from the US to establish closer ties with Russia.d

Iraq Receives Second Batch of T-50 Jets

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government received on Wednesday the second batch of T-50 warplanes from South Korea, a security source confirmed.

The delivery contained two fighter jets which were handed over to Iraqi authorities at the Martyr Mohammed Alaa airbase in Baghdad International Airport, the source told al-Ghad Press.

Spokesman for the Iraqi Defense Ministry Tahseen al-Khafaji said a day earlier that “T-50 jet fighters will arrive in batches soon in Baghdad as part of the deal,” as quoted by Iraqi News.

The official also noted that Iraqi pilots were deployed to South Korea to receive trainings, and they are now ready to operate the T-50 jets.

Last year, Iraq said it will receive 24 T-50 (Golden Eagle) fighter jets from South Korea as part of an agreement signed in 2013.

The warplanes are said to be joining the Iraqi air power and help the elimination of remaining Islamic State (IS) jihadists.d

ICRC Warns Iraq over IS Detainees

ERBIL — The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned Iraq of resentment among the families of detained suspects of Islamic State (IS) membership.

"This is a critical moment in Iraq and Iraqi politics,” ICRC's Peter Maurer on Wednesday told reporters during a visit to Iraq.

He urged the Baghdad government on reconciliation in post-IS Iraq.

He also warned Iraq of not depriving people from “regular access” to their family members whom are imprisoned for links to IS.

Many were worried about "where they are detained and by who, what is the future of their bread-giver," he told journalists, as reported by Daily Mail.

"The issue of foreign fighters is particularly complex," he said, adding the ICRC had been able to deliver assistance to some families in need.d

Iran puts $ 3 billion at Iraq's disposal

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Editorial date: 2018/3/8 8:44 • 723 times prescribed

"Iran is ready to put a line of credit at the disposal of Iraq worth 3 billion dollars," said First Vice President Yitzhak Jahangiri, stressing that the two countries need a comprehensive document of economic cooperation to be the basis for economic cooperation between them.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Jahangiri said during talks with the Iraqi side in Baghdad headed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, "Iran's readiness to participate Iranian companies in the process of reconstruction and construction in Iraq," adding that "Iran is ready to allocate a line of credit worth 3 billion Dollars for Iraq to be able to companies and the private sector of Iran to participate seriously in the process of reconstruction in Iraq. "
He praised the "victories achieved by the terrorist gangs," praising "the great achievements achieved during the era of Abadi unification of the country and the great role of Iraq in the region."
"Iraq is an important country and we have a strong relationship and there are many participants, which are at their best and their levels," he said, stressing that "Iran will stand with Iraq in reconstruction and construction."
"The banking issues are one of the most important obstacles to the economic relations between the two countries," he said, calling for "appropriate ways to resolve them." He also called for free trade between the two countries to promote economic exchange between them.
"This will need a bridge and a 30-kilometer ski plan," he said. "In this case, Iraq will link with Central Asia and China, while Iran's rail line will extend to the Mediterranean Sea."
He declared Iran's readiness to cooperate in the field of drug-making and to increase its cooperation with Iraq in various fields, including oil and gas.
He also stressed the need to rehabilitate Shatt al-Arab border between the two countries to benefit citizens of the two countries of its advantages.
Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and Iranian Vice-President Ishaq Jahangiri ended the official round of talks in Baghdad yesterday.
Abadi expressed his pride in the development of relations between the two peoples and the Iraqi and Iranian countries and the aspiration to expand them in the economic, trade, tourism and all that serves the interests of the two peoples and the two countries.
"The talks with the Iranian side included trade, demarcation of borders, Arab water, water, economic and trade cooperation, transfer of funds, and there is a discussion between the two delegations and specialists to follow up and signing the minutes of the meeting between the two sides," Ebadi said. Two countries

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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO

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OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY

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Virtual currencies are commodities, U.S. judge rules
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Natural Gas Futures Climb To Highest Level In Four Weeks
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BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT

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Citigroup moving toward 'national digital bank': CFO
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TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS

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INSURANCE/HEALTH

23andMe gets FDA approval for at-home breast cancer risk test
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How you can prevent dementia with lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, exercising and finding friendship
South China Morning Post

Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Researchers believe that one-third of cases could be prevented through better management of nine lifestyle factors over the course of a lifetime Read the full story

How are Adult and Pediatric Leukemia Alike and Different?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Leukemia is a blood cancer that results when stem cells in the bone marrow produce abnormal blood cells. The disease – which occurs in children and adults – affects the early forms of blood cells in the bone marrow. Most often, white blood cells are compromised, though leukemia can also affect other types of blood... Read the full story

Insurance expert advice on claims after windstorm: Be patient and proactive
WTOP News

WASHINGTON — Last week’s windstorm whipped up a high number of property-damage insurance claims. One insurance expert gives tips on how to move things along. Additional insurance adjusters have been summoned to the region to assess damage and help process claims. But insurance agents counsel patience, and customers can take a few common sense steps to hasten the claims process. Related Gallery Photos: Strong winds rattle DC area The D.C. area was rattled by strong winds on Friday, some exceeded Read the full story

This Study Says There Could Be More Types Of Diabetes Than We Previously Thought

Bustle

Nearly 10 percent of people in the U.S. have diabetes, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls the condition a "growing health problem." Most of us have heard of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but a new study proposes something pretty g… Read the full story

Antibiotic Resistance Has Made Another Dangerous "Jump" Between Species
Futurism

Researchers have isolated a new bacteria carrying the gene responsible for drug resistance. Shigella flexneri is a main cause of diarrhea across the world, especially in low and middle income countries. Read the full story

15 Seemingly Harmless Habits That Can Make Anxiety Worse
Bustle

While no one begins their day with the goal of feeling more worried or stressed out, there are certainly a few things that make anxiety worse, including many common habits anxious folks might unknowingly engage in every day. Without even realizing it… Read the full story

CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY

Bitcoin price latest: Cryptocurrencies including ethereum, litecoin and ripple all decline in value
The Independent

Bitcoin’s price has dropped by 6.15 per cent over the last 24 hours - while almost all of the alternatives to the market leading cryptocurrency are also in decline. Read the full story

The world’s ultra-rich are investing more in cryptocurrencies — even if they may not understand them
CNBC

Around 21 percent of wealth advisers and private bankers surveyed by Knight Frank said their clients increased investments in cryptocurrencies in 2017. Read the full story

Coinbase just made a big move to tap Wall Street's appetite for cryptocurrency
Business Insider

A Bitcoin logo is seen on a cryptocurrency ATM in Santa Monica Thomson Reuters Coinbase announced Tuesday that they will launch an index fund product. The fund will allow accredited investors to invest in a basket of cryptocurrencies listed on GDAX, Coinbase's exchange. Coinbase, the cryptocurrency trading platform, announced Tuesday the launch of an index fund which will allow investors to put money into a basket of four of the largest cryptocurrencies. The so-called Coinbase Index Fund will Read the full story

Bitcoin drops below $11,000, pulls back from key breakthrough level
MarketWatch

Bitcoin continued to struggle to get near $12,000 on Tuesday, as a popular cryptocurrency exchange faced allegations of taking unfair profits. Read the full story

Coinbase Faces a Class Action Lawsuit for Insider Trading
Futurism

A group of cryptocurrency traders have filed a class action lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing the company's employees of engaging in insider trading. Read the full story

It's Just a Matter of Time Before Litecoin Overtakes Bitcoin
The Motley Fool

Bitcoin's reign as the primary medium of exchange among cryptocurrencies should eventually come to an end. Read the full story

Here’s how much it costs to mine a single bitcoin in your country
MarketWatch

So, where is the cheapest place to mine bitcoin? Read the full story

CURRENCIES

Opinion | A Currency War Is Coming
Bloomberg

As if a brewing trade war wasn't enough to worry about, investors also need to be alert to the threat of a major currency conflict. Norihiro Takahashi, president of Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund, dismissed Donald Trump's tariffs plan as a "performance" for his supporters, and said U.S. assets are no longer expensive, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal this week. That marks a change in stance since the December quarter, when the world's largest pension fund scaled back its Read the full story

Forex - Dollar Under Pressure Amid Mounting Trade War Fears
Investing.com

Forex - Dollar Down on Report Cohn Contemplating Future Following Tariffs
Investing.com

Forex Mar 06, 2018 18:30 GMT Investing.com – The dollar fell against a major basket of currencies amid ongoing concerns over the prospect of a trade war, while speculation that economic adviser Gary Cohn could step down if Trump decides to proceed with tariffs weighed on sentiment. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, fell 0.40% to 89.60. Economic advisor Gary Cohn was said to be actively contemplating his future Read the full story

Dollar hedging is more expensive — and that makes the U.S. less attractive to foreign investors
MarketWatch

Foreign investors is U.S. assets hedge their dollar exposure, but that has become more expensive of late, both because of interest-rate differentials and the U.S. tax incentive to get corporates to repatriate overseas cash, Bank of America analysts said. Read the full story

Pound V euro: Economists confident positive Brexit news can revive GBP
Express

THE pound is edging lower against the euro this morning, as some broad-based weakness in Sterling weighs on the pairing. The pound euro exchange rate is currently at around €1.116. This rate is slightly down from this morning’s opening levels and around half a cent down from Tuesday’s best levels. However economists appear to be warming to the pound as, according to the latest foreign exchange poll by Reuters, GBP may begin trading higher in the run-up to Brexit. Read the full story

Rupee trades higher against US dollar
Livemint

Mumbai: The Indian rupee and Asian currencies on Wednesday strengthened against the US dollar, after North Korea said it is willing to hold talks with the US on denuclearization. Read the full story

Forex - Yen Gains as Cohn Resignation Fans Trade War Fears
Investing.com

Opinion | Trump Spends, Xi Saves, Yuan Wins
Bloomberg

Just a few months ago, China's big ambition of turning the yuan into a global reserve currency to rival the dollar looked to have been dashed. Beijing's fiscal prudence and a spendthrift Washington are combining to revive the currency's appeal. In October, the government sold its first sovereign dollar debenture since 2004. Sales of dim sum bonds -- yuan-denominated debt issued outside domestic markets -- had gone into dormancy after China's 2015 devaluation. Meanwhile, the yuan remained a Read the full story

What the weakest Hong Kong dollar in 30 years means for firms, workers and travellers
South China Morning Post

Pressure on imports, holidaymakers and foreign domestic workers as local currency hits three-decade low Read the full story

USA/CANADA

Half of the U.S. Adult Population Is Making This Critical Mistake
The Motley Fool

Are you making it, too? Read the full story

U.S. Considers Broad Curbs on Chinese Imports, Takeovers
Bloomberg

The Trump administration is considering clamping down on Chinese investments in the U.S. and imposing tariffs on a broad range of its imports to punish Beijing for its alleged theft of intellectual property, according to people familiar with the matter. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office last year began investigating China’s IP practices under a seldom-used trade law that gives President Donald Trump powers to impose trade restrictions to protect American commerce from unfair trading actions Read the full story

Gary Cohn to Resign as Trump’s Top Economic Adviser
The New York Times

Mr. Cohn had made clear his opposition to the steel and aluminum tariffs that Mr. Trump plans to impose. It’s the latest departure from a White House in chaos. Read the full story

Here's why Gary Cohn is giving up and Republican free traders are losing to Trump
Business Insider

Republicans in Congress don't want President Donald Trump to implement new tariffs on aluminum and steel. They can stop him from doing so, but they're not. And they likely won't do anything, not wanting to set up a fight with Trump. While we're all talking about "Trump's" tariff plan, I wrote on Monday that tariffs are fundamentally up to Congress. The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. The president only has any power to impose tariffs because Congress wrote laws giving him Read the full story

Trump wants to make it easier for you to access your medical records
CNN Money

The Trump administration has launched the MyHealthEData initiative to give patients better access to their medical records. Read the full story

Fed’s Brainard says economic tailwinds could push up the path of interest rates
MarketWatch

Fed Governor Lael Brainard on Tuesday suggested forces are lifting the economy and could push up the path of interest rates. Read the full story

Trump Can Learn A Lesson From Bush on Trade Wars
Investing.com

Economy Mar 06, 2018 11:08 GMT Investing.com - President Trump may think trade wars are "easy to win" but in deciding to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum he may want to look at the difficult experience of President George W. Bush a decade ago. In March 2002, Bush enacted tariffs on imported steel for three years, triggering a similar outcry from the nation’s largest trading partners, including the E.U., China, Japan and Brazil. The E.U. and others threatened retaliation, with the E.U Read the full story

EMERGING MARKETS

Opinion | China's Shadow Won't Eclipse Emerging Markets
Bloomberg

China’s parliament begins a two-week legislative session on Monday that is widely expected to clear the way for Xi Jinping to be president for life. As concerned emerging-market investors question what will happen in China, they should remember one thing: China isn’t synonymous with emerging markets. Investors can be forgiven for conflating the two. Many of them see the developing world through the lens of an emerging-market stock fund, and Chinese companies increasingly dominate those funds. Read the full story

Uneasy US-Mexico relationship will survive ambassador's resignation — but just barely
The Conversation US

The admired US ambassador to Mexico is resigning, even as the two countries spat over trade, immigration and Trump's tweets. Can this critical diplomatic relationship survive yet another problem? Read the full story

Mexican auto production and exports are surging as NAFTA talks drag on
CNBC

New data from the Mexican Automotive Industry Association shows exports to the U.S. in 2018 are up 9.5 percent. Read the full story

Cramer: Trump tariff that excludes Canada and Mexico would create 'wave of jubilation' in the market
CNBC

Jim Cramer says Wall Street is paralyzed in fear by Trump's proposed plan for tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum. Read the full story

Venezuela to sell petro cryptocurrency via Dicom forex system
Reuters

The Venezuela government will start auctioning its new petro cryptocurrency to private companies via its Dicom foreign exchange platform in a few weeks, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Tuesday. Read the full story

MIDDLE EAST

Forbes removes all Saudis from rich list following corruption purge
Gulf Business

Saudi investor Prince Alwaleed was previously ranked as one of the world's richest people The post Forbes removes all Saudis from rich list following corruption purge appeared first on Gulf Business. Read the full story

Saudi crown prince seeks solution to banks' $2.6 billion Islamic tax row: sources
Business Insider

FILE PHOTO: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh Thomson Reuters By Marwa Rashad and Tom Arnold RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has directed the Saudi government to resolve a dispute with banks facing higher Islamic tax liabilities, banking sources say, in an attempt to avoid any damage to his push to diversify the economy. It follows disclosures by major Saudi banks in recent weeks that the government's Read the full story

Brokerage House Securities joins Nasdaq Dubai’s derivatives market
Mubasher

Dubai – Mubasher: Nasdaq Dubai announced listing Brokerage House Securities (BHS) on its rapidly growing derivatives market to start providing futures trading services for investors. “We are excited to offer our clients the investment and risk … Read the full story

Iran considering forming consortium with Indian, Russian oil companies
POST Online Media

The Iranian Industrial Development and Renovation Organization is mulling over forming a consortium with ONGC Videsh of India and Russian energy company Zarubezhneft, IDRO CEO Nasrollah Zarei said. Iran's IDRO Group and India's ONGC Videsh signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Susangerd oil field in southwestern. Read the full story

CIA Agents Were In Iraq First and Knew It Was Gonna Be A Clusterf*#k
Task & Purpose

On March 20, America will be celebrating — if that’s the right word for it — the 15th anniversary of our invasion of Iraq, one of the most well-executed projections of U.S. military might in history. Despite fears that we were underestimating Saddam Hussein’s capabilities (not to mention an elaborate $250 million dress rehearsal during which the team playing the enemy quickly decimated the U.S. fleet), a coalition including American, British, Australian and Polish armed forces managed to seize Read the full story

Benjamin Netanyahu presents Steve Scalise with Israel Defense Forces Paratroopers Brigade beret: Watch
Washington Examiner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave House Majority Whip Steve Scalise an Israel Defense Forces Paratroopers Brigade beret Tuesday to thank him for "standing with Israel." "I met today with bipartisan House leadership. Among them was House Maj. Whip @SteveScalise, who recently returned to Congress after he was shot and wounded last summer," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter, along with a video of the exchange, which took place during the Israeli leader's visit to Washington this week. "I Read the full story

AFRICA

Zimbabwe: President Warns Looters
AllAfrica

Individuals and companies who fail to return money and assets they externalised by March 16 will not only be named and shamed, but will also be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa has said. In a video clip on Twitter and Facebook, President Mnangagwa said even after the extension of the three-month moratorium -- which ended on February 28 -- by a further two weeks, many cases were still being processed on a case-by-case basis. "I would like, however, Read the full story

Zimbabwe: What's Stopping Young People From Participating in Elections?
AllAfrica

Zimbabwe will hold fresh elections at the end of July this year, a sign that, following decades of rule under autocratic leader Robert Mugabe, the southern African nation is on the path towards democracy. But are the country's young people ready to get involved in politics? The signs elsewhere on the continent aren't hopeful. Given Africa's youth bulge, in which 39.5% of the continent's population is aged between 18 and 45, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the majority of voters would be Read the full story

Zimbabwe: Ruling Party Warns Mugabe To Not 'Rock The Boat'
AllAfrica

Zimbabwe's ruling party and its allies have warned former president Robert Mugabe not to "rock the boat", a day after he was reported to have met with the country's newest opposition leader. Mugabe has been accused of backing a new party called the National Patriotic Front led by former cabinet minister Ambrose Mutinhiri who visited Mugabe at his home on Sunday. "To us, it's a bunch of failures trying to come back into politics," Zanu-PF youth leader Pupurai Togarepi told the private Daily News. Read the full story

On-the-gound insight: Is Zimbabwe poised for takeoff?
Frontier Strategy Group

Zimbabwe is undergoing major change following the toppling of former President Robert Mugabe. His replacement, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former vice-president who is backed by the military, is striking a reformist tone and has been quick to allay investors’ fears by rescinding some of the populist policies of his predecessor and installing respected technocrats in key government ministries. Consequently, investor interest in Zimbabwe is picking up noticeably. Click here or watch the short video Read the full story

Is Emmerson Mnangagwa changing Zimbabwe?
Aljazeera

Emmerson Mnangagwa is under pressure to improve the economy and fight corruption. Zimbabwe was once regarded as "Africa's bread basket" with its rich, fertile farmland and flourishing export market. But after almost four decades of Robert Mugabe's rule, its economy is in a mess, unemployment rates are high and human rights remain an issue. Mnangagwa pledged he would rebuild the country, promising to take radical steps. He's also vowed to ensure a general election in September is free and fair. Read the full story

ASIA

Japan to punish several cryptocurrency exchanges, halt operations at others: Nikkei
Reuters

Japan's financial regulator will this week slap several cryptocurrency exchanges with administrative punishment notices and is considering forcing some to suspend their business, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday. Read the full story

How China Is Cracking Down on Financial Risk
Bloomberg

China is getting serious about the risks in its financial system. Targets include everything from excessive borrowing to stock-market speculation. Bloomberg QuickTake explains the situation. (Video by Vicky Feng) Read the full story

China Has Leverage to Retaliate Against U.S. Steel Tariffs
Bloomberg

Bloomberg's Stephen Engle reports on China's potential response to U.S. steel sanctions. He speaks with Haslina Amin on "Bloomberg Markets Asia." Read the full story

Trump’s Trade Plan Threatens to Derail Korean Security Talks
The New York Times

President Trump’s proposed tariffs on steel could antagonize South Korea when the United States most needs its ally. Read the full story

Ripple develops blockchain-powered payment app with 61 banks to speed up transactions in Japan

Ripple said Wednesday that the app, called "Money Tap," will first go live in the fall.

EUROPE

Brexit: EU rejects Theresa May's trade plan and warns UK will suffer 'negative economic consequences'
The Independent

The EU has rejected Theresa May's vision for post-Brexit trade relationship with the UK, laying out its own plans and warning that her choices will have "negative economic consequences" for Britain. Read the full story

Brexit could mean that Brits will have to pay exorbitant roaming charges on their phones again
Business Insider

Brits may have to pay roaming charges when they go abroad with their phones again after Brexit. The fees were banned by the EU, but once Britain leaves those rules will no longer apply to British phone contracts. The UK government says it wants to work out a deal with the EU on the issue - but it's no guarantee. Britain's looming exit from the European Union may mean that Brits will have to pay exorbitant roaming charges to use their phones elsewhere in Europe again. Last week, Theresa May Read the full story

Exclusive: Goldman puts London staff on notice for German move by June - sources
Reuters

Goldman Sachs has put more than a dozen UK-based banking, sales and trading staff on notice to move to Frankfurt within weeks, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as it braces for divorce between Britain and the European Union. Read the full story

Theresa May to challenge Saudi Crown Prince over human rights as protests expected for UK visit
The Independent

Theresa May has vowed to challenge Saudi Arabia over its human rights record and its role in the devastating civil war in Yemen as the Crown Prince jets into London for high-level talks. Read the full story

May 'long on aspirations' but 'short on workable Brexit solutions' - EU
Sky News

The EU has criticised Theresa May's latest speech on Brexit, describing it as "long on aspirations" but "short on workable solutions". Read the full story

Brexit: Chancellor Philip Hammond challenges Brussels 'sceptics' who say financial services trade deal impossible
The Independent

Chancellor Philip Hammond is to challenge “sceptics” in Brussels who say agreeing a trade deal with the UK that includes financial services is impossible. Read the full story

European Central Bank expected to tread carefully amid mounting global insecurities
CNBC

With ECB President Mario Draghi likely to display a dovish tone again, there might be growing disagreement in the Governing Council. Read the full story

Blessed and Highly Favored:

CBI Update:

http://www.cbi.iq/

The CBI for Thursday 3/8/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184

The currency auction is 201,537,281

There are no news and announcements for Thursday 3/8/18

ISX Update:

www.isx-iq.net/isxportal/portal/homePage.html

Value Traded

2,197,129,684

Shares Traded

3,458,389,975

ISX ended in Green

Kauaihn Chatter:

http://www.dinarguru.com/

3-8-2018 Newshound Guru chattels ...National Oil Law is not the HCL.

3-8-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf There is a fundamental difference between an "International currency" and an "Internationally recognised currency"... Article 8 would make the IQD an "Internationally recognised currency" which means that it would normally be exchanged at banks worldwide, it does not mean it can be normally used to make payment in international trade. When the IQD comes under Article 8, it will move from a non convertible currency to a partially convertible currency and international trade is normally conducted in a fully convertible currency, about 80 percent of which is in USD. For countries to trade in their own currencies it would normally require a bilateral agreement.

3-7-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana This is a crazy time for the dinar, and when things like this happen... there's a good chance that there is a REASON for it. There is no verification of the "reason" right now, but I don't believe in coincidences. I am receiving an overwhelming amount of similar "rumors" from sources that don't generally react to anything of the sort. Some of these messages and calls are coming from people that I have business relationships with, but have NEVER contacted me regarding something that could be considered a "rumor". Things happen... for a reason. I'll be back with more thoughts once I get some return calls. [post 2 of 2]

3-7-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana There was a rumor this week that a lot of people brought to my attention. Yes, I've been on top of it. No, the rate has not officially changed. Here's the deal: I hear more rumors than most, and I consider it my "job" to verify anything significant. The recent "buzz" about the rate change on Google and a few other places is causing a lot of buzz. Anytime something like this happens, the first thing I do is check with my top advisors. These are the people that are first-string contacts for us when we go to cash in, and even some of THEM have been double checking with me! [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]

3-7-2018   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   Here it comes...RV...All I can say is – I TOLD YOU SO!  Here come the re-education process we have been waiting for all along. Folks – Iraq is starting the rollout the rollout. Now be patient and let the process go forward. We will be at the banks shortly.  On Tuesday Iraqi TV was showing lower category notes and explaining them to give the citizens instructions on how to use them and what to expect in the coming weeks. WOW! Then later out pops this article in the news media. Can it get any better? Article:  "CURRENT NOTES SOON TO BE REPLACED"   Quote: "About 5 trillion Iraqi dinars ($4.3 billion USD) will circulate along with the old notes, said al-Yasseri, gradually replacing the older issues. He added that for now, both old and new notes will circulate side-by-side."

3-7-2018   Newshound Guru mike   Quote: "Government / private banks and authorized financial transfer companiesM / training course...We would like to inform you about a training course entitled "Counterfeiting and counterfeiting local and foreign currency and counterfeiting"   ...who counterfeits a currency worth 0.00090 to the dollar? And, it's not even accepted outside of Iraq itself. Counterfeiting a $100 bill makes perfect sense, but a 50K note worth $40 bucks? [They look towards the future Mike.]   I guess so but Iraq's currency will slowly rise in value due to the effect of the Balasaa-Samuelson effect, it's not an overnight deal. In addition, security symbols, raised dots, colored threads and the Spark optical features make this one of the toughest currencies to counterfeit today. With a value of 0.00090 to $1. Shabibi told us all throughout 2011 and 2012 that counterfeiting was an excuse by Iraq's leadership to not make a change in the value of the dinar. It was a scare tactic. Why we're still seeing this stuff is beyond me.   ...it sure seems like a lot of work for a currency that's essentially worthless outside the country.

3-7-2018   Newshound Guru G-Lin   Article: "Law of the National Oil Company .. A new era for the development of the economy"    This...art. tells us that "the Iraqi National Oil Company will be the second largest oil company in the world after Aramco and the largest of all international oil companies. Good stuff. How can Iraq continue to conduct business with a programed artificial devalued rate and operate as the 2nd largest oil co. in the world? Doesn't make sense at all to me.  They also are beefing up their export industry and that is what we need to see. The tradable international rate will need to be in place IMO.

3-7-2018   Intel Guru Bruce   I was completely convinced over the weekend and into yesterday that we were looking to go even today [Tuesday] with our start. There had been some indications that were pointing that way. Then we get into today a little bit more and we find out this is still going on and we may have to wait a day or so. That is kind of where we are. That budget was sitting around waiting for a final reading or some kind of formality on Saturday and it was handled, but it still did not go into the Gazette Saturday...I have been told they expect it to go into the Gazette tomorrow [Wednesday] . Let’s see if that happens. If it does happens we think the rate for the dinar should come out as well.  Iraqi lower denominations were being discussed also how to use the lower denoms on Iraqi TV...for sure today.  Iraq has their lower denominations out and to the best of my knowledge in use. When that happens so you can use the lower demons, you have to have a rate change to make that work.

3-7-2018   Intel Guru Delta   [Is this a mistake?? I just received an alert email from investing.com] VERY INTERESTING TIME...ALSO IT'S IN REAL TIME 1USD=11.74IQD...ALSO 52 WK LOW IS SHOWING 1-1 (wink)   IT DID HAPPEN BEFORE...BUT THIS TIME COULD BE SOMETHING ...LIKE WE SAID...IT MIGHT SHOW FIRST ON FOREX...WE WILL SEE.

3-7-2018  Newshound Breitling  They said they got it [note count] down to 4 billion notes. In my mind they are looking at the different denominations. One of the generals who put the currency out that you and I have…american general…he said Iraq’s goal, very specific, is to get to a billion notes and those billion notes will represent their wealth. It’s that easy.   The reality is they are at 4 billion and when we get at a billion they said they plan to get it to $3.25.   That’s all the information we have. There hasn’t been any [updated] reports. I haven’t seen anything.
3-7-2018   Newshound Guru G-Lin Article: "Parliamentary Energy: The law of the National Oil Company will give a share to every Iraqi citizen"   It has taken years. But it did pass and having them all agree on it was the biggest hurdle. Finally profit sharing is addressed. This is the biggy. The entire world has been waiting for this and now it is done.

Elmer:

Not in today

Artmeister:

Not in today

Catnip:d

*************

ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website; posted on both the Arabic and the English sides)

Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi and Iranian Vice-President conclude the official round of talks

March 7, 2018

Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi and Iranian Vice-President concluded the official round of talks.

Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi expressed his pride in the development of relations between the two peoples and the Iraqi and Iranian countries and looking forward to expanding them in the economic, trade and tourism fields and all that serves the interests of the two peoples and the two countries.

During a joint press briefing held at the conclusion of the official talks, he reiterated his welcome to the Deputy President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ishaq Jahangiri, and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad.

Dr. Haider al-Abbadi thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for standing with Iraq against terrorism until the victory and the liberation of our land and our cities from the holy, which was made by the sacrifices of Iraqis from all walks of life of the Iraqi people.

He stressed that Iraq is at the forefront of the countries that fight terrorism and are in danger from the countries of the region, adding that we have spent on a military advocate and we are still fighting the deviant terrorist thought.

Dr. Haider al-Abadi welcomed the contribution of Iran and its companies in the field of reconstruction, pointing out Iran's participation of two billion dollars for the reconstruction of Iraq.

"We have an opportunity to work together to establish peace and stability and end armed conflicts in the region on the basis of cooperation, respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs."

He stressed that the talks with the Iranian side included trade, demarcation of borders, Arab water, economic and trade cooperation and transfer of funds, and that there was discussion between the two delegations and specialists to follow up and sign the minutes of the meeting between the two countries.

For his part, the Iranian Vice President Mr. Jahangiri thanked Dr. Haider Abadi, stressing his country's support and stand with Iraq and its people to promote strategic cooperation between the two countries,indicating that the participants historical and geographical invites us to develop relations between our two countries,

He praised the victory of Iraq over the terrorism of al-Da'ashi and the thwarting of conspiracies thanks to the religious fatwa and sacrifices of Iraqis. He expressed the desire to develop the level of relations in various fields and to proceed with gas transport projects and agreements in the field of oil and banking relations to facilitate the work of investors, industrialists and visitors to the holy sites.

Head Office

Ministers

7 - March - 2018

*************

ARTICLE 2

Jubouri: Time for frank dialogue with regional neighbors

2018/3/8 12:03

[Ayna-Baghdad]

Speaker of the House of Representatives Saleem al-Jubouri stressed the need to start an open dialogue with the neighboring countries of Iraq.

"It is time to start an open dialogue with neighboring countries on the basis of common interests and historical and civilization ties without compromising any national right to resolve all existing differences and problems and to strengthen Arab relations with them," Jubouri said in his speech while attending the fifth scientific conference held at the University of Kufa in Najaf province. .

He added that "the escalation of violence and the spread of mass massacres and the determination of multiple parties to the security and psychological solution at the expense of all initiatives will lead the region to the unspeakable consequences."

The Speaker of the House of Representatives pointed out that "the language of dialogue, understanding and acceptance of the other between different religions and cultures is the only civilized way to understand others." The circumstances and crises that have passed through Iraq revealed the depth, authenticity and unity of the Iraqi body.

"Our Iraqi people are capable of consciously distinguishing between their rejection of corruption and their pursuit of freedom and justice, on the one hand, and all attempts to trade off these legitimate objectives and demands to accept misleading the people with empty slogans that do not guarantee a hungry, poor, "He said.

He pointed out that "the coinciding of this conference on the personality of Ms. Fatima Al Zahraa and on our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon the International Women's Day, gives us the opportunity to affirm the attention of Islam and women's education and education to the industry of life projects and the starting point of creativity and giving and sacrifice and sincerity

*************

ARTICLE 3

Maliki and Jhangiri discuss the development of relations between Baghdad and Tehran

2018/3/8 11:19

[Ayna-Baghdad]

Vice President of the Republic of Iraq Nuri al-Maliki discussed with the First Deputy President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Yitzhak Jahangiri, the bilateral relations between the two countries.

"The two sides discussed ways to develop cooperation between Baghdad and Tehran in various fields, especially political, security, economic and cultural, as well as enhancing cooperation in the fight against terrorism," a statement from Maliki's office said.

Iranian Vice President Yitzhak Jahangiri and his accompanying delegation arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and Foreign Minister Jafangiri held a round of official talks in which they affirmed the strengthening of the partnership between the two countries in various fields and Iran's contribution to the reconstruction of Iraq.

*************

ARTICLE 4

Sentenced to death the sister of the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq

2018/3/8 12:02

[Ayna-Baghdad]

The Central Criminal Court has sentenced to death to death for the sister of al-Qaeda terrorist leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi on terrorism-related charges.

"The Central Criminal Court has examined the case of one of the accused, the sister of al-Qaeda terrorist leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who belongs to terrorist organizations," Judge Abdul Sattar Birqdar, spokesman for the Supreme Judicial Council, said.

"The accused admitted to belonging to terrorist organizations and provided logistical support and assistance in carrying out their criminal acts and was distributing money to members of the organization in Mosul," Berkdar said. "The husband of the accused is also an al-Qaeda leader and has been sentenced to death Previously".

"The verdict was issued in accordance with Article IV / 1 of the anti-terrorism law," he said.

*************

ARTICLE 5

The arrest of a trafficking gang while selling a girl for $ 3,000

BAGHDAD, March 8 (UPI) - The Organization of the Islamic Conference (CIA), the intelligence division of the Ministry of the Interior, has arrested a gang that has been involved in human trafficking after being ambushed on the Karkh side, the joint security command said Thursday.

"The gang was planning to sell one of the girls for 3,000 US dollars," the Joint Security Command said in a statement. "The operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence and judicial approvals and legal proceedings were taken against them."

The Office of the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Interior announced details of the arrest of members of a trafficking gang in the mechanic area south of Baghdad and seized an 18-year-old girl for sale. The arrest took place on the basis of a court order, according to information from the Special Inspector General's Office, An ambush of the four-man gang in the mechanic district of Dora district in Baghdad and arrested and detained an 18-year-old girl for sale and exploitation for prostitution and human trafficking. The girl reported that she had been abducted and sold to the gang she intended to To others and to exploit them for purposes that are contrary to morality.

In addition, the statement included the testimony of the accused and the girl and presented it to the attention of the investigating judge of the Rusafa Court, who decided to arrest the suspects for interrogation. AH

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ARTICLE 6

The setting up of a factory for the manufacture of IEDs and Hellenistic missiles in the area of Hawd 7 in Hawija

Salah al-Din - Iraq Press - March 8: The leadership of the federal police forces, on Thursday, was able to segregate a factory to manufacture improvised explosive devices and missiles in the area of Hawd 7 in Hawija.

She pointed out that "the force of the Fifth Division headquarters of a brigade of twenty in the region was able to find a factory to manufacture improvised explosive devices and missiles Hellenic contains machine guns and rotations number / 2 and empty empty fillings of 37 / and the base of resistance aircraft and a swamp and a mortar rounds 120 caliber 23 mm, 30 mm, "noting that" the bombing of the plant and under control, while the force of the Fifth Division, Major General 20 of the killing of three terrorists from the gangs of terrorist gangs and the destruction of three tunnels after receiving information about the presence of additive enemy within the Hawija district Tuwairiyah "). AH

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TNT CC Cliff Notes, Wed., March 7, 2018 by Sunny

Highlights of TNT conference call. Updated as the call progresses.

BREAKING NEWS: Tony read from text he received 1 hour and 30 minutes into the call -

"FINAL AMENDMENTS of the Budget law approved within the Federal Budget of 2018"

Ray: . . .Updating you from Monday: Had information we got a couple of reports Iraqi TV showing lower denom's and giving citizens instructions . . . when they are completely released. A training . . .making citizens aware of what is yet to come . . .release of lower denom's. In addition more reports even this morning of LD activity being put out. Citizens under the impression they will see them in a few weeks. That's what they are being led to believe. . . the campaign has been launched to make them aware of the LD's. That's it for intel right now on Iraq side. Is hitting TV more than when we first reported it.

Some other things taking place over there I'm not at liberty to talk about you. It's all good. Positive, progress, moving us in the right direction. We'll see what Tony brings in when he comes. Going to Q & A while waiting.

Tony: Gooooooood Morning TNT! Been hearing for months - we gave you the denominations we've been told they are going to accept. A guy supposed to be doing an exchange today. Told him they were only going to be taking the $100 Trillion notes during this exchange. Don't even bring the others in. I know bankers are saying they will take any note. I know there are people giving away, selling, putting their notes on E-bay. Nobody told you to do this. Nothing beats a failure but a try.

Monday after the call we learned they were showing the LD's on TV. Some of our people saying they were not seeing that. . . then they come back and say, 'oh guess what?'

The committee always meets. . .last Sunday was gagged . . . which ends this week. Then they have nothing scheduled. No meetings, discussions, nothing because it's supposed to be over. . .No meeting today . . . the RV is supposed to be finished. That is good news to me! . . .No meeting today and they have been reassigned.

There are five committee's. Was seven. If they are all done, then the hard part has to be over. The last meeting is just about logistics of how, when, where to get this thing out.

CURRENT WINDOW: Ray: No meetings, discussions, nothing because it's supposed to be over. . .No meeting today . . . the RV is supposed to be finished. That is good news to me!

IRAQ: Some of the stores changed rates again with signs saying the new rates went into effect on Wed or Sunday. Tony: These are retail stores. Is it the RV rate or lowering the rates again? We never got that answer. . .In Kurdistan the rates are to change today. Now I have to find out if it's currency rate or store rates.

Budget: Tony: The budget has not be printed in the Gazette today!

CBI
Parliament
TV broadcasting information/training about the lower denominations, on local TV. Citizens expecting them in a couple of weeks and are being asked not to share it on Facebook or with the rest of the world. They were on TV in Kurdistan on Monday. Kurdistan gets information first. Tony: We've seen that before. . . goes out by regions and a lot of times why you see discrepancies. . . Now it's in Baghdad this morning. This morning it says "using the lower denom's in the next few weeks. . . coming weeks."

INTERNATIONAL:

Canada: TNT will post information about exchanging in Canada and other countries when they receive it. Canada will be treated the same as the US. They are under the same treaty. Tony: Canada is a huge part of it. Same guidelines. Ray: Yes, Canadians, your exchanges are tax free as well.

IMF:
Currencies

UNITED STATES:

Banks: Lead banks are Wells Fargo and HSBC to begin the exchanges. Other banks will start exchanging within a few days following those two. Wealth Manager has the authority to tag your account, 'private and no access.'
Taxes: This exchange is to be a tax free event in the USA and Canada and possibly all the countries involved in the treaty. Tony: To be on the safe side . . . set 50% aside. If it doesn't happen then you have a bonus.
Funds access from exchange will probably be 24 - 48 hours for large amounts. Wire transfers $500,000 or greater will be scrutinized and possibly held up for review.
800 #’s: Release originally was to happen east to west. Tony: Time has reverted back to Friday afternoon or Friday/Saturday morning between 2-3 am. . . that way bank people can be notified and get to the bank by 7 -8 am. Not going to give them to us 2-3 days ahead of time or even 8-9 hours ahead. Want people in the banks within 2-3 hours.
Exchange fees: About $1,000 per million.
National Guard was put on alert when this was ready to happen. Otherwise: Tony: The military has nothing to do with the RV!

EXCHANGING:

Need to know what you have so they can send you to the right place. Tony: Doesn't mean you have to exchange it all. If you want the contract rate they want to know how much you have in every concern to determine rate and how much to give you at the contract rate. . . You do not have to exchange all at one time.Under $1 million exchanged funds see a teller.$1 million to $10 million exchanged funds see the teller to be referred to a private banker.Over $10 million exchanged funds will call the 800 # and get an appointment with a wealth manager.You do not have to call the 800 # unless you are going after the contract rate or need an appointment with a wealth manager. If you already have a wealth manager you do not have to call the 800#. If you just walk in the bank and ask for an appointment to exchange you may have to wait days or more. Ray: Another thing to consider, you can get greater later!Receipts/Gift Letters: If you have large amounts of currency you may be asked to prove how you came by it. Tony: You make $40K a year and you have $80,000 in currency, you can look to be questioned. If you have your receipts no harm no foul if you take them with you. Gift letter? Take it with you. Our advisers say take them with you.

ZIM Information:

This first exchange, Tony was told the banks will only take (1) one 100 Trillion note. Tony says, "nothing beats a failure but a try. DO NOT THROW ANYTHING AWAY. Tony: Know someone who is going to exchange (ZIM) today. This exchange is on the 80/20 rule. That is still out there. You might run into that. (Tony was talking about someone who is exchanging today - this may not be standard across the board)

Q. - Will the Zimbabwe people be paid at the new rate we get? Tony: No! It is going to go up. Just don't know what period of time that will take. Going to go up depending on how well the Zimbabwe economy is doing.Banks exchanging the ZIM: Wells Fargo and HSBC are the lead banks on the ZIM exchange. Within a few days, other banks are expected to be accepting the ZIM for exchange.

Q & A: TNT ForumQ. - Caps having negative impact on larger holders of currencies. They were going to have the greatest ability to impact humanity. Ray: This lifetime cap of $1 Billion dollars, do you really have a concept of what $1 Billion dollars is? It's a $1 billion dollar cap on exchanging currencies, not making more money. Tony: No law that I've seen, the information we are giving is the information we are receiving from the committee . . . and some of it is yet to be finalized

Q. - Can we do a partial exchange of our currencies? Tony: Should be able to do that. You never have to exchange all of your currency. That is up to you.Q. - Can I exchange both personally and in a group? Tony: Good question. Ask the wealth manager.

Q. - Tony:Q. - Insurance bond on your trust? Ray: That is up to the grantor that is creating it. Insurance on owners of Trust or Foundation? You are not going to own a trust or a foundation. Trustees are in charge of a Trust and officers in charge of a foundation.

Q. - What is a living trust? Ray: Living trust has no purpose until you die. Not recognized as a legal entity or tax strategy until you die. Gives you no asset protection. It's main focus is to prevent probate. So will a series of other trusts. Can a foundation be placed in both? If I were counseling you I would not recommend you do that. Sometimes not a smart thing to do.

Q. - Can you do both a private and public exchange? Ray: I would think so.

Q & A: Callers

Q. - How long will it be necessary to call the 800 #'s to make appointments? Tony: 10 -15 days and then people go in on their own.

Q. - What is the percentage of bank/institutions participating in this process? Tony: I have no idea. A bunch decided not to participate years ago. Everybody, clearly does not know about it yet.

Q. - What is the Iraqi definition of a 'few weeks?' Tony: I have no idea. I read it as I received it. In "the coming days" meant 2-3 weeks. I don't know what their definition of weeks are.

Q. - Who do the 800 # operators work for? Who are we giving the information to at the first contact with 800# people? Tony: For the bank. The IMF decided they would use a global 800#. They gave them to the UST . . .those people gave the 800 #'s to the banks . . . assigned to different branches . . . bank employees answer the 800 #'s. Bank has set up the call centers . . . banks have set up the exchange centers. . . that person you call in your zone works for a bank.

Caller: The declaration of what you have - what if I have a lay-a-way and do not have the currency in my possession. Tony: If I knew I was going to buy it I would include it in my total amount because I want to make sure I get to the right person. There are wealth managers who handle $15 million and others who handle $500 million. Tony: I got $50 million on order. I have $2 million on hand. Introduce myself to the wealth manager and say when this happens I want to do this.Q. - Tony:Q. -

Ray:Q. - They already know what you've purchase

Do we need to take gift letters to the exchange? Tony: Somebody is tracking it. Might be the UST. They are tracking every single note out there. What they don't know is who you gift it to. Those people are going to need to show up with a gift letter if it's going to be exchanged. I know a teller does not ask for a receipt when you show up to exchange. Nobody asks where your USD comes from unless being looked at by a government agency. Those people can look to be questioned. You make $40K a year and you have $80,000 in currency and you can look to be questioned. If you have your receipts no harm no foul if you take them with you. Gift letter? Take it with you. Our advisers say take them with you. If you have large amounts of currency you may be asked to prove how you came by it.

Q. - Tony:

CLOSING STATEMENT’S:

Tony . . .

Ray . . .

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Thursday, March 8, 2018

Word on the Street Thursday 3/8/18

Spokesman for the Government of Iraq: Iraq rejects any external international tutelage

BAGHDAD, March 8 (UPI) - Iraqi Foreign Minister Saad al-Hadithi said on Wednesday that his country rejects any external guardianship under any pretext.

Barzani and US Ambassador to Iraq discuss the latest developments in the dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad

Kurdistan PM, US Envoy Discuss Erbil-Baghdad Talks

Central Statistics: More than 18 million women in Iraq and 11% of households headed by women

Masoud Jahangiri: Iraq is keen to refuse to harm the interests of neighboring countries

Currency War Coming

Lagarde Says Nobody Wins in Trade War

Iraq and US at Odds over Purchasing S-400 from Russia

Iraq Receives Second Batch of T-50 Jets

ICRC Warns Iraq over IS Detainees

Iran puts $ 3 billion at Iraq's disposal

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