WOTS Thursday 5/24/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,168.2000 | 1,168.2000 | 1,168.2000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,743.0000 | 22,445.0000 | 22,445.0000 | | 04:15 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3940 | 6.3722 | 6.3785 | | 06:28 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3018 | 0.3011 | 0.3015 | | 06:25 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3421 | 1.3349 | 1.3369 | | 06:28 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,233.5000 | 14,111.0000 | 14,170.0000 | | 06:07 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:ddd
Sadr says he will brief the reference on the details of his meetings in Baghdad
The leader of the Sadrist movement Moqtada al-Sadr said on Thursday that he will brief the religious authority in Najaf on the details of meetings held during the past days with the political blocs in Baghdad.
Sadr, who supports the coalition of "Ssron" received the delegations of the winning blocs in the recent legislative elections in order to form a new federal government.
After you have completed your advice, I have offered you government, a non-Sunni, Shiite, Arab, Kurdish, national, and non-sectarian government, but a genuine Iraqi government, and to oppose a peaceful and peaceful political construct," Sadr wrote in a tweet on Twitter.
He will brief the religious authority, the clans and the classes of the people on the details of the many meetings so that they can have good sayings," he said.
And then wait for the honest blocs, with the national tendencies precious to form a strong patriarchal government that gives the people their rights and the punishment of severe punishment."d
Democratic and National Kurdistanists emphasize unity in Baghdad
24/05/2018
Both the Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan stressed on the importance of unifying the Kurdish class in Baghdad, stressing that the supreme interest of the Kurds lies in the unity of their ranks.
The confirmation came after the meeting of the delegations of the two parties in the Iraqi capital Baghdad to meet with leaders and blocs and coalitions of Iraq to discuss the formation of the next government.
Khosro Goran, a member of the delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Baghdad, said in a joint press conference, after the meeting, "The goal of all parties must be to preserve the gains of the people of Kurdistan. We in the Kurdistan Democratic Party believe that all the Kurdish parties coordinate work in Baghdad as a team and a unified position to negotiate With the Iraqi parties in terms of strength. " "The unity of our ranks is the guarantor of the rights of our people."
He also noted that Goran that their meeting with the National Kurdistan was consultative and there will be other meetings in Kurdistan between the two sides and other Kurdish parties also.
In turn, a member of the delegation of the Kurdistan National, Khalid Shwani, said that "the discussions on the formation of the next government has begun in Baghdad and must be represented by the Kurdistan in weight and we have many problems stuck with Baghdad has not been resolved," adding, "It is necessary that our agendas Is the agenda of the people of Kurdistan, and the more the Kurdish forces are united the more they can show and prove their weight in Baghdad. "
4 Kurdish nominees for Iraqi Presidency
Baghdad/ Iraq TradeLink: All politicians are waiting the results of the Kurdish delegations in
Media reports nominated Kurdish Premier Njirvan Barzani, Fouad Hussein, current president Fouad Ma’soum and Barham Saleh for this post.
Ex-Kurdish premier Baraham Saleh called for dialogue with Baghdad after the independence referendum, who was denied this post in 2014.
Current President Fouad Ma’soum tried to utilize the budget differences between Baghdad and Arbil into a political card that will guarantee him this post again.
Fouad Hussein is currently head of the Kurdish presidency Divan and very close to Chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Party Masoud Barzani. He is expected to have better luck for this post, some analysts expected.
The nomination of Kurdish Premier Njirvan Barzani is the real surprise for Arbil and Baghdad.
This new surprise is not strange in Iraqi politics when Shiite Sadrist leader had an alliance with the Iraqi Communist Party to get the maximum numbers of the parliamentary seats.
Iraq receives 18 int. commitments for rehabilitation
Baghdad/ Iraq TradeLink: The National Team for Following-up Kuwait Donation Conferencedisclosed that it received 18 world commitments to reconstruct and rehabilitate Iraq.
The Kuwait Donation Conference got 47 commitments during the conference, held in Kuwait last February.
It is expected that an expanded meeting will be held for the donators’ ambassadors and international non-governmental organization to discuss the nature of the commitments and means of using these donations.
The countries and other international organization committed to grant Iraq 30 billion dollars as loans and investments to support war devastation.
The Interior Ministry controls a person caught selling a counterfeit currency in Baghdad
Media treasures / Baghdad ..
The Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that a person had been caught selling fake Iraqi currency in Baghdad.
"A detachment of the Baghdad Inspection Directorate in the Office of the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Interior was able to arrest someone who was caught up in the crime of selling a counterfeit currency in the local market," a statement said.
The statement added that "the process of stigmatization is not receiving information from the Office of the Inspector General that a person selling a counterfeit Iraqi currency against the dollar to the citizens in Baghdad," noting that "the inspector general directed the Detecting Detainee of the crime under the chairmanship of the director of inspection Baghdad to investigate the information and take necessary action against those involved Crime ".
He explained that "the inspection detachment has denied the information and after confirmation of its validity, obtained the fundamental judicial approvals to investigate and arrest all those connected with the crime, and set up an ambush of the defendant in the area of Sidiya in Baghdad and seized with the crime of selling the amount of 3,500,000 Iraqi dinars forged $ 2000, The accused is selling 175,000 Iraqi dinars (ID) for $ 100.
Kuwait- Iraq moves towards stability in all fields - NWM leader
Kuwait, May 24, 2018
Leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (NWM) Ammad Al-Hakim said Wednesday his country is taking big strides towards political, social and economic stability.
'The recent parliamentary elections showed a clear distinction between two stages in the country's democratization - one of nascent democracy and another of democracy building,' he said in an open meeting organized by Kuwait Journalists Association with mass media.
Al-Hakim noted that Iraq won three battles - military one against the so-called Islamic State, a social one against sectarianism, and a political one against fragmentation.
'The recent parliamentary elections saw voters shunning politicians who are known for their sectarianism,' he added.
The NWM, which stood the elections independently from broad-based alliances, was able to win 19 out of the 329 seats of the Council of Representativesd
'The recent parliamentary elections showed a clear distinction between two stages in the country's democratization - one of nascent democracy and another of democracy building,' he said in an open meeting organized by Kuwait Journalists Association with mass media.
Al-Hakim noted that Iraq won three battles - military one against the so-called Islamic State, a social one against sectarianism, and a political one against fragmentation.
'The recent parliamentary elections saw voters shunning politicians who are known for their sectarianism,' he added.
The NWM, which stood the elections independently from broad-based alliances, was able to win 19 out of the 329 seats of the Council of Representativesd
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dddd
Iraq receives 18 pledges to implement Kuwait reconstruction conference commitments
24/05/2018
The Iraqi National Team announced on Wednesday that it had received 18 formal pledges to implement the conference's commitments in February.
The head of the team, Secretary-General of the Iraqi Council of Ministers Mehdi Alalak said in a statement that the total international commitments received by Iraq officially through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached 18 pledges out of 47 pledges.
He added that the national team will hold the end of May an expanded meeting of ambassadors of donor countries and international civil society organizations to indicate the nature of pledges and funding channels and areas of employment.
He stressed the importance of finding a unified reference to oversee all reconstruction projects and stability and coordinate efforts between the relevant bodies to increase the efficiency of work and implementation of projects according to priority.
The countries and organizations participating in the conference pledged to give Iraq 30 billion US dollars in the form of loans and investments to support reconstruction projects after the war on the so-called Organization of the Islamic State (Dahesh).
The head of the team, Secretary-General of the Iraqi Council of Ministers Mehdi Alalak said in a statement that the total international commitments received by Iraq officially through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached 18 pledges out of 47 pledges.
He added that the national team will hold the end of May an expanded meeting of ambassadors of donor countries and international civil society organizations to indicate the nature of pledges and funding channels and areas of employment.
He stressed the importance of finding a unified reference to oversee all reconstruction projects and stability and coordinate efforts between the relevant bodies to increase the efficiency of work and implementation of projects according to priority.
The countries and organizations participating in the conference pledged to give Iraq 30 billion US dollars in the form of loans and investments to support reconstruction projects after the war on the so-called Organization of the Islamic State (Dahesh).
The Crown Prince: We hope that the results of the elections will contribute to the formation of a government that fulfills the aspirations of the Iraqi people
HH The Amir received Al-Ghanim, Mubarak, Al-Khalid, Al-Jarrah and Hakim
24/05/2018
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad received at Seif Palace yesterday the Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim.
His Highness the Crown Prince received HE Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak, Prime Minister, at Al Seef Palace yesterday morning.
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad received at Seif Palace yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid.
His Highness the Crown Prince received at Seif Palace yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah.
His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad received at Seif Palace yesterday the head of the National Wisdom Movement His Eminence Mr. Ammar Abdulaziz Al-Hakim and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of his visit to the country.
During the meeting, he reviewed the most important developments on the Iraqi scene and expressed his sincere congratulations to the brotherly people of Iraq on the occasion of holding the legislative elections, and wished this month to contribute to the formation of a comprehensive national government. Progress and prosperity, consolidate its national unity and restore its active role in its Arab, regional and international environment.
The meeting was attended by the Advisor at the Emiri Diwan Mohammed Abulhasan, and the Head of Protocol and Protocol at the Diwan of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Al-Salem Al-Hamoud.
New Rules Allow Direct Forex Sale
https://financialtribune.com/
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Businesspeople that have validated their purchase orders are allowed to directly purchase their required foreign currencies from certified exchange shops through Nima, the Central Bank of Iran's newly-launched online Forex Deals Integrated System.
The move, which became effective as of Tuesday as per a CBI directive, means businesspeople can directly purchase their currency from bureaux de change that had been barred from trading in foreign currencies since mid-April.
"The rate is the same [unified USD rate of] 42,000 rials and no purchases or sales will be done outside this rate," an unnamed banking official who broke the news to Mehr News website said.
Saied Mojtahedi, the head of Iranian Association of Bureaux de Change, has welcomed the CBI move to allow moneychangers to use Nima.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Businesspeople that have validated their purchase orders are allowed to directly purchase their required foreign currencies from certified exchange shops through Nima, the Central Bank of Iran's newly-launched online Forex Deals Integrated System.
The move, which became effective as of Tuesday as per a CBI directive, means businesspeople can directly purchase their currency from bureaux de change that had been barred from trading in foreign currencies since mid-April.
"The rate is the same [unified USD rate of] 42,000 rials and no purchases or sales will be done outside this rate," an unnamed banking official who broke the news to Mehr News website said.
Saied Mojtahedi, the head of Iranian Association of Bureaux de Change, has welcomed the CBI move to allow moneychangers to use Nima.
Banking Amendments Approved
https://financialtribune.com/
Thursday, May 24, 2018
The Money and Credit Council approved the Central Bank of Iran’s proposals demanding a more stringent oversight of credit institutions and amendments to administrative procedures related to current accounts. The new procedures for auditing credit institutions, which involve stricter reporting requirements for filing the financial statements, are aimed at ensuring more transparency in line with a government crackdown on rampant rent-seeking, CBI’s website reported on Wednesday. Revisions to the current account regulations were part of an effort to overhaul the check-processing system by plugging loopholes that left the banking sectors struggling with a backlog of bounced checks.d
Thursday, May 24, 2018
The Money and Credit Council approved the Central Bank of Iran’s proposals demanding a more stringent oversight of credit institutions and amendments to administrative procedures related to current accounts. The new procedures for auditing credit institutions, which involve stricter reporting requirements for filing the financial statements, are aimed at ensuring more transparency in line with a government crackdown on rampant rent-seeking, CBI’s website reported on Wednesday. Revisions to the current account regulations were part of an effort to overhaul the check-processing system by plugging loopholes that left the banking sectors struggling with a backlog of bounced checks.d
Presence in Iraq, Syria at the Request of Governments
Thursday, May 24, 2018
"Iran's advisory role in Iraq and Syria is at the request of the two countries’ legal governments and aimed at fighting terrorism," secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani was quoted as saying by IRNA.
He said the world generally acknowledges that Iran's influential role and presence has been the main factor in preventing the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group from expanding its territorial control in Iraq and Syria and spreading its roots in Europe.
Withdrawal of Forces
The official's comments came days after Russia said foreign troops should leave Syria when the war ends and a political settlement is worked out. d
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry thanks the Pope and the Vatican for their support for Iraq
23/05/2018
(Independent) .. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry thanked the Pope and the Vatican for their continued support to Iraq and its people at this crucial stage for peace and coexistence.
The official spokesman of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Ahmad Mahjoub, said in a statement that the Iraqi Patriarch, Louis-Louis Raphael I, had given the Cardinal the title of Cardinal.
Mahjoub said that this step comes as an update to support Iraq in its fight against terrorism and maintain its religious diversity, indicating that this will make Iraq a voice in the Vatican and in international forums where there are around two and a half billion Catholics in the world.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated the Patriarchal Beatitude for this high degree of international relations. He visited the United Nations and the European Union, collected aid for the displaced and the reconstruction and contributed to the return of 8,000 families out of a total of 20,000 families.
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David Sedaris Loves Being Rich and Would Enjoy Telling You How Much His Shirt Cost
Money
'I can’t shut up about it.' Read the full story
While the majority of U.S. adults feel financially secure, retirement and emergency savings are a nonexistent for many of them, a new report from the Federal Reserve shows. Read the full story
Gold Prices Hold Near Worst Level Of 2018 Ahead Of Fed MinutesInvesting.com
© Reuters. Gold stays near 2018 lows Read the full story
The U.S. dollar's rally is having an unusual effect on the commodities market. Gold prices have fallen as expected, while crude oil has rallied to its highest level in years. Oppenheimer's Ari Wald says this setup is bullish for the broader market. Read the full story
Weekly mortgage refinances drop to an 18-year low as rates jumpCNBC
A sharp rise in interest rates last week meant far fewer homeowners could benefit from a mortgage refinance. Read the full story
Your school may steer you to a particular bank -- ignore it. Read the full story
The bill, now near certain to pass, scales back the rules but does not repeal them entirely. Read the full story
First Republic Bank is almost doubling its space at Rockefeller Center to occupy 280,000 square feet across two buildings. The service-oriented financial tenant is expanding by 100,000 square feet at 10 Rock by adding the third and fourth floors of the building, which sits between East 48th and East 49th streets, overlooking NBC’s morning concerts. Those floors are occupied by a Rockefeller wealth management firm and the medical providers EHE (Engaging Healthy Employees). Both entities will Read the full story
For years, credit cards from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and others have offered price protection, a benefit that refunds customers up to $500 if they buy an item and subsequently spot it cheaper somewhere else. Filing a claim was a laborious task, so few people ever did. Apps like Earny have emerged that use bots to automate the price-protection process, connecting with users' email accounts to monitor purchases and hunt down refunds. Insiders say the rise of these tools and services has led to Read the full story
Welcome to the 2018 home-buying market. Rising demand and an extremely tight supply of homes, especially in the critical starter-home market, make it difficult to realize your goal of home ownership. In this buyer's market, you'll need two important things to land your dream home – more money and a higher credit score. Data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University highlight the credit score issue. According to the 2017 JCHS study, "The State of the Nation's Housing Read the full story
A provision to make credit freezes free was included in a broader bill passed by the House on Tuesday. Read the full story
Measure heads to President Trump's desk for his signature. Read the full story
Trade concerns setting up stocks for more losses
Fox Business
Retail names will be the focus as Lowe's, Target and Tiffany report earnings. Read the full story
The size of the market, inexpensive assets, and better management in the country were among the reasons cited by Mark Matthews, head of Asia research at Bank Julius Baer. Read the full story
© Reuters. 5 key factors for the markets on Wednesday Read the full story
© Reuters. What to watch out for in tomorrow's session Read the full story
SunTrust Banks and other superregional bank stocks neared buy zones Tuesday. After the close, the House voted to ease some post-crisis Dodd-Frank restrictions on the financial industry. Read the full story
CoinDesk
CURRENCIES
The euro and sterling were lower on Wednesday. Read the full story
Forex May 22, 2018 17:04 GMT Investing.com – The dollar moved off session lows as the euro reversed its earlier gains amid ongoing political uncertainty in Italy, while the pound resumed its downward trend adding to dollar strength. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.10% to 93.55. EUR/USD fell 0.16% to $1.7772, retreating from a session high of $1.1717 as market participants appeared to use the rally Read the full story
ABC News
Turkey's currency, the lira, has fallen to a record low against the dollar amid concerns about an outflow of investor capital and the country's ability to manage the situation. Read the full story
The average British tourist pays £5,000 in hidden foreign exchange fees in his or her lifetime. Read the full story
Leg exercise is critical to brain and nervous system health
Science Magazine
Groundbreaking research shows that neurological health depends as much on signals sent by the body's large, leg muscles to the brain as it does on directives from the brain to the muscles. Publis.. Read the full story
You can’t avoid surprise medical bills even with a "PhD in surprise billing." Read the full story
Not-for-profit hospitals are paying bankers, lawyers and other financial advisers hundreds of millions of dollars every year to help them with a relatively routine task: issuing debt. Why it matters: Collecting debt fees from hospitals is a steady source of money for Wall Street interests like Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. But those costs could encourage hospitals to chase revenue through higher prices. Our analysis: Axios looked at 21 debt deals this year involving not-for-profit hospitals. Read the full story
Beginning in 2014, the largest Ebola outbreak in history spread across West Africa and claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people. Read the full story
“It’s the worst disease no one has ever heard of.” Read the full story
Parkinson's Disease is often considered a disease of older age, but symptoms and even a diagnosis are possible far before you might expect someone to exhibit symptoms or receive a diagnosis. Regardless of your age, knowing the warning signs of early-… Read the full story
The House of Representatives passed a vote on legislation that could give terminally ill patients the right to seek drugs not fully approved by the FDA. Read the full story
Injured man: Volcano lava bomb "snapped my leg in half"CBS News
Hawaii is preparing for possible mass evacuations near Big Island volcano, as officials are concerned about lava that is approaching a geothermal plant Read the full story
A business partner of Michael Cohen, President Trump’s personal lawyer, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and is said to be working with law enforcement. Read the full story
Emerging markets, getting hammered, may be poised for a relief rally
CNBC
Emerging market stocks have seen better days, but a relief rally may lie ahead, according to equity strategist Matt Maley. Read the full story
Nicholas Spiro says debt investors are being unduly pessimistic about the impact of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes Read the full story
In an environment where the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield can't hold 3 percent, the more than 6 percent average yield on emerging market debt is an attractive proposition. Read the full story
Reuters/ Kai Pfaffenbach Argentina is spiraling into a crisis, with a sinking currency and potential bailout from the IMF. Some fear that other emerging markets could follow, with the dollar rally adding further pressure. Brazil is the most vulnerable. Read the full story
A stronger dollar and rising Treasury yields are stoking fears that turmoil in Argentina and Turkey could spread to other emerging markets. Read the full story
In the Middle East, Putin Talks, BS WalksThe Daily Beast
Moscow’s opportunistic approach to Middle East diplomacy won’t stop a cataclysmic war, and might make it more likely. Meanwhile the Americans look belligerent—and clueless. Read the full story
FILE PHOTO: Supreme leader display seen at Baharestan Square in Tehran Thomson Reuters For all of Iran's fierce verbal response to fresh U.S. threats of tougher sanctions, some senior officials in Tehran believe the door to diplomacy should stay open. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo presented a list of sweeping demands for Iran, including abandoning nuclear enrichment, its ballistic missile program and its role in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, or face "the strongest sanctions in history". But Read the full story
President Donald Trump may have a chance to pull the US out of Syria now that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Iran to move out its forces as well. Trump has long wanted to pull the US out of Syria, but likely couldn't because he'd be forfeiting the country to the same Iranian influence he hopes to counter. Putin looks to have turned his back on Iran, and has asked them to leave Syria. President Donald Trump's administration has been puzzling for some time over a vital question - Read the full story
The United States has contacted members of a political bloc headed by former foe Moqtada al-Sadr after his parliamentary election victory put the Shi'ite cleric in a strong position to influence the formation of a new government, a top aide said. Read the full story
Asia must overcome its timidity on the world stage as US power retreatsSouth China Morning Post
Chietigj Bajpaee says while America will remain a power of consequence for the foreseeable future, it is ceding ground in international affairs and creating a power void for Asia to do more. China, India, Japan and other powers must step up to assume greater responsibilities for global security Read the full story
FILE PHOTO: A ZTE smart phone is pictured in this illustration Thomson Reuters BEIJING (Reuters) - China's ZTE Corp is estimating losses of at least 20 billion yuan ($3.1 billion) due to Washington's ban on U.S. firms supplying the telecommunications firm, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. The report also said ZTE is hopeful that the United States and China will be able to soon reach a deal that would remove the ban and has a plan in place allowing the telecoms firm to " Read the full story
Annual summits between China and central and eastern European countries are beneficial to the European Union as a whole, the Chinese government's told Bulgaria's foreign minister, brushing off concern that Beijing is seeking to divide the continent. Read the full story
Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday there's "a very substantial chance" the June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un won't take place. Read the full story
EUROPE
France says U.S. Iran strategy will reinforce conservatives
Reuters
France's foreign minister said on Wednesday he disagreed with the United States' decision to scrap the Iran nuclear deal and warned that its method of adding more sanctions on Tehran would reinforce the country's hardliners. Read the full story
As the UK’s divorce from the European Union creeps closer, some Brits are cementing their ties to the bloc. Germany has been a preferred sanctuary,… Read the full story
Conservative and Labour MPs who are fighting to keep Britain in the European single market tell Business Insider the battle can still be won. Both the prime minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have opposed continued membership of hte European Economic Area which would allow Britain to stay in the single market. However, Conservative and Labour rebels are piling on the pressure inside parliament for a change of course. May has already suffered a series of parliamentary defeats on Read the full story
© Reuters. Euro Zone Private Sector Growth Slows To 18-Month Low In May Read the full story
© Reuters. UK annual CPI unexpectedly drops to 2.4% Read the full story
© Reuters. German Private Sector Activity Continues Slowdown In May Read the full story
There should be a health warning on guesswork about the new government in Rome, Katya Adler writes. Read the full story
d
GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
David Sedaris Loves Being Rich and Would Enjoy Telling You How Much His Shirt Cost
Money
'I can’t shut up about it.' Read the full story
Fed survey shows 40 percent of adults still can't cover $400 emergency expense
CNBCWhile the majority of U.S. adults feel financially secure, retirement and emergency savings are a nonexistent for many of them, a new report from the Federal Reserve shows. Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold Prices Hold Near Worst Level Of 2018 Ahead Of Fed MinutesInvesting.com
© Reuters. Gold stays near 2018 lows Read the full story
Strange divergence in gold and oil could spell more gains for stocks
CNBCThe U.S. dollar's rally is having an unusual effect on the commodities market. Gold prices have fallen as expected, while crude oil has rallied to its highest level in years. Oppenheimer's Ari Wald says this setup is bullish for the broader market. Read the full story
Oil Prices Slip From 2014 Highs Ahead Of U.S. Inventory Data
Investing.com
© Reuters. Oil declines ahead of EIA supply report Read the full story
Commodities May 22, 2018 18:07 GMT Investing.com – Gold prices traded roughly unchanged on Tuesday as the dollar’s rebound from session lows kept a lid on upside momentum in the precious metal ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve’s May meeting minutes. Gold futures for June delivery on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose by $0.60, or 0.05%, to $1,291.50 a troy ounce. Gold prices retreated from a high of $1,295.60 as the dollar clawed back its losses to turn Read the full story
A general view of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation's (CPS) Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery in Colombo Thomson Reuters By Naveen Thukral SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday as the market took a breather on expectations OPEC may raise supplies as early as June, although geopolitical risks kept a floor under the market. Brent futures dipped 4 cents to $79.53 a barrel by 0006 GMT, after climbing 35 cents on Tuesday. Last week, the global benchmark hit $80.50 a barrel, the highest Read the full story
Rising oil prices are starting to become a drag on global growth, say economists at UBS, who take a look at what would happen if crude topped $100 a barrel. Read the full story
XLE slumped today, but bulls believe the energy sector's rise isn't over yet. Read the full story
© Reuters. Oil declines ahead of EIA supply report Read the full story
Gold Prices Edge Lower as Dollar Claws Back Losses
Investing.comCommodities May 22, 2018 18:07 GMT Investing.com – Gold prices traded roughly unchanged on Tuesday as the dollar’s rebound from session lows kept a lid on upside momentum in the precious metal ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve’s May meeting minutes. Gold futures for June delivery on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose by $0.60, or 0.05%, to $1,291.50 a troy ounce. Gold prices retreated from a high of $1,295.60 as the dollar clawed back its losses to turn Read the full story
Crude Oil Prices Settle Lower Despite Expectations for Global Supply ShortageInvesting.com
Commodities May 22, 2018 18:42 GMT Investing.com – WTI crude oil prices settled lower after hitting a three-and-a-half year high on Tuesday as the prospect of global supply disruptions remained elevated amid looming sanctions on Iran and falling Venezuelan crude output. On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for July delivery fell 11 cents to settle at $72.13 a barrel, while on London’s Intercontinental Exchange, Brent rose 0.52% to trade at $79.63 a barrel. The United States imposed Read the full story
Commodities May 22, 2018 18:42 GMT Investing.com – WTI crude oil prices settled lower after hitting a three-and-a-half year high on Tuesday as the prospect of global supply disruptions remained elevated amid looming sanctions on Iran and falling Venezuelan crude output. On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude futures for July delivery fell 11 cents to settle at $72.13 a barrel, while on London’s Intercontinental Exchange, Brent rose 0.52% to trade at $79.63 a barrel. The United States imposed Read the full story
Oil dips after rally, OPEC may ease supply curbs
Business InsiderA general view of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation's (CPS) Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery in Colombo Thomson Reuters By Naveen Thukral SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday as the market took a breather on expectations OPEC may raise supplies as early as June, although geopolitical risks kept a floor under the market. Brent futures dipped 4 cents to $79.53 a barrel by 0006 GMT, after climbing 35 cents on Tuesday. Last week, the global benchmark hit $80.50 a barrel, the highest Read the full story
Oil shock: Here’s what $100 crude would do to the global economy
MarketWatchRising oil prices are starting to become a drag on global growth, say economists at UBS, who take a look at what would happen if crude topped $100 a barrel. Read the full story
Reasons to Stay Pumped for Energy
Barron'sXLE slumped today, but bulls believe the energy sector's rise isn't over yet. Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Weekly mortgage refinances drop to an 18-year low as rates jumpCNBC
A sharp rise in interest rates last week meant far fewer homeowners could benefit from a mortgage refinance. Read the full story
5 Things Every College Student Needs to Know About Opening a Bank Account
MoneyYour school may steer you to a particular bank -- ignore it. Read the full story
Congress approves plan to roll back post-financial-crisis rules for banks
The Washington PostThe bill, now near certain to pass, scales back the rules but does not repeal them entirely. Read the full story
First Republic Bank nearly doubles space at Rockefeller Center
New York PostFirst Republic Bank is almost doubling its space at Rockefeller Center to occupy 280,000 square feet across two buildings. The service-oriented financial tenant is expanding by 100,000 square feet at 10 Rock by adding the third and fourth floors of the building, which sits between East 48th and East 49th streets, overlooking NBC’s morning concerts. Those floors are occupied by a Rockefeller wealth management firm and the medical providers EHE (Engaging Healthy Employees). Both entities will Read the full story
For years, Chase and Citi credit cards offered a generous, under-the-radar benefit that protected customers. And then the bots arrived.
Business InsiderFor years, credit cards from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and others have offered price protection, a benefit that refunds customers up to $500 if they buy an item and subsequently spot it cheaper somewhere else. Filing a claim was a laborious task, so few people ever did. Apps like Earny have emerged that use bots to automate the price-protection process, connecting with users' email accounts to monitor purchases and hunt down refunds. Insiders say the rise of these tools and services has led to Read the full story
It's Getting Harder To Buy A Home; Here's The Credit Score You Need
BenzingaWelcome to the 2018 home-buying market. Rising demand and an extremely tight supply of homes, especially in the critical starter-home market, make it difficult to realize your goal of home ownership. In this buyer's market, you'll need two important things to land your dream home – more money and a higher credit score. Data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University highlight the credit score issue. According to the 2017 JCHS study, "The State of the Nation's Housing Read the full story
Congress just made credit freezes free
CNN MoneyA provision to make credit freezes free was included in a broader bill passed by the House on Tuesday. Read the full story
Dodd-Frank rollback poised to remove handcuffs from small lenders
Fox NewsMeasure heads to President Trump's desk for his signature. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Trade concerns setting up stocks for more losses
Fox Business
Retail names will be the focus as Lowe's, Target and Tiffany report earnings. Read the full story
Investors should 'absolutely' own mainland China assets: Bank Julius Baer
CNBCThe size of the market, inexpensive assets, and better management in the country were among the reasons cited by Mark Matthews, head of Asia research at Bank Julius Baer. Read the full story
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Wednesday
Investing.com© Reuters. 5 key factors for the markets on Wednesday Read the full story
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch
Investing.com© Reuters. What to watch out for in tomorrow's session Read the full story
House OKs Easing Dodd-Frank Restrictions: These Bank Stocks Are Near Buy Points
Investor's Business DailySunTrust Banks and other superregional bank stocks neared buy zones Tuesday. After the close, the House voted to ease some post-crisis Dodd-Frank restrictions on the financial industry. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Bitcoin Price Faces Bear Indicator Not Seen Since 2014
Following bitcoin's recent losses, a key long-term trend indicator is looking increasingly bearish. Notably, the five-month moving average (MA) has rolled over in favor of the bears and looks set to cut the 10-month MA from above – a bearish crossover that hasn't been seen since June 2014. If that occurs it could be a... Read the full story
Bitcoin Price Falls to 35-Day Low Below $8K
CoinDesk
Bitcoin's price is slipping below $8,000 again, reaching its 37-day low within just an hour since the trading entered Wednesday morning session. Read the full story
Crypto crackdown: New Jersey orders 3 firms to stop offering unregistered securitie
MarketWatch
The New Jersey Bureau of Securities has ordered three cryptocurrency-related companies to stop operation in relation to fraudulent activity. Read the full story
Not all cryptocurrencies can succeed, Robert Shiller says
Fox News
Nobel laureate cites past historical misfires. Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Forex- Euro, Pound Fall After Disappointing Data
Investing.comThe euro and sterling were lower on Wednesday. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar off Lows as Sterling, Euro Resume Trend Lower
Investing.comForex May 22, 2018 17:04 GMT Investing.com – The dollar moved off session lows as the euro reversed its earlier gains amid ongoing political uncertainty in Italy, while the pound resumed its downward trend adding to dollar strength. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.10% to 93.55. EUR/USD fell 0.16% to $1.7772, retreating from a session high of $1.1717 as market participants appeared to use the rally Read the full story
Turkish currency hits record low amid Erdogan concerns
Turkey's currency, the lira, has fallen to a record low against the dollar amid concerns about an outflow of investor capital and the country's ability to manage the situation. Read the full story
Travellers hit by hidden currency fees
BBC News USThe average British tourist pays £5,000 in hidden foreign exchange fees in his or her lifetime. Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH
Leg exercise is critical to brain and nervous system health
Science Magazine
Groundbreaking research shows that neurological health depends as much on signals sent by the body's large, leg muscles to the brain as it does on directives from the brain to the muscles. Publis.. Read the full story
He went to an in-network emergency room. He still ended up with a $7,924 bill.
VoxYou can’t avoid surprise medical bills even with a "PhD in surprise billing." Read the full story
Hospitals pay millions to Goldman Sachs and other banks for handling debt
AxiosNot-for-profit hospitals are paying bankers, lawyers and other financial advisers hundreds of millions of dollars every year to help them with a relatively routine task: issuing debt. Why it matters: Collecting debt fees from hospitals is a steady source of money for Wall Street interests like Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. But those costs could encourage hospitals to chase revenue through higher prices. Our analysis: Axios looked at 21 debt deals this year involving not-for-profit hospitals. Read the full story
Remembering the deadliest Ebola outbreak
CNNBeginning in 2014, the largest Ebola outbreak in history spread across West Africa and claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people. Read the full story
What is Nipah virus?
NBC News“It’s the worst disease no one has ever heard of.” Read the full story
7 Warning Signs Of Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease That You Need To Know
RomperParkinson's Disease is often considered a disease of older age, but symptoms and even a diagnosis are possible far before you might expect someone to exhibit symptoms or receive a diagnosis. Regardless of your age, knowing the warning signs of early-… Read the full story
'Right-to-try' bill passes Congress
CNNThe House of Representatives passed a vote on legislation that could give terminally ill patients the right to seek drugs not fully approved by the FDA. Read the full story
USA/CANADA
Injured man: Volcano lava bomb "snapped my leg in half"CBS News
Hawaii is preparing for possible mass evacuations near Big Island volcano, as officials are concerned about lava that is approaching a geothermal plant Read the full story
Michael Cohen’s Business Partner Agrees to Cooperate as Part of Plea Deal
The New York TimesA business partner of Michael Cohen, President Trump’s personal lawyer, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and is said to be working with law enforcement. Read the full story
Canada says top NAFTA officials in constant contact on trade talksReuters
Top U.S., Canadian and Mexican officials are in constant contact about slow-moving talks to revitalize NAFTA and are ready to meet at any time to push the process forwards, Canada's foreign minister said on Tuesday. Read the full story
Top U.S., Canadian and Mexican officials are in constant contact about slow-moving talks to revitalize NAFTA and are ready to meet at any time to push the process forwards, Canada's foreign minister said on Tuesday. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Emerging markets, getting hammered, may be poised for a relief rally
CNBC
Emerging market stocks have seen better days, but a relief rally may lie ahead, according to equity strategist Matt Maley. Read the full story
How emerging markets are paying the price of skittish bond investors
South China Morning PostNicholas Spiro says debt investors are being unduly pessimistic about the impact of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes Read the full story
Investors are finding value in emerging market debt
CNBCIn an environment where the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield can't hold 3 percent, the more than 6 percent average yield on emerging market debt is an attractive proposition. Read the full story
A surging US dollar could send shockwaves from Argentina into other emerging markets
Chron.comReuters/ Kai Pfaffenbach Argentina is spiraling into a crisis, with a sinking currency and potential bailout from the IMF. Some fear that other emerging markets could follow, with the dollar rally adding further pressure. Brazil is the most vulnerable. Read the full story
Emerging markets feel the pain as dollar, Treasury yields rise
MarketWatchA stronger dollar and rising Treasury yields are stoking fears that turmoil in Argentina and Turkey could spread to other emerging markets. Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
In the Middle East, Putin Talks, BS WalksThe Daily Beast
Moscow’s opportunistic approach to Middle East diplomacy won’t stop a cataclysmic war, and might make it more likely. Meanwhile the Americans look belligerent—and clueless. Read the full story
Despite Iran's hardline bluster, its economy is so bad it may seek a compromise with Trump
Business InsiderFILE PHOTO: Supreme leader display seen at Baharestan Square in Tehran Thomson Reuters For all of Iran's fierce verbal response to fresh U.S. threats of tougher sanctions, some senior officials in Tehran believe the door to diplomacy should stay open. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo presented a list of sweeping demands for Iran, including abandoning nuclear enrichment, its ballistic missile program and its role in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, or face "the strongest sanctions in history". But Read the full story
Trump's troubled Syria policy is getting unexpected help from Putin
Business InsiderPresident Donald Trump may have a chance to pull the US out of Syria now that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Iran to move out its forces as well. Trump has long wanted to pull the US out of Syria, but likely couldn't because he'd be forfeiting the country to the same Iranian influence he hopes to counter. Putin looks to have turned his back on Iran, and has asked them to leave Syria. President Donald Trump's administration has been puzzling for some time over a vital question - Read the full story
U.S. in contact with ex-foe Sadr after shock win in Iraq poll: aide
ReutersThe United States has contacted members of a political bloc headed by former foe Moqtada al-Sadr after his parliamentary election victory put the Shi'ite cleric in a strong position to influence the formation of a new government, a top aide said. Read the full story
AFRICA
South Africa forex
South Africa kidnappers demand ransom in bitcoin to free teenagerReuters
A criminal gang in South Africa who kidnapped a teenage boy on Sunday are demanding a ransom in bitcoin cryptocurrency of nearly $120,000, police said. Read the full story
The United Kingdom has welcomed Zimbabwe's application to rejoin the Commonwealth, pledging its support for the southern African nation's bid to be a member of the 53-member bloc. Britain Foreign Secretary Mr Boris Johnson described the development as "fantastic" news. "Fantastic news that Zimbabwe wishes to rejoin the Commonwealth. Wonderful that this follows productive talks at April's Commonwealth Summit in London. Zimbabwe must now show commitment to Commonwealth values of democracy and Read the full story
Villagers of Nembire area in Mt Darwin West are facing a critical shortage of food due to the erratic rains that affected the area this farming season. Most of the affected villagers, particularly those in Ward 7, have resorted to scavenging for food left over by school children at St Albert's High School. So dire is the situation that the villagers, mostly women, travel for about 10 kilometres to the school and the school is no longer throwing away the leftovers, but keeping them for local Read the full story
(Photo: Thin Lei Win/Thomson Reuters Foundation) Touggourt, Algeria "Inshallah, it works" In a corner of his sprawling farm, Milouda Mohammed proudly unveiled his latest venture - a pond full of catfish that could herald a new future for farmers like him on the Sahara desert. He is hoping to earn extra income from selling fresh, farmed fish from the world's largest and hottest desert and use the water to irrigate his olive and date trees and vegetables. "Five years from now, I'm expecting Read the full story
Equipment manufacturer Schramm Hammers & Bits has appointed HUD Mining Supplies as its reverse circulation (RC) consumables distributor for sub-Saharan Africa. Read the full story
The Chamber of Mines has rebranded and is now the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) in line with its quest to reposition the sector as South Africa’s preeminent industrial sector, while building a new legacy and creating a “future that all South African can be proud of,” MCSA president Mxolisi Mgojo announced on Wednesday. He revealed the council's new brand identity and logo at the MCSA newly refurbished building in the Johannesburg central business district. Read the full story
A criminal gang in South Africa who kidnapped a teenage boy on Sunday are demanding a ransom in bitcoin cryptocurrency of nearly $120,000, police said. Read the full story
Zimbabwe: UK Welcomes Govt Commonwealth Bid
AllAfricaThe United Kingdom has welcomed Zimbabwe's application to rejoin the Commonwealth, pledging its support for the southern African nation's bid to be a member of the 53-member bloc. Britain Foreign Secretary Mr Boris Johnson described the development as "fantastic" news. "Fantastic news that Zimbabwe wishes to rejoin the Commonwealth. Wonderful that this follows productive talks at April's Commonwealth Summit in London. Zimbabwe must now show commitment to Commonwealth values of democracy and Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Food Shortages Hit Villagers
AllAfricaVillagers of Nembire area in Mt Darwin West are facing a critical shortage of food due to the erratic rains that affected the area this farming season. Most of the affected villagers, particularly those in Ward 7, have resorted to scavenging for food left over by school children at St Albert's High School. So dire is the situation that the villagers, mostly women, travel for about 10 kilometres to the school and the school is no longer throwing away the leftovers, but keeping them for local Read the full story
Algeria: From Camels to Catfish, Algeria Boosts Fish Farming in the Sahara Desert
AllAfrica(Photo: Thin Lei Win/Thomson Reuters Foundation) Touggourt, Algeria "Inshallah, it works" In a corner of his sprawling farm, Milouda Mohammed proudly unveiled his latest venture - a pond full of catfish that could herald a new future for farmers like him on the Sahara desert. He is hoping to earn extra income from selling fresh, farmed fish from the world's largest and hottest desert and use the water to irrigate his olive and date trees and vegetables. "Five years from now, I'm expecting Read the full story
Schramm appoints HUD as sub-Saharan Africa hammers, bits distributor
Mining Weekly AfricaEquipment manufacturer Schramm Hammers & Bits has appointed HUD Mining Supplies as its reverse circulation (RC) consumables distributor for sub-Saharan Africa. Read the full story
Chamber of Mines rebrands as Minerals Council South Africa
Mining Weekly AfricaThe Chamber of Mines has rebranded and is now the Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) in line with its quest to reposition the sector as South Africa’s preeminent industrial sector, while building a new legacy and creating a “future that all South African can be proud of,” MCSA president Mxolisi Mgojo announced on Wednesday. He revealed the council's new brand identity and logo at the MCSA newly refurbished building in the Johannesburg central business district. Read the full story
ASIA
Asia must overcome its timidity on the world stage as US power retreatsSouth China Morning Post
Chietigj Bajpaee says while America will remain a power of consequence for the foreseeable future, it is ceding ground in international affairs and creating a power void for Asia to do more. China, India, Japan and other powers must step up to assume greater responsibilities for global security Read the full story
China's ZTE estimates at least $3.1 billion loss from U.S. sanctions: Bloomberg
Business InsiderFILE PHOTO: A ZTE smart phone is pictured in this illustration Thomson Reuters BEIJING (Reuters) - China's ZTE Corp is estimating losses of at least 20 billion yuan ($3.1 billion) due to Washington's ban on U.S. firms supplying the telecommunications firm, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. The report also said ZTE is hopeful that the United States and China will be able to soon reach a deal that would remove the ban and has a plan in place allowing the telecoms firm to " Read the full story
China says eastern European summits are good for EU
ReutersAnnual summits between China and central and eastern European countries are beneficial to the European Union as a whole, the Chinese government's told Bulgaria's foreign minister, brushing off concern that Beijing is seeking to divide the continent. Read the full story
Trump risks fumbling on North Korea, Iran and China
CNBCTrump told reporters at the White House Tuesday there's "a very substantial chance" the June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un won't take place. Read the full story
EUROPE
France says U.S. Iran strategy will reinforce conservatives
Reuters
France's foreign minister said on Wednesday he disagreed with the United States' decision to scrap the Iran nuclear deal and warned that its method of adding more sanctions on Tehran would reinforce the country's hardliners. Read the full story
Since the Brexit vote, the number of Brits becoming German citizens is soaring
QuartzAs the UK’s divorce from the European Union creeps closer, some Brits are cementing their ties to the bloc. Germany has been a preferred sanctuary,… Read the full story
Inside the Brexit battle to keep Britain in the single market
Business InsiderConservative and Labour MPs who are fighting to keep Britain in the European single market tell Business Insider the battle can still be won. Both the prime minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn have opposed continued membership of hte European Economic Area which would allow Britain to stay in the single market. However, Conservative and Labour rebels are piling on the pressure inside parliament for a change of course. May has already suffered a series of parliamentary defeats on Read the full story
Euro Zone Private Sector Growth Slows To 18-Month Low In May
Investing.com© Reuters. Euro Zone Private Sector Growth Slows To 18-Month Low In May Read the full story
UK Annual Inflation Slows in April, Marking Fresh 1-Year Low
Investing.com© Reuters. UK annual CPI unexpectedly drops to 2.4% Read the full story
German Private Sector Activity Continues Slowdown In May
Investing.com© Reuters. German Private Sector Activity Continues Slowdown In May Read the full story
Should Europe be scared of Italy's populists?
BBC News USThere should be a health warning on guesswork about the new government in Rome, Katya Adler writes. Read the full story
d
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Thursday 5/24/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184
The currency auction is 203,383,296
There is no news and announcements for Thurssday 5/24/18
ISX Update:
Value Traded
4,912,461,982
Shares Traded
5,585,655,920
ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:
5-24-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ...here we are, patiently grinding through Ramadan. As expected, news is a bit slow at this time ...The good news is there’s absolutely nothing going on that gives us cause for concern - so sit tight, keep that dinar in a safe place, and let’s just keep an eye on things for the next couple weeks. Once things get moving again, we should be in for a heck of a ride…
5-23-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: "AL-ABADI VISION FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS IF HE IS APPOINTED TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT" Quote: "...his vision is based on "reforming the economy, defeating corruption and providing jobs for millions of young people who have the majority of the Iraqi population and continuing to improve public services , Ensuring the follow-up of human rights and the empowerment of women." ...okay so now we get more of what al-Abadi will do as the next prime minister. Does this sound familiar? It is almost word for word what the Sadr Movement was requiring of the next PM. Remember this article came out just prior to him being named as the nominee that the Sadr Movement will send to parliament as the next prime minister.
5-23-2018 Guest Guru BobTheTaxMan Question: Are you sure about capital gains verses ordinary income? Somewhere out in the dinar world there is a guy saying, “Look guys it’s going to be attributed to 988,” and it’s not ok. I keep telling everybody that 988 was created as a of handling incidental stuff. It does not apply to those of us who have bought dinar as an investment. It’s still not going to apply. If it was under 988 it would be considered capital gains but it is not. The other thing too that you have to realize…your loss that you may incur if you were to sell your dinar at a loss is not tax deductible. Something else you need to be aware of.
[NOTE: This is not to be considered tax advice in anyway…at the appropriate time you should speak to your own tax and financial professional.]
5-23-2018 Guest Guru BobTheTaxMan Question: Are you sure about capital gains verses ordinary income? Somewhere out in the dinar world there is a guy saying, “Look guys it’s going to be attributed to 988,” and it’s not ok. I keep telling everybody that 988 was created as a of handling incidental stuff. It does not apply to those of us who have bought dinar as an investment. It’s still not going to apply. If it was under 988 it would be considered capital gains but it is not. The other thing too that you have to realize…your loss that you may incur if you were to sell your dinar at a loss is not tax deductible. Something else you need to be aware of.
[NOTE: This is not to be considered tax advice in anyway…at the appropriate time you should speak to your own tax and financial professional.]
5-23-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "Abadi: We call for a transitional government without preconditions" I sense urgency in the air. We recently heard the call for an acceleration in getting a government settled accordingly. Now the symbionic relationship between Abadi and Sadr, obviously isn't anything at all new...imo...They are way to aligned in just about everything and I posted photos of the two back in 2015, hand in hand smiling...Now with that said the two are clearly in alignment with wanting all Iraqis to be equal with no sectarianism period Amen! They want technocrats in position as a key point. Well, another nothing new, as Abadi has been doing exactly over the last couple years, therefore the above suggesting getting the government settled in record time is probably effectively been done for some time now.. imo. Let's not forget Frank / WS [Gurus Frank26 & Walkingstick] reminded us that Abadi did his Gov in thirty days beating Maliki"s 209. It has been 10 days since election... hmmm.
5-23-2018 Newshound Guru chattels 165 seats are necessary. Sadr’s Sairoon (54 seats), PM Abadi’s Nasr (42 seats), Hakim’s Hikma (19 seats), VP Allawi’s Wataniya (21 seats) and the KDP (25 seats) and Qarar (13 seats) makes a total of 173 if my math is correct. Can I get a "Bingo!"? With the Kurds as part of the government we have the best chance to avoid quotas and establish an efficient majority government for legislation without consensus, IMO. Godspeed the completion of the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Project!
5-23-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: "MOQTADA AL-SADR, AGREED TO GIVE PRIME MINISTER HAIDER ABADI A SECOND TERM, DURING THE MEETING THEY HAD JUST GATHERED IN BAGHDAD" Okay so now we know Al-Abadi is going to be the next prime minister. We also gain some more insight at to the two conditions that al-Sadr is requiring of him. 1) fight corruption all the way to the top levels of govt 2) publish the list of names of those corrupt political officials.You can bet that on his mind is going after this Nori al-Maliki.
5-23-2018 Newshound Guru chattels 165 seats are necessary. Sadr’s Sairoon (54 seats), PM Abadi’s Nasr (42 seats), Hakim’s Hikma (19 seats), VP Allawi’s Wataniya (21 seats) and the KDP (25 seats) and Qarar (13 seats) makes a total of 173 if my math is correct. Can I get a "Bingo!"? With the Kurds as part of the government we have the best chance to avoid quotas and establish an efficient majority government for legislation without consensus, IMO. Godspeed the completion of the Iraqi Banking Sector Reform Project!
5-23-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: "MOQTADA AL-SADR, AGREED TO GIVE PRIME MINISTER HAIDER ABADI A SECOND TERM, DURING THE MEETING THEY HAD JUST GATHERED IN BAGHDAD" Okay so now we know Al-Abadi is going to be the next prime minister. We also gain some more insight at to the two conditions that al-Sadr is requiring of him. 1) fight corruption all the way to the top levels of govt 2) publish the list of names of those corrupt political officials.You can bet that on his mind is going after this Nori al-Maliki.
5-23-2018 Intel Guru Bruce What we are hearing from there is yes the ATMs are on. Yes, the lower denominations are out. Yes, they have an in-country rate which is a good rate...What we are looking for is for Iraq to put out this international rate. We know it has an in-country rate and we know what it is and it should be on CBI and the same as the international rate. Probably be the same rate as the front screen rate on our bank screen. The question is when it is going to be revealed...Our understanding was today we are looking now and still looking for this and maybe it is happening in a little while, but as of 2:30 pm this afternoon [Tuesday] our Treasury had not released Iraq to put out their rate. ...one of our contacts with HSBC London was...talking about the fact we are in a very good 24 hour window. I hope that is exactly where we are and we are right there. That was as of 1:00 pm this afternoon [Tuesday].
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Abadi's website; posted on both Arabic and English sides)
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi receives the delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party
Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi received the delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
Headed by Mr. Fadel Mirani.
During the meeting, discussions were held to form the next government and accelerate the exchange of views between the parties and the importance of working to form a strong national government.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
23 May 2018
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ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Abadi's website; posted on both Arabic and English sides)
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi receives the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi received the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
Headed by Mullah Bakhtiar.
During the meeting, they discussed the formation of the government and the importance of speeding up that and exchanging visions for the next stage.
Dr. Haider Abadi stressed the importance of speeding up the formation of the government through national negotiations after the successes achieved in the country.
While the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan that he wants to be part of the solution and that his meeting came to know how to run the political process during the next phase and wants a government representing all parties without exclusion and marginalization of anyone.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
23 May 2018
***************
ARTICLE 2-A
An emergency session of the parliament tomorrow
2018/5/23 13:47
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The House of Representatives will hold an emergency session on Thursday. A source familiar with the agency of all Iraq [where], on Wednesday, that "the House of Representatives will hold at 4 pm tomorrow afternoon an emergency session to discuss the subject of the parliamentary elections held on the 12 of this month."
***************
ARTICLE 2-B
An extraordinary session of the parliament on Thursday to discuss the transparency and integrity of the electoral process
BAGHDAD, May 23 (KUNA) - The Presidency of the Council decided to hold an extraordinary session on Thursday, May 24, the parliamentary press service said in a statement.
She added that "the meeting will be at 4 pm on the basis of the request made after a number of deputies who throw a focus on the transparency and integrity of the electoral work," noting that "the Saturday session last extraordinary to discuss the fraud that took place on the 12th of May Did not succeed, because of the lack of quorum, as the session turned into a deliberative resulted in the sending of an official letter to the Electoral Commission for elections that included all means that include confidence in the electoral process, including the procedure of counting and random sorting and referral of criminal cases to the competent authorities in cases Marred by misconduct and provide political entities in light of the results and make sure the corresponding process data sent through several funds. " Ending AH
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ARTICLE 3
PUK delegation to Abadi: We want a government representing all parties without exclusion
2018/5/23 17:16
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The PUK delegation to the Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that he wants a government representing all parties without exclusion and marginalization of anyone.
"Abadi received the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) headed by Mullah Bakhtiar. During the meeting, they discussed the formation of the government and the importance of speeding up that and exchanging visions for the next stage," the statement said.
"Abadi stressed the importance of speeding up the formation of the government through national negotiations after the successes achieved in the country."
"The PUK delegation stressed that it wants to be part of the solution and that his meeting came to know how to run the political process during the next stage, and he wants a government representing all parties without exclusion and marginalization of anyone."
*************
ARTICLE 4
Kurdish source: The presidency remains for the National Union and infallible one of the candidates
2018/5/23 12:23
[Where - Continue]
Revealed a Kurdish source in the presidency that the presidency of the Republic will remain the share of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
"The Kurdistan Democratic Party always looks at the Kurdistan region more than Baghdad, but is now in negotiations with the National Union about what it can get in exchange for its consent to stay within the National Union," the source said.
Asked whether the current president, Fuad Masum, is a candidate for a second term, he said the source said that "the president is infallible and has not yet held discussions on this matter even though there are no prominent candidates now to take over this position."
In response to a question about the nomination of the President of the Alliance of Democracy and Justice Barham Saleh for the post of President of the Republic, said the Kurdish source within the presidency that "Saleh came out of the National Union and established a party of his own while the position of the share of the National Union within the Kurdish equation.
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ARTICLE 5
Hakim from Kuwait: the decision to form the next government independent Iraqi
2018/5/23 22:24
[In Baghdad]
The head of the National Alliance Ammar al-Hakki, the decision to form the next government is an independent Iraqi.
Hakim said during a press conference held during his visit to Kuwait, "We are working to be the next Iraqi government national majority government, and keen to form an independent Iraqi decision," stressing that "the decision to form the next government is independent Iraq."
"He pointed out that" the renewal of the alliance with the Sadrist movement in the alliance pass, "noting that" Hakim said during a press conference held today during his visit to Kuwait, "We work to be the next Iraqi government a national majority government, and keen to form an independent Iraqi decision," stressing that " The decision to form the next government independent Iraqi. "
He referred to "the renewal of the alliance with the Sadrist movement in the alliance of the others," noting that "they walk and wisdom of the lists cohesive internally and in harmony and represent the main forces."
He explained that "this bilateral alliance can be a solid nucleus to move towards other lists and this is what happened, and there are consultations and we have understandings to form the largest bloc, which will cost the formation of the national majority government."
"We want to distance Iraq from conflicts in the region or to be a party to the dialogue of conflicts," he said, ruling out "civil war in Iraq, especially that the Iraqi people carry the professions and the results of today's electoral results proved his vote for moderates."
"We will achieve the aspirations of our people in the formation of an independent government by its decisions and open to States."
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ARTICLE 6
A luxury yacht for Saddam turns into a hotel for maritime guides
2018/5/23 9:00
[Ayna-Baghdad]
In the port of Basra, the famous Saddam Hussein's yacht is anchored by its royal bed and its surrounding silk curtains, as well as the golden-rimmed bathroom and its private barrack.
Saddam never set sail in the 82-meter-long [Nasim al-Basrah] yacht, built in 1981, and will now enjoy the luxury of sea guides who guide ships in and out of Basra.
Iraqi governments, which followed Saddam, struggled to find a way to exploit the yacht and other treasures left by Saddam, who was ousted in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and then hanged three years later for crimes against humanity.
The yacht, which has been abroad for three decades, has been ruthless in the port of Basra since Iraq recovered it after a judicial battle in 2010.
The Yacht Presidential Suite is equipped with Saddam's own suites, dining rooms and bedrooms, 17 smaller guest rooms, 18 staff and clinic rooms, and the Yacht for sale for $ 30 million.
The government has failed to find a buyer, and the yacht has served over the last two years at the University of Basra, where it has been used to host researchers during their trips to study marine life.
"The technical condition of the Presidential Naseem Basra is very good in terms of engines. There are two engines, and its generators are operational. It only needs periodic maintenance," said Abdul-Zahra Abdul-Mahdi Saleh, captain of the yacht.
Hence, the authorities decided to permanently anchor the yacht and use it as a hotel and recreation facility for maritime guides in the port of Basra, especially since many of them live in relatively distant cities.
Anmar Safi, spokesman for the Iraqi Ports Authority, said: "Now the ports need to be a station for the rest of the sea guides, the maritime guides mean the station will be in the sea, as a hotel for maritime guides."
Officials told a private tour of the yacht that he was built in a Danish shipyard during the Iraq war with Iran and then transferred to Saudi Arabia, Saddam's ally at the time, to protect him from air strikes on Basra.
Saudi Arabia, which differed with Saddam after his invasion of Kuwait in 1990, handed over the yacht to Jordan. His subsequent moves were not clear until Iraq followed him in the French resort of Nice, where he was seized by a court and sent back to Iraq.
While the yacht [Nasim al-Basra] survived the tragedy of the overthrow of Saddam and his demise, the [Mansour] yacht, which Saddam never accompanied, suffered a different fate, drowning in the Shatt al-Arab waterway passing through Basra after being bombarded by US aircraft. In the chaos that followed the overthrow of Saddam.
Saddam ordered that Mansour leave the port of Umm Qasr, the largest Iraqi port on the outskirts of Basra, in 2003, where he was anchoring and heading to the port of Basra in a desperate attempt to avoid air strikes.
"We guided the ship, the yacht at the time, and ordered the captain of the yacht, who was a general, to take down some of the yachts' personnel, such as military ranks, military uniforms, even weapons and gear," said retired naval captain Ali Hussain, who then guided the yacht to Basra. In case we do not fall into the grip of US warships. "
In the meantime, the Basra Museum has not given up hope that the port will be persuaded to allow the berthing of the yacht [Nasim Basra] in front of the exhibition halls in one of Saddam's former palaces overlooking the Shatt al-Arab.
"Future generations will need to know how the dictator lived," said deputy director of the museum Jawad Abdul Karim.
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