WOTS Wednesday 5/23/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,170.0000 | 1,170.0000 | 1,170.0000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,739.0000 | 22,472.0000 | 22,472.0000 | | 04:15 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3886 | 6.3640 | 6.3649 | | 05:56 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3017 | 0.3010 | 0.3015 | | 05:29 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3442 | 1.3348 | 1.3441 | | 05:56 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,210.6000 | 14,093.3000 | 14,200.8000 | | 05:55 |
CNBC Link:
CNBC Morning Squawk Link:
No link yet
DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
News - US foreign comment on work with Moqtada al - Sadr
Alsumaria News / Baghdad
The US State Department suspended work with Sadr's leader Moqtada al-Sadr, saying "we will work with the Iraqis."
US State Department spokeswoman Heather Noiret said in a press conference that her country would work with those who were elected and elected by the Iraqi people in response to a question on whether Muqtada al-Sadr would be considered an appropriate partner in Iraq.
We will work with anyone who decides that the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people are elected to join the government, we have long and good relations with the Iraqi government and we will continue to have a good relationship with them," Noiret said at the daily briefing. Asked about Qassem Soleimani's activities with a group of political parties, and what is the US doing to contain the Iranian influence on forming the next government in Iraq? "We have always said we believe ... We have not said that for a long time, but we have said since the elections that we thought a coalition government would be formed, we will not anticipate this process, we will work with the government and whichever party the people choose and decide to choose. Whether he will meet Moqtada al-Sadr or not. d
Mr. Sadr and al-Obeidi discuss fighting sectarianism and corruption
Editorial Date: 2018/5/22 23:28 • 281 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) The leader of the Sadrist movement, Mr. Moqtada al-Sadr, in his residence in Baghdad, the head of the list of the good guys Khalid al-Obeidi, the file of forming the next government.
"During the meeting, the national participants and the priority goals were presented in the form of the patriarchal government that the Iraqi people are looking for in all their sects and affiliations and taking into account the removal of the people from their deteriorating economic situation and the fight against sectarianism and corruption," a statement from his office said. The appropriate environment for terrorism ".
For his part, al-Obeidi congratulated al-Sadr on "the great victory achieved by the National Alliance of Sowaron returned to him a national achievement on the road to reform."
Obeidi had visited this evening the leader of the National Wisdom Movement, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, and discussed the file to form the next government and ways to meet the aspirations of the people. "
Mr. Ammar al-Hakim reiterated "the need for the next government to be a national majority government based on the principles and priorities and the provision of services at the top of these priorities."d
For his part, al-Obeidi congratulated al-Sadr on "the great victory achieved by the National Alliance of Sowaron returned to him a national achievement on the road to reform."
Obeidi had visited this evening the leader of the National Wisdom Movement, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, and discussed the file to form the next government and ways to meet the aspirations of the people. "
Mr. Ammar al-Hakim reiterated "the need for the next government to be a national majority government based on the principles and priorities and the provision of services at the top of these priorities."d
Trump envoy pledges support for Kurdistan
(Independent) ... The US presidential envoy, Brett McGurk, pledged Tuesday to support Kurdistan, especially as it is poised to hold provincial elections.
McGuck arrived in Sulaymaniyah and began a meeting with four opposition Kurdish parties Tuesday afternoon at the headquarters of the Change Movement in the city of Sulaymaniyah.
After the meeting with the US envoy, the four parties held their special meeting, reiterating their firm position on the rejection of the election results.
After the meeting, Hoshyar Omar, coordinator of the Chamber of Diplomatic Relations of the Movement for Change, told reporters that the four parties are united in their position in rejecting the results and the electoral process.
"The Americans said they would give all the support for the upcoming Kurdistan regional elections."
The Trump envoy urged the four Kurdish parties not to boycott the political process in Iraq, in advance of a set of proposals, including this aspect of going to the capital Baghdad, and start negotiations with other parties winning the election to hold seats or two seats in the next government.
These parties hinted during the past few days to boycott the presence of its winners in the Iraqi legislative elections sessions of the House of Representatives, and the entire political process in the country.
The polling stations were closed in the Kurdish city of Sulaymaniyah until anger erupted over an unexpected sweep of the city's dominant party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and clashes broke out between rival factions.
HEESCO signs Contracts with 3 Int'l Firms
May 23, 2018
Iraq’s Heavy Engineering Equipment State Company (HEESCO) has signed deals with three international companies in the oil, petrochemical and the marine industries:
UK-based Weir Engineering Services;
Czech-based KPS;
Egyptian-based Petrojet.
The company, established in 1963, has technological capabilities in the design, manufacturing and installation of the engineering equipment, such as the tanks, boilers, heat exchangers, pressure tanks, refining towers, bridge pillars, river boats and engineering inspection.
Oil Minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi [Allibi, Luiebi] (pictured) said that the Ministry aims to increase cooperation with international companies.
iraq-businessnews
PUK Delegation to Visit Baghdad for Post-Election Talks
ERBIL — The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) will send a delegation to Baghdad on Wednesday to discuss the future government of Iraq.
According to a statement by PUK politburo, the delegation will hold multiple meetings during a two-day visit to Baghdad with leaders of key political factions.
The discussions would mainly focus on the post-election political partnership between the parties which have won seats in the next parliament.
The PUK delegation is visiting Baghdad after the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) sent a delegation on Tuesday.
The KDP has won the majority of votes in the Kurdistan Region while the PUK is the runner-up.
Chinese company develops oil field east of Baghdad
(Independent) ... The Ministry of Oil signed the contract of service and development of the field east of Baghdad - the southern part with the Chinese company Genghua oil.
The ministry spokesman Assem Jihad said that the ministry will sign on Wednesday the final contract, which aims to develop the field and access to production to 40 thousand barrels within five years.
He added that the Chinese company will also build an oil city housing units and integrated service facilities.
Jihad pointed out that the contract obliges the contracting company to rely on the national manpower by a large percentage, stressing the importance of producing crude oil from the field mentioned to provide crude oil and gas associated with power plants and industrial facilities and projects. d
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Friendly, Constructive Ties With All Iraqi Groups
https://financialtribune.com/
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran’s senior envoy to Baghdad has dismissed speculation about discord between Tehran and Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, describing him as a “dear and influential friend and brother” of the Islamic Republic.
In an interview with Alalam TV, Ambassador Iraj Masjedi said Iran “welcomes and supports the will of the Iraqi people” in the recent parliamentary election. He congratulated the Iraqi parties, groups and alliances that won seats in the legislature, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Highlighting Iran’s “warm and friendly ties” with the Iraqi people from varying political affiliations, the ambassador underlined that Tehran has “constructive relations with all (Iraqi) groups and coalitions in the neighboring Arab country.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran’s senior envoy to Baghdad has dismissed speculation about discord between Tehran and Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, describing him as a “dear and influential friend and brother” of the Islamic Republic.
In an interview with Alalam TV, Ambassador Iraj Masjedi said Iran “welcomes and supports the will of the Iraqi people” in the recent parliamentary election. He congratulated the Iraqi parties, groups and alliances that won seats in the legislature, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Highlighting Iran’s “warm and friendly ties” with the Iraqi people from varying political affiliations, the ambassador underlined that Tehran has “constructive relations with all (Iraqi) groups and coalitions in the neighboring Arab country.
Oil Industry Bosses Will Discuss OPEC Policy
https://financialtribune.com/
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Key oil ministers and company executives will gather in Russia later this week for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, amid expectations that the business meeting will prepare the ground for talks about the OPEC-Russia production cut deal and sanctions on Russia.
Attendees will include Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo and UAE’s Energy Minister and current OPEC President Suhail al-Mazrouei, Platts reported.
They are expected to discuss the current oil market conditions and the recent rise in oil prices.
The St. Petersburg forum comes just a month before the OPEC summit in Vienna, Austria, on June 22, at which countries participating in the global production cut deal are expected to review the state of the oil market and possibly adopt new metrics to measure the agreement’s success.
By the current metric—the five-year average of OECD commercial stocks—the glut is gone, according to both OPEC and the International Energy Agency.
The forum also comes amid geopolitical concerns that have lately pushed oil prices to three-and-a-half year highs—Venezuela’s plunging oil production and the possible reduction of Iranian oil exports after the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
Saudi Arabia has signaled that it was ready to coordinate global action to ease oil market anxiety.
"But the hosts of this week’s forum, Russia, may not be too keen to let oil prices run too high," Christian Boermel, senior analyst, Russia upstream at Wood Mackenzie, told Platts.
For two consecutive months, in March and April, Russia exceeded its quota under the OPEC/non-OPEC deal—a move that some analysts interpret as Russian companies getting tired of capping production, despite assurances from Moscow that it is sticking to the pact.
Among the industry executives expected to attend the Russian forum this week will be the CEOs of the biggest European firms—Total’s Patrick Pouyanne, Shell’s Ben van Beurden, and BP’s Bob Dudley. All three companies have presence and interests in Russian projects and operations.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Key oil ministers and company executives will gather in Russia later this week for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, amid expectations that the business meeting will prepare the ground for talks about the OPEC-Russia production cut deal and sanctions on Russia.
Attendees will include Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo and UAE’s Energy Minister and current OPEC President Suhail al-Mazrouei, Platts reported.
They are expected to discuss the current oil market conditions and the recent rise in oil prices.
The St. Petersburg forum comes just a month before the OPEC summit in Vienna, Austria, on June 22, at which countries participating in the global production cut deal are expected to review the state of the oil market and possibly adopt new metrics to measure the agreement’s success.
By the current metric—the five-year average of OECD commercial stocks—the glut is gone, according to both OPEC and the International Energy Agency.
The forum also comes amid geopolitical concerns that have lately pushed oil prices to three-and-a-half year highs—Venezuela’s plunging oil production and the possible reduction of Iranian oil exports after the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
Saudi Arabia has signaled that it was ready to coordinate global action to ease oil market anxiety.
"But the hosts of this week’s forum, Russia, may not be too keen to let oil prices run too high," Christian Boermel, senior analyst, Russia upstream at Wood Mackenzie, told Platts.
For two consecutive months, in March and April, Russia exceeded its quota under the OPEC/non-OPEC deal—a move that some analysts interpret as Russian companies getting tired of capping production, despite assurances from Moscow that it is sticking to the pact.
Among the industry executives expected to attend the Russian forum this week will be the CEOs of the biggest European firms—Total’s Patrick Pouyanne, Shell’s Ben van Beurden, and BP’s Bob Dudley. All three companies have presence and interests in Russian projects and operations.
New Report Reveals Banks’ NPL Ratio Gap
23/05/2018
Iran
Majlis Article 90 Commission has presented a report on non-performing loans of banks, showing that while unofficial numbers indicate a ratio of up to 50%, figures presented by the banks indicate $15 billion in bad loans are more than likely lost for good
Among state-run banks, Bank Maskan had a staggering 100% NPL ratio for its foreign currency loans and was followed by Bank Keshavarzi and the Export Development Bank of Iran with ratios of 76.9% and 25.4%
A senior member of Majlis Article 90 Commission presented the latest report on the state of non-performing loans of Iran's banking system in Tuesday's open session, which painted a highly contrasting picture.
"At present, even the banking regulator [Central Bank of Iran] lacks precise data about the volume of banks' restructured loan portfolios," Farhad Tajari was also quoted as saying by ICANA, the official news outlet of the parliament.
However, he made a claim that, if proven to be true, paints a dark picture of the banking system.
"Unofficial statements concerning the real volume of non-performing loans offered by the banking system using various techniques tell of a ratio going as high as 50% of all bank loans," he said.
"At present, even the banking regulator [Central Bank of Iran] lacks precise data about the volume of banks' restructured loan portfolios," Farhad Tajari was also quoted as saying by ICANA, the official news outlet of the parliament.
However, he made a claim that, if proven to be true, paints a dark picture of the banking system.
"Unofficial statements concerning the real volume of non-performing loans offered by the banking system using various techniques tell of a ratio going as high as 50% of all bank loans," he said.
Non-Oil Trade With Vietnam Tops $440m
https://financialtribune.com/
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran traded $443.71 million worth of non-oil goods with Vietnam during the last Iranian year (ended March 20, 2018), registering a decrease of 0.32% compared to the year before, making the Southeast Asian nation Iran’s 28th biggest trading partner.
As per the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration’s data, Iran exported 183,421 tons of commodities worth $364.13 million to Vietnam last year, posting 45.32% and 9.89% declines in tonnage and in value respectively year-on-year.
The exports mainly included pistachio, fig and shrimp.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran traded $443.71 million worth of non-oil goods with Vietnam during the last Iranian year (ended March 20, 2018), registering a decrease of 0.32% compared to the year before, making the Southeast Asian nation Iran’s 28th biggest trading partner.
As per the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration’s data, Iran exported 183,421 tons of commodities worth $364.13 million to Vietnam last year, posting 45.32% and 9.89% declines in tonnage and in value respectively year-on-year.
The exports mainly included pistachio, fig and shrimp.
Ministry Condemns US Sanctioning of CBI Chief
https://financialtribune.com/
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran
Two days after the Central Bank of Iran issued a statement against the recent blacklisting of its governor, the Ministry of Economic and Finance Affairs has made a similar move, calling the sanctions another example of “unconventional behavior” and a “lack of commitment toward international agreements” by the US.
“In an illegal move that was against international rights, the US Treasury Department put the governor of the central bank and one of its directors on its sanctions list,” the ministry’s statement published on its website reads.
On May 15, the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on CBI Governor Valiollah Seif and Ali Tarzali, former assistant director of the bank’s International Department, in addition to the Iraq-based Al-Bilad Islamic Bank and its chairman, and a Hezbollah official.
OFAC designated all of them Specially Designated Global Terrorists, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Iran
Two days after the Central Bank of Iran issued a statement against the recent blacklisting of its governor, the Ministry of Economic and Finance Affairs has made a similar move, calling the sanctions another example of “unconventional behavior” and a “lack of commitment toward international agreements” by the US.
“In an illegal move that was against international rights, the US Treasury Department put the governor of the central bank and one of its directors on its sanctions list,” the ministry’s statement published on its website reads.
On May 15, the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on CBI Governor Valiollah Seif and Ali Tarzali, former assistant director of the bank’s International Department, in addition to the Iraq-based Al-Bilad Islamic Bank and its chairman, and a Hezbollah official.
OFAC designated all of them Specially Designated Global Terrorists, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
The devaluation of the Iranian riyal and the purchase of the dollar «more dangerous than drugs»
Iran's official cut for the first time marked the value of the riyal against the dollar, signaling that it would allow for exchange rate flexibility while facing the consequences of the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal between Tehran and the six countries. But access to the US currency is difficult, and some consider it "more dangerous than buying drugs."
After the riyal lost half of its value within a year, Iran in April closed its exchange rate in both the official and free markets at 42,000 dollars. The authorities threatened to arrest the riyal traders at other exchange rates, and sent the police to watch exchange offices in major cities. The newspaper "Financial Tribune" Iran that the Attorney General Abbas Jafari Dult Abadi announced the arrest of 180 people, after irregularities related to the circulation of foreign currencies.
But the central bank of Iran started this week to arrange a very slow devaluation of the riyal, which is likely to leave the currency gradually moving, according to supply and demand, as long as it can avoid an automatic fall again. The central bank has set the exchange rate at 42050 riyals for the dollar Monday and 42060 yesterday, the Financial Tribune reported. But the currency traded on the black market amounted to 64 thousand riyals to the dollar, after falling to a record level of about 75 thousand earlier this month, following Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
The bank's governor, Aliullah Saif, hinted at the possibility of further reductions, pointing out that the riyal may move about 5-6 percent during the fiscal year ending March 20, 2019.
Saif was quoted as saying at a meeting of bank chief executives that the central bank would set foreign exchange rates based on inflation in Iran, slightly above 8 percent. Foreigners living in Tehran said they had to exchange currency with traders, in cellars or gas stations, to escape surveillance. "It's more dangerous than buying drugs," one said. d
Kauaihn Economic Times:
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
FOR TWITTER ACCT
Just send a text message from your cell phone to:
40404 (may have to add 40404 as a contact first) Then send a message that says: Follow @FactsnOpinion1 and you will join their twitter feed and instantly get the doc. You do NOT have to join twitter to get tweets
ONLY SPACE IS AFTER FOLLOW
who are on their computers to go to:
to get to our twitter feed
RANKED: The 29 richest countries in the world
Business Insider
Sean Pavone / iStock Size doesn't always mean wealth when it comes to the world's richest countries, according to data published in April by the International Monetary Fund. Twice a year the IMF releases a huge dump of data about the economic power of the world's nations, with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita a key statistic. The IMF ranks the world's countries according to their GDP based on purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita. The PPP takes into account the relative cost of living Read the full story
Oil Prices Hold Near 2014 Highs Amid Global Supply Jitters
Investing.com
© Reuters. Oil prices stay near 2014 highs Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Here Are the Best Banks for College Students Across the U.S.Money
From free checking to flexible ATM rules, these accounts offer the best special deals. Read the full story
More than 60 per cent of mainlanders with personable investible assets worth in excess of US$1 million now hold those offshore, and 10 per cent of that by value are handled by foreign banks Read the full story
Investors in Deutsche Bank on Thursday will call on the loss-making lender's leadership to deliver quicker results as its share price languishes and revenue dwindles. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on legislation on Tuesday that would rewrite parts of Dodd-Frank. The bill has already cleared the Senate, and if passed, it would mark one of the most significant overhauls of financial industry rules in nearly a decade. Read the full story
Late payments on credit-card debt remain on the rise. This contrasts the trend in other forms of credit including auto loans and mortgages, where late payments of 30 days or more are on the decline. Michael Pearce, an economist at Capital Economics, said higher interest rates have left more families struggling to pay promptly. Paying off credit-card debt on time is one of the most important ways to maintain a good credit score. It's getting more expensive to borrow from banks in America, and Read the full story
Top 5 Things To Know In The Market On Tuesday
Investing.com
© Reuters. Top 5 things to know today in financial markets Read the full story
© Reuters. What to watch out for in tomorrow's session Read the full story
U.S. government debt prices were lower Tuesday, ahead of the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting due Wednesday. Read the full story
The bond market is showing signs of an upcoming correction and investors should sell their shares in listed companies, a strategist told CNBC on Tuesday. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
The strong dollar is proving too much of a headwind for gold. Read the full story
5 reasons for investors to buy bonds again. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
2018 Disruptor 50: No. 10 Coinbase
CNBC
Coinbase has raised $225 million in funding, making it the biggest private bitcoin company out there. Among its investors: the NYSE, former Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit and former Thomson Reuters CEO Tom Glocer. Read the full story
Coinbase has a much bigger plan than just pocketing fees from bitcoin trading
CNBC
Cryptocurrency-exchange Coinbase soared to $1 billion in revenue as a result of the bitcoin bubble. Now it's spreading bets to dominate a vast crypto economy.
Read the full story
Bitcoin cash is a must-own, says crypto investor Brian Kelly
CNBC
Crypto investor Brian Kelly makes the case for bitcoin cash. Read the full story
As bitcoin world wobbles, mining rig company plans $2 billion IPO
Reuters
Bitcoins are worth less than half of what they were in December. Mining them is 60 percent less profitable than it was in 2017. Even retailers of hobbyist mining rigs say they are seeing fewer customers. Read the full story
Cryptocurrency and a stock market boom pushes TradingView to $37 million in new funding
TechCrunch
Fueled by last year's greed-inducing visions of a cryptocurrency boom and a ... Read the full story
Kodak launches new cryptocurrency designed for photographer
Fox News
WENN Digital CEO Jan Denecke on Kodak launching a cryptocurrency tailored for professional photographers. Read the full story
Bitcoin headed for $20,000 in six months, says CEO of cryptocurrency platform
MarketWatch
Bitcoin, the world’s biggest digital currency on Monday, trades higher, punching above $8,500. However, the virtual-currency market more broadly wasn’t faring as well, with most coins kicking off the week in decline. Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Forex - Dollar Pulls Back From 5-Month High as BoE Governor Testifies
Investing.com
© Reuters. Profit taking pulls dollar back from 5-month high against major rivals Read the full story
MarketWatch
The dollar pulls back for a second session Tuesday, with a strong pound crimping the buck’s ascent. Read the full story
A tricky wrinkle in Trump's Medicare Rx "Blueprint"
CBS News
Consolidating all Medicare drug payments under Part D sounds easy, but some cancer patients fear they'll take a hit Read the full story
People who ate a daily egg had lower heart disease and stroke risk Read the full story
Four to five times a week is the ideal amount Read the full story
The latest diet craze promises weight loss without sacrificing bacon, but dietitians see some downsides Read the full story
As Ebola outbreak flares, experimental vaccine gets trial by fire. Read the full story
The US corporate debt market is having one of its worst starts to a year since the 1990sBusiness Insider
A major sell-off is underway in the US corporate debt market. US corporate debt is suffering one of its worst sell-offs in 18 years, according to JPMorgan research. The widely watched ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch corporate debt indices shows that investors in investment grade US company debt have lost close to 4% this year. Fears of excessive valuations are pushing investors away from US corporate debt. As such, US corporate debt is suffering one of its worst sell-offs in 18 years, Read the full story
The coin's release awkwardly follows North Korea's threat to cancel the talks Read the full story
The U.S. suspended its threat to put tariffs on $150 billion in imports of Chinese goods while negotiations with China continue, but President Donald Trump could still impose the tariffs if a deal between the two countries doesn’t progress, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Soybean prices climb Monday, poised for their strongest one-day gain in more than a month, as the U.S. declared a truce over its trade spat with China. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
China rebuffs U.S. concerns about ties with Venezuela
Reuters
China rebuffed U.S. concerns about its ties with Venezuela on Tuesday after Washington imposed new sanctions on the crisis-stricken oil-producing country following the re-election of its socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Read the full story
The "lower for longer" oil price mantra is doomed, one oil analyst told CNBC Tuesday, amid heightened energy market fears of an imminent supply shock. Read the full story
White House: Trump signs order limiting Venezuelan government's ability to sell off public assets after 'sham' election Read the full story
Cryptocurrency trading startup Bitex has trialed a cross-border payments system using bitcoin with an Argentinian bank. 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
Last year, the US dollar experienced its worst year in more than a decade. But after stumbling through the start of this year, the greenback… Read the full story
Palestinians ask ICC to investigate alleged Israeli human rights crimesBusiness Insider
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki speaks during a meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council in Istanbul Thomson Reuters THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki on Tuesday submitted a request asking the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged human rights violations linked to Israeli settlement policies. The application goes further than a 2015 request for prosecutors to examine alleged crimes in the region and could fast-track the process to a Read the full story
In 2013, American Enterprise Institute scholar Mark Rubin wrote, “With successive US administrations and European governments effectively ignoring Africa, Tehran sees many of Africa’s 54 countries as diplomatic easy picking in a zero-sum game for influence.” The United States now has a fourth successive administration ignoring Africa, save the engagement from the Department of Defense.... Read the full story
Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.) on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's threat to implement strict sanctions against Iran. Read the full story
Will Iraq's elections bring stability to Iraq? Read the full story
Portuguese theater director drops out of festival in Jerusalem this week over Israel's treatment of Palestinians Read the full story
The U.S. has been the undisputed top producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons for the last 6 years. Read the full story
Angola private investment law ensures lower taxesFurtherAfrica
Lower Taxes are among the benefits the national and foreign investors will enjoy with the coming into force of the New Law on Private Investment. Read the full story
Izyshop – Mozambique´s online platform connecting producers and retailers to consumers with same-day home delivery, secures funding from DHD HOLDING, a local Mozambican holding company, which among other enterprises owns the largest private media conglomerate in Mozambique – SOICO GROUP. Read the full story
India’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Rudra Gaurav Shresth said on Monday that his country is targeting its investment in the southern African country to reach US$13 billion over the next 10 years. Read the full story
This was said to Angop on Friday in Benguela province by BFA Executive Director for Economic Issues, Manuela Moreira, following a Workshop on the challenges of the exporting businesspeople in an initiative of the BFA, on the fringes of the eighth edition of Benguela International Fair (FIB), which took place on May 16-20. Read the full story
HARARE, May 21 (The Source) - Zimbabwe’s mines Minister Winston Chitando says he will dissolve boards of underperforming parastatals under his ministry, with their replacements to be announced next week to improve performance. The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), the Zimbabwe Mining Development Company (ZMDC) and Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) will al get... Read the full story
Zimbabwe has applied to re-join the Commonwealth after the country withdrew its membership 15 years ago under former President Robert Mugabe. Read the full story
Harare, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s hopes to get a quick economic boost from legalizing cannabis farming have been put on hold after the licensing process was halted.… Read the full story
China’s reform and opening must continue, 40 years after its ‘second revolution’South China Morning Post
G. Bin Zhao says the strengthening of Xi Jinping’s leadership will make further reform and opening possible – by removing the obstacles to change Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Analysts suggest zero rates for smaller depositors could soon become a thing of the past and overall lending amounts could rise in June for the first time in 12 years Read the full story
Asian markets largely fell in early trading Tuesday, despite gains on Wall Street and signs of easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Read the full story
The American government prohibits foreign investment in North Korea, he said. Read the full story
EUROPE
Russia and Japan warn U.S. of $1 billion in tariff retaliation
Business Insider
A WTO logo is pictured on their headquarters in Geneva Thomson Reuters GENEVA (Reuters) - Russia and Japan have warned they could retaliate against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum by imposing sanctions worth almost $1 billion combined, filings published by the World Trade Organization showed on Tuesday. The documents from Russia and Japan, following similar filings last week by the European Union and China, notified the United States of the cost of its tariff plan, based on 2017 exports. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn reportedly could fight another election later this year. The outcome of any election will be determined by which party performs best in hundreds of British towns, according to stark new research published today. The Conservatives and Labour are neck and neck in small to medium-sized towns like Derby, Bolton and Nuneaton. There was around 1% between the two parties in these communities at the recent local elections. Labour is gaining ground in cities and university Read the full story
U.K. stocks struggle for direction early on Tuesday, a day after scoring an all-time closing high, as traders wait for fresh catalysts to give the market direction — something comments from Bank of England chief Mark Carney could provide. Read the full story d
d
GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
RANKED: The 29 richest countries in the world
Business Insider
Sean Pavone / iStock Size doesn't always mean wealth when it comes to the world's richest countries, according to data published in April by the International Monetary Fund. Twice a year the IMF releases a huge dump of data about the economic power of the world's nations, with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita a key statistic. The IMF ranks the world's countries according to their GDP based on purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita. The PPP takes into account the relative cost of living Read the full story
Here’s what billionaires of the world do with their free time
A new report from data company WealthX reveals what the richest individuals in the world are interested in outside of their work.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Here's what you need to know about the markets before you start your business day. Read the full story
It's a strategy that combines low cost of living and a frugal mindset. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
China cuts car tariffs; Zuckerberg in Brussels; Italy's new candidate
CNN MoneyHere's what you need to know about the markets before you start your business day. Read the full story
I'm 34 Years Old and Own 8 Homes. Here's How I Did It
MoneyIt's a strategy that combines low cost of living and a frugal mindset. Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Oil Prices Hold Near 2014 Highs Amid Global Supply Jitters
Investing.com
© Reuters. Oil prices stay near 2014 highs Read the full story
US crude rises 1.4% to 3.5-year high, settling at $72.24, on Venezuela and Iran supply concerns
Crude prices strengthened on Monday, reversing course as geopolitical tensions continued to support the market.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Gold Prices Edge Higher But Stay Near Yearly LowsInvesting.com
© Reuters. Gold ticks higher after hitting 2018 low Read the full story
Putting gold and other mined material on equal footing, gold equivalent ounce is a key term used in the mining industry. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
© Reuters. Gold prices pare losses as concerns over Iran and NAFTA help offset pause in Sino-U.S. trade war Read the full story
Economy May 21, 2018 12:55 GMT Investing.com - As gasoline prices continue to rise on the back of surging oil prices, the impact on the economy deepens, undercutting disposable income and the benefits of the individual tax cuts. With a national average of almost $3 a gallon, prices are up 24% in the past year and closing in on a four-year high. Economist estimate that each penny a gallon increase absorbs $1 billion in economic consumption a year from elsewhere in the economy. Gas prices averaged Read the full story
© Reuters. Gold ticks higher after hitting 2018 low Read the full story
What Is a Gold Equivalent Ounce (GEO)?
The Motley FoolPutting gold and other mined material on equal footing, gold equivalent ounce is a key term used in the mining industry. Read the full story
Gold hits 2018 low as trade comments lift stocks, dollar
Gold prices edged down on Monday as the dollar rose and demand for safe-haven assets eased.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Gold Prices Drift Lower as Global Trade Remains in Focus
Investing.com© Reuters. Gold prices pare losses as concerns over Iran and NAFTA help offset pause in Sino-U.S. trade war Read the full story
Higher Gasoline Prices Eat Into Tax Cut Gain For Consumers
Investing.comEconomy May 21, 2018 12:55 GMT Investing.com - As gasoline prices continue to rise on the back of surging oil prices, the impact on the economy deepens, undercutting disposable income and the benefits of the individual tax cuts. With a national average of almost $3 a gallon, prices are up 24% in the past year and closing in on a four-year high. Economist estimate that each penny a gallon increase absorbs $1 billion in economic consumption a year from elsewhere in the economy. Gas prices averaged Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Here Are the Best Banks for College Students Across the U.S.Money
From free checking to flexible ATM rules, these accounts offer the best special deals. Read the full story
Chinese banks up the ante to lure millionaire clients from overseas private investment houses
South China Morning PostMore than 60 per cent of mainlanders with personable investible assets worth in excess of US$1 million now hold those offshore, and 10 per cent of that by value are handled by foreign banks Read the full story
Deutsche Bank's chairman to face tough questions at annual meeting
ReutersInvestors in Deutsche Bank on Thursday will call on the loss-making lender's leadership to deliver quicker results as its share price languishes and revenue dwindles. Read the full story
Deutsche Bank's problems threaten a star banker
Paul Achleitner, a star banker in Germany, is facing a potential ouster from Deutsche Bank as investors blame him for the bank’s string of disasters, the New York Times reports.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
3 things to do if you can’t afford a down payment but still want to buy a home
You can still become a homeowner even if you can't afford to put 20 percent down.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Congress finally found something it can agree on: helping banks
VoxThe House of Representatives is expected to vote on legislation on Tuesday that would rewrite parts of Dodd-Frank. The bill has already cleared the Senate, and if passed, it would mark one of the most significant overhauls of financial industry rules in nearly a decade. Read the full story
More Americans are struggling to pay their credit cards, and what’s holding them back is only getting worse
Business InsiderLate payments on credit-card debt remain on the rise. This contrasts the trend in other forms of credit including auto loans and mortgages, where late payments of 30 days or more are on the decline. Michael Pearce, an economist at Capital Economics, said higher interest rates have left more families struggling to pay promptly. Paying off credit-card debt on time is one of the most important ways to maintain a good credit score. It's getting more expensive to borrow from banks in America, and Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Top 5 Things To Know In The Market On Tuesday
Investing.com
© Reuters. Top 5 things to know today in financial markets 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
US Treasurys lower as investors await Federal Open Market Committee minutes
CNBCU.S. government debt prices were lower Tuesday, ahead of the release of minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting due Wednesday. Read the full story
Sell stocks as another correction is coming, strategist warns
CNBCThe bond market is showing signs of an upcoming correction and investors should sell their shares in listed companies, a strategist told CNBC on Tuesday. Read the full story
US Treasury yields little changed after last week's climb
U.S. government debt yields ticked higher Monday following a sharp increase last week, when both the 10-year Treasury note yield and two-year Treasury note yield notched multiyear highs.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Hedge Funds Exit Gold Amid Strong Dollar, Lack Of Fear
Investor's Business DailyThe strong dollar is proving too much of a headwind for gold. Read the full story
Opinion: Short-term bond yields are finally more attractive than dividend stocks
MarketWatch5 reasons for investors to buy bonds again. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
2018 Disruptor 50: No. 10 Coinbase
CNBC
Coinbase has raised $225 million in funding, making it the biggest private bitcoin company out there. Among its investors: the NYSE, former Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit and former Thomson Reuters CEO Tom Glocer. Read the full story
Coinbase has a much bigger plan than just pocketing fees from bitcoin trading
CNBC
Cryptocurrency-exchange Coinbase soared to $1 billion in revenue as a result of the bitcoin bubble. Now it's spreading bets to dominate a vast crypto economy.
Read the full story
Bitcoin cash is a must-own, says crypto investor Brian Kelly
CNBC
Crypto investor Brian Kelly makes the case for bitcoin cash. Read the full story
As bitcoin world wobbles, mining rig company plans $2 billion IPO
Reuters
Bitcoins are worth less than half of what they were in December. Mining them is 60 percent less profitable than it was in 2017. Even retailers of hobbyist mining rigs say they are seeing fewer customers. Read the full story
Cryptocurrency and a stock market boom pushes TradingView to $37 million in new funding
TechCrunch
Fueled by last year's greed-inducing visions of a cryptocurrency boom and a ... Read the full story
Kodak launches new cryptocurrency designed for photographer
Fox News
WENN Digital CEO Jan Denecke on Kodak launching a cryptocurrency tailored for professional photographers. Read the full story
Bitcoin headed for $20,000 in six months, says CEO of cryptocurrency platform
MarketWatch
Bitcoin, the world’s biggest digital currency on Monday, trades higher, punching above $8,500. However, the virtual-currency market more broadly wasn’t faring as well, with most coins kicking off the week in decline. Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Dollar holds near four-month highs, oil near multi-year topReuters
The dollar hovered near four-month highs on Tuesday on renewed optimism about global growth as the United States and China agreed to drop their tariff threats, while oil stayed at multi-year peaks over potential sanctions in Venezuela. Read the full story
The dollar hovered near four-month highs on Tuesday on renewed optimism about global growth as the United States and China agreed to drop their tariff threats, while oil stayed at multi-year peaks over potential sanctions in Venezuela. Read the full story
Being long the dollar is cool againMarketWatch
Being bullish the U.S. dollar is cool again. Read the full story
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Being bullish the U.S. dollar is cool again. Read the full story
Dollar scales 5-month peak as US-China trade tensions ebb
The dollar climbed to a five-month peak on Monday as news of a truce between the United States and China on trade tariffs prompted investors to pare short positions.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
© Reuters. Profit taking pulls dollar back from 5-month high against major rivals Read the full story
Selling pressure stays on dollar as pound climbs on BOE rate-hike comments
The dollar pulls back for a second session Tuesday, with a strong pound crimping the buck’s ascent. Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH
A tricky wrinkle in Trump's Medicare Rx "Blueprint"
CBS News
Consolidating all Medicare drug payments under Part D sounds easy, but some cancer patients fear they'll take a hit Read the full story
Eating an Egg a Day May Keep Heart Disease Away, a New Study Says
TIMEPeople who ate a daily egg had lower heart disease and stroke risk Read the full story
This Amount of Exercise Keeps Your Heart Young
TIMEFour to five times a week is the ideal amount Read the full story
Celebrities tout Keto diet, but experts say stay away
CBS NewsThe latest diet craze promises weight loss without sacrificing bacon, but dietitians see some downsides Read the full story
Vaccination method that wiped out smallpox gets unleashed today on Ebola
Ars TechnicaAs Ebola outbreak flares, experimental vaccine gets trial by fire. Read the full story
USA/CANADA
The US corporate debt market is having one of its worst starts to a year since the 1990sBusiness Insider
A major sell-off is underway in the US corporate debt market. US corporate debt is suffering one of its worst sell-offs in 18 years, according to JPMorgan research. The widely watched ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch corporate debt indices shows that investors in investment grade US company debt have lost close to 4% this year. Fears of excessive valuations are pushing investors away from US corporate debt. As such, US corporate debt is suffering one of its worst sell-offs in 18 years, Read the full story
The U.S. Has Made a Commemorative 'Peace Talks' Coin Ahead of the Trump-Kim Summit
TIMEThe coin's release awkwardly follows North Korea's threat to cancel the talks Read the full story
Treasury Secretary Says U.S., China Have Suspended Tariffs
The Wall Street JournalThe U.S. suspended its threat to put tariffs on $150 billion in imports of Chinese goods while negotiations with China continue, but President Donald Trump could still impose the tariffs if a deal between the two countries doesn’t progress, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. Read the full story
Trade truce with China could boost US beef, soybeans and other agriculture products
American beef, corn and soybeans could benefit the most from the latest trade agreements between the U.S. and China.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Soybean prices climb as U.S., China trade war truce lifts ‘veil of uncertainty’
MarketWatchSoybean prices climb Monday, poised for their strongest one-day gain in more than a month, as the U.S. declared a truce over its trade spat with China. Read the full story
Goldman Sachs: The fiscal outlook for the US 'is not good'
Huge budget deficits and national debt could pose a threat to the country's economic security during the next recession, Goldman warned.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
EMERGING MARKETS
China rebuffs U.S. concerns about ties with Venezuela
Reuters
China rebuffed U.S. concerns about its ties with Venezuela on Tuesday after Washington imposed new sanctions on the crisis-stricken oil-producing country following the re-election of its socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Read the full story
Low oil price era is 'dead' as crisis-stricken Venezuela risks a supply shock, analyst says
CNBCThe "lower for longer" oil price mantra is doomed, one oil analyst told CNBC Tuesday, amid heightened energy market fears of an imminent supply shock. Read the full story
White House: Trump signs order limiting Venezuelan government's ability to sell off public assets after 'sham' election
ABC NewsWhite House: Trump signs order limiting Venezuelan government's ability to sell off public assets after 'sham' election Read the full story
A Bank In Argentina Is Now Using Bitcoin for Cross-Border Payments
CoinDeskCryptocurrency trading startup Bitex has trialed a cross-border payments system using bitcoin with an Argentinian bank. 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
A stronger dollar is making 2018 a destructive year for emerging-market currencies
QuartzLast year, the US dollar experienced its worst year in more than a decade. But after stumbling through the start of this year, the greenback… Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
Palestinians ask ICC to investigate alleged Israeli human rights crimesBusiness Insider
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki speaks during a meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers Council in Istanbul Thomson Reuters THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki on Tuesday submitted a request asking the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged human rights violations linked to Israeli settlement policies. The application goes further than a 2015 request for prosecutors to examine alleged crimes in the region and could fast-track the process to a Read the full story
America May Not Care About Africa But Iran Does
RedStateIn 2013, American Enterprise Institute scholar Mark Rubin wrote, “With successive US administrations and European governments effectively ignoring Africa, Tehran sees many of Africa’s 54 countries as diplomatic easy picking in a zero-sum game for influence.” The United States now has a fourth successive administration ignoring Africa, save the engagement from the Department of Defense.... Read the full story
Pompeo threatens to implement 'strongest sanctions in history' against Iran
Fox NewsLt. Col. Allen West (Ret.) on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's threat to implement strict sanctions against Iran. Read the full story
Will Iraq's elections bring stability to Iraq?
TRT WorldWill Iraq's elections bring stability to Iraq? Read the full story
Portuguese director drops out of Israel festival over Gaza
ABC NewsPortuguese theater director drops out of festival in Jerusalem this week over Israel's treatment of Palestinians Read the full story
NEW RECORD! US Oil And Gas Hydrocarbon Production Is Double Saudi Arabia’s
The Daily CallerThe U.S. has been the undisputed top producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons for the last 6 years. Read the full story
AFRICA
Angola private investment law ensures lower taxesFurtherAfrica
Lower Taxes are among the benefits the national and foreign investors will enjoy with the coming into force of the New Law on Private Investment. Read the full story
Press release: Izyshop. Mozambique's online platform secures venture funding
FurtherAfricaIzyshop – Mozambique´s online platform connecting producers and retailers to consumers with same-day home delivery, secures funding from DHD HOLDING, a local Mozambican holding company, which among other enterprises owns the largest private media conglomerate in Mozambique – SOICO GROUP. Read the full story
Indian investment in Mozambique to top $13b by 2028 – Diplomat
FurtherAfricaIndia’s High Commissioner to Mozambique, Rudra Gaurav Shresth said on Monday that his country is targeting its investment in the southern African country to reach US$13 billion over the next 10 years. Read the full story
Angola Foment Bank approves credit line of USD100M for local businesspeople
FurtherAfricaThis was said to Angop on Friday in Benguela province by BFA Executive Director for Economic Issues, Manuela Moreira, following a Workshop on the challenges of the exporting businesspeople in an initiative of the BFA, on the fringes of the eighth edition of Benguela International Fair (FIB), which took place on May 16-20. Read the full story
Zimbabwe mines minister to appoint new boards for parastatals
SourceHARARE, May 21 (The Source) - Zimbabwe’s mines Minister Winston Chitando says he will dissolve boards of underperforming parastatals under his ministry, with their replacements to be announced next week to improve performance. The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), the Zimbabwe Mining Development Company (ZMDC) and Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) will al get... Read the full story
Zimbabwe applies to re-join Commonwealth, 15 years after leaving
CNNZimbabwe has applied to re-join the Commonwealth after the country withdrew its membership 15 years ago under former President Robert Mugabe. Read the full story
When it comes to legal cannabis, Zimbabwe is conflicted between economics and morality
QuartzHarare, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s hopes to get a quick economic boost from legalizing cannabis farming have been put on hold after the licensing process was halted.… Read the full story
ASIA
China’s reform and opening must continue, 40 years after its ‘second revolution’South China Morning Post
G. Bin Zhao says the strengthening of Xi Jinping’s leadership will make further reform and opening possible – by removing the obstacles to change Read the full story
US hikes tariffs on Chinese steel exported via Vietnam
The United States has raised tariffs on steel from Vietnam that Washington says originated in China and evaded anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Is the race to raise deposit rates the harbinger that could deflate Hong Kong’s property bubble?
South China Morning PostAnalysts suggest zero rates for smaller depositors could soon become a thing of the past and overall lending amounts could rise in June for the first time in 12 years Read the full story
Nikkei pulls back from 3-month high as Asian markets dip
MarketWatchAsian markets largely fell in early trading Tuesday, despite gains on Wall Street and signs of easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Read the full story
North Korea making very dramatic changes: Jim Rogers
Fox NewsThe American government prohibits foreign investment in North Korea, he said. Read the full story
EUROPE
Russia and Japan warn U.S. of $1 billion in tariff retaliation
Business Insider
A WTO logo is pictured on their headquarters in Geneva Thomson Reuters GENEVA (Reuters) - Russia and Japan have warned they could retaliate against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum by imposing sanctions worth almost $1 billion combined, filings published by the World Trade Organization showed on Tuesday. The documents from Russia and Japan, following similar filings last week by the European Union and China, notified the United States of the cost of its tariff plan, based on 2017 exports. Read the full story
Russia is out to prove that 'doomsday' forecasts of economic collapse have failed
Russia is preparing to welcome leaders and executives from the world of business and economics but this year's St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) comes at a time when its international relations are more unstable than ever.Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/
Why Britain's towns could help Theresa May win a snap general election
Business InsiderTheresa May and Jeremy Corbyn reportedly could fight another election later this year. The outcome of any election will be determined by which party performs best in hundreds of British towns, according to stark new research published today. The Conservatives and Labour are neck and neck in small to medium-sized towns like Derby, Bolton and Nuneaton. There was around 1% between the two parties in these communities at the recent local elections. Labour is gaining ground in cities and university Read the full story
U.K. stocks hang onto all-time high ahead of BOE hearing
MarketWatchU.K. stocks struggle for direction early on Tuesday, a day after scoring an all-time closing high, as traders wait for fresh catalysts to give the market direction — something comments from Bank of England chief Mark Carney could provide. Read the full story d
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Wednesday 5/23/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184
The currency auction is 178,086,489
There is one news and announcements for Wednesday 5/23/18
1. Auction Results Announcement (for selling Islamic certificates of deposit)
On 21/5/2018, the Central Bank approved the auction of ICD110 for the sale of EE certificates.
May 23, 2018
On 21/5/2018, the Central Bank approved the auction of ICD110 for the sale of EE certificates.
May 23, 2018
ISX Update:
Value Traded
526,701,819
Shares Traded
826,105,951
ISX ended in Red
Kauaihn Chatter:
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].
5-22-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 ...Iraq will soon form a basket in the Middle East of currencies to include the Iranian Rial, USD, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait with IQD... ...SADR WANTS REINSTATEMENT DONE IMMEDIATELY.
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni I stated last week that current PM al-Abadi does not want to be PM again. Today, some news surfaced that seems to support that. There may very well be a new PM chosen.
5-22-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat
4. Why wait? The CBI must give the economy time to adjust. They will also need to slowly roll out the lower category notes as the rate rises from the initial anchor rate.
5. I am hearing now that the target for forming the new govt is early to mid- June which also coincides with the mid-June ending of the MCP. It also is in-line with the June 1st date for the session of the new parliament.
6. So do you want a new window of opportunity? I only bring you one today based on what I just talked about. ...I am not going to give you any “opinion”. The timeframe that I can see developing is somewhere around the last two weeks of June 2018. [post 3 of 3]
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni I stated last week that current PM al-Abadi does not want to be PM again. Today, some news surfaced that seems to support that. There may very well be a new PM chosen.
5-22-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat
4. Why wait? The CBI must give the economy time to adjust. They will also need to slowly roll out the lower category notes as the rate rises from the initial anchor rate.
5. I am hearing now that the target for forming the new govt is early to mid- June which also coincides with the mid-June ending of the MCP. It also is in-line with the June 1st date for the session of the new parliament.
6. So do you want a new window of opportunity? I only bring you one today based on what I just talked about. ...I am not going to give you any “opinion”. The timeframe that I can see developing is somewhere around the last two weeks of June 2018. [post 3 of 3]
5-22-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...In pegging it to the SDR basket they must come up with an initial “anchor rate” equivalent and in-line with the basket of 5 currencies in it. This anchor rate in not technically an RV or RI but for our purposes it surely could be a substantial increase in value we all want. I do not believe, as [Guru] Kaperoni has stated ...that the “anchor rate” will be the 1184 program rate and they will let it float from that rate. Instead I believe this “anchor rate” could be equivalent to somewhere around a 1:1, 1 dinar : 1 US dollar. By the time we see it on FOREX it may already be well up to the $3.00 - $4.00 range we all want. Like I said in prior news, that this measure will be a counter inflationary measure holding if off FOREX for a few days to maybe a few weeks. [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
5-22-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat So what next: Iraq is:
1. Much more STABLE politically just having the announcement on Sunday that Al-Abadi will continue on with a second term;
2. That the new government about to be formed will have the full support of the anti-corruption “Sadr Movement” behind it to support what Abadi knows he must do – expose these 1,000 political figures involved in this corruption (or as the CBI has told us they are involved in the FRAUD and MANIPULATION of the currency.
3. Once the MCP monitoring is completed (in the absence of no more violations) this could happen on approx June 15th as Kap [Guru Kaperoni] noted. The CBI is expected to get permission to move ahead with the currency, put it on a float off the fixed rate de facto peg to the US Dollar. They will then re-peg it to the SDR basket of currencies. Here is the juicy part... [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Maliki individually received the highest number of votes in the election. [what does that mean for the elections though, will he have any power/say in anything?] Power follows the political bloc and not the individual. No need to be worried.Negotiations continue between the blocs. We are still awaiting a final certification of the election results. The final results must be ratified by the court.
5-22-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat So what next: Iraq is:
1. Much more STABLE politically just having the announcement on Sunday that Al-Abadi will continue on with a second term;
2. That the new government about to be formed will have the full support of the anti-corruption “Sadr Movement” behind it to support what Abadi knows he must do – expose these 1,000 political figures involved in this corruption (or as the CBI has told us they are involved in the FRAUD and MANIPULATION of the currency.
3. Once the MCP monitoring is completed (in the absence of no more violations) this could happen on approx June 15th as Kap [Guru Kaperoni] noted. The CBI is expected to get permission to move ahead with the currency, put it on a float off the fixed rate de facto peg to the US Dollar. They will then re-peg it to the SDR basket of currencies. Here is the juicy part... [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Maliki individually received the highest number of votes in the election. [what does that mean for the elections though, will he have any power/say in anything?] Power follows the political bloc and not the individual. No need to be worried.Negotiations continue between the blocs. We are still awaiting a final certification of the election results. The final results must be ratified by the court.
5-22-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 The National Bank of Iraq was told while the elections were going on, that they need to update their software on their ATM machines. Then told them we are going to give you 24 hour notice when to activate the ATM machines. CBI has given every bank notification to have ATM's ready. The 24 hour period will include: billboards lit up; Presentation boards inside financial institutions...and both in Article form for citizens read.
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "POSSIBILITY OF SPREADING BANKING CULTER" So the ability to show the citizens that the banking system has a new face on it has been in the forefront of objectives for the monetary policy to be absorbed into the culture in regards to trust, as it has not been about that for the past 30 years. They now have made progress in public awareness to instill in them that the Banking system, is not your enemy if you will. They go so far as to suggest they are creating an environment in which the customer is now right, whereas, in the past, it was not that way, thus, savings was not with the banks. This is a call for to tell citizens that the electronic system is in place, activation of payment tools are available and for exchanging there "NEW" currency through them, imo. That is a final step in the MR based off the Turkmenistan Model... They have overcome the illegal behaviors of the past. A secure environment is now... imo.
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Article quote: "The final results of the legislative elections announced by the Electoral Commission for elections showed the victory of 84 candidates for membership of the new House of Representatives." I read the foregoing to mean that there are 84 " new faces " in the Parliament. More than 1/3 of the total 329. 54 of which must be "Sadrist" since he insisted that all candidates be newcomers and his bloc won 54 seats. Parliamentary attendance should improve I expect.
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "POSSIBILITY OF SPREADING BANKING CULTER" So the ability to show the citizens that the banking system has a new face on it has been in the forefront of objectives for the monetary policy to be absorbed into the culture in regards to trust, as it has not been about that for the past 30 years. They now have made progress in public awareness to instill in them that the Banking system, is not your enemy if you will. They go so far as to suggest they are creating an environment in which the customer is now right, whereas, in the past, it was not that way, thus, savings was not with the banks. This is a call for to tell citizens that the electronic system is in place, activation of payment tools are available and for exchanging there "NEW" currency through them, imo. That is a final step in the MR based off the Turkmenistan Model... They have overcome the illegal behaviors of the past. A secure environment is now... imo.
5-22-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Article quote: "The final results of the legislative elections announced by the Electoral Commission for elections showed the victory of 84 candidates for membership of the new House of Representatives." I read the foregoing to mean that there are 84 " new faces " in the Parliament. More than 1/3 of the total 329. 54 of which must be "Sadrist" since he insisted that all candidates be newcomers and his bloc won 54 seats. Parliamentary attendance should improve I expect.
5-21-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni [correction] ...the 3 month IMF requirement...I want to correct how much time is left. Our countdown indicates 24 days. June/July going to be interesting months. [reference Guru Kaperoni post 5-21-18]
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
**************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
The Council of Ministers holds its regular session chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi
The Council of Ministers held its regular session Tuesday 22 May 2018 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi.
There was extensive discussion of the problems in the parliamentary elections and a set of directives and procedures to maintain the transparency of the electoral process.
The vote on the amendment of the Council of Ministers No. 71 of 2018 on the allocation of allocations to the staff of the General Authority for Taxation.
The council voted to extend the validity of the Italian loan.
The recruitment instructions were voted on the job grades resulting from the movement of the owners.
The Council of Ministers voted on the draft air transport agreement between the Republic of Iraq and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia.
The session witnessed the vote on the draft law of accession of the Republic of Iraq to the International Rescue Convention for the year 1989.
The Council of Ministers also voted on the bill of accession of the Republic of Iraq to the Convention on Safety and Health in Agriculture No. 184 of 2001.
The contract was signed on Mosul Dam for the maintenance of the inspection and rehabilitation of the lower ports of the dam contained in the investment plan.
The Council voted to assist workers in liberated areas.
The financing of the completion of the Sabla irrigation project was also voted on.
The meeting of the Council of Ministers discussed the accumulation of containers in the port of Umm Qasr al-Shamali and a number of measures have been taken regarding them.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
22 May 2018
*************
ARTICLE 2
Tweets posted on Government of Iraq twitter account; all posted on 5-22-2018, around 12:30 pm
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi: I call on political parties to adhere to the constitutionally mandated timetable for the convening of the new parliament and the formation of the next government
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi: Once again, I want to congratulate all the winning candidates in the parliamentary elections. It is important now that appeals against some results are investigated
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi: We successfully secured our border with Syria and intensified our intelligence-gathering. I instructed our security forces to remain on alert & to relentlessly pursue Daesh remnants
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi: Protecting Iraq and the Iraqi people is our paramount duty; we will continue to take the necessary measures to safeguard Iraq’s national security
- PM @HaiderAlAbadi holds his weekly press conference in Baghdad, briefs media on latest national and regional development
Tweet posted on PM Abadi's twitter account:
Haider Al-AbadiVerified account @HaiderAlAbadi 5-23-2018, around 3 am Eastern
Congratulations to Iraqi Novelist @saadawi_a on his award at the Man Booker International Prize for the novel "Frankenstein in Baghdad". Iraqi literature and arts continue to grow in strength and I congratulate Ahmed on behalf of all Iraqis for this achievement
>>>>Arabic: I congratulate the novelist and writer Ahmed Saadawi as an advanced ranking among the world's novelists, and to succeed in the emergence of a world-class site worthy of the status of literature in Iraq and the Arab world. On behalf of all Iraqis, I congratulate him
|
*************
ARTICLE 3
Abadi: The political blocs to adhere to the constitutional table and do not want special conditions imposed by a certain block
2018/5/22 23:44
[In Baghdad]
Prime Minister Haider al-Maliki called the political blocs to the constitutional schedule for the convening of the House of Representatives and the formation of the next government, while announced his rejection of special conditions imposed by a certain block.
"Our main objective is to protect the citizens, protect Iraq, protect the border and prevent infiltration and return of a fugitive across the Syrian border to Iraq," Abbadi said at a weekly press conference Tuesday. "The cleansing operations are continuing and we succeeded in securing the Syrian side of the border. Especially in the Upper Euphrates, and there is cooperation to secure the rest of the border adjacent to our borders. "
"We have issued several directives during our visit to the Joint Operations Command regarding the ongoing pursuit of terrorists who are small cells here and there and we are pursuing them and we have not given them any room," he said. "Calling on the security forces and citizens to" be vigilant against any attempt by terrorists to gather in any area. "
He also called the winning blocs to "abide by legal frameworks in appeals and objections to the election results, and the Electoral Commission to deal seriously and professionally with them, and must be neutral and be concerned to protect the citizen's voice."
"We held several meetings with the leaders of the political blocs and officials in the Iraqi state and met with the leader of the Sadrist movement, Moqtada al-Sadr, and there was a convergence of views regarding the formation of the next government, which must be a strong government and supported and the university and transit of sectarian and ethnic and far from quotas.
He pointed out that "the next government should be a government of technocrats and develop the Iraqi economy and create welfare and create jobs and provide services to citizens and improve the level of living for Iraqi families and provide employment opportunities for young people and graduates," noting that "we are open to all," calling for " On narrow partisan and party interests. "
He added that "part of the task of the Prime Minister is the continuation of the work of the state correctly and ensure that the formation of the next government correctly and properly in cooperation with other political blocs, and Iraq is still taking great strides in the return strongly to normal situation due to proper planning drawn by the government in general."
He pointed out that "the world looks at Iraq today a new look and we have to make the recent elections in support of Iraq to move forward and not to back down," stressing that "the dispute will contribute to obstruct Iraq's progress, and the rapid agreement will make Iraq progress quickly," calling on all political blocs to " The constitutional schedule for the convening of the House of Representatives and the formation of the government. "
"We want to abide by the constitutional dates for the convening of the House of Representatives and the formation of the government so that we can agree and follow this direction, and God willing, it will be shorter than the constitutional period that is scheduled and this is our call and we hope to complete this matter. We have great concern about the electoral process and the Council of Ministers discussed the accompanying Problems ".
He explained that "the government can not interfere in the work of the Electoral Commission, except as regards its responsibilities," calling on the Commission to "transparency and clarity and hand over all blocks winning and non-winning disk information special for each electoral station, as well as copies of all forms of voting," noting that " There is no reason to prevent the Electoral Commission from handing over the winning and non-winning blocs information on the election forms, and the delay in delivery increases the appeals and doubts, "pointing out that" there is consensus not to return the abhorrent quotas, and the political process must go in consultation with others, Limited to Strongly without the others h. "
"We do not want special conditions imposed by a certain bloc, and we all agree on the general national conditions that serve the citizens, and there is no problem in the mismatch of views, but on the contrary, the bulk of it match, and we need a high degree of agreement with the political blocs and there is a call to exclude some because There are other accounts and we are not with this approach because the exclusion is the introduction of an advocate, and we want to accommodate others according to programs. "
"We do not have a veto on forming the next government, but there must be specifications," he said, calling for "the application of these specifications, and if these specifications do not apply to a minister or official in a particular position, this must be respected."
*************
ARTICLE 4
Suron: The meetings of political leaders do not exceed the pulse of the pulse
2018/5/23 12:12
[Ayna-Baghdad]
"Despite the intensity of current meetings between the political leaders in the country at present, they are hardly departing from being protocol meetings for the purpose of sensing the pulse" in the file to form the next government, "said Qahtan al-Jubouri, spokesman for the alliance of Saarun, which is sponsored by the Sadrist movement leader Moqtada al-Sadr.
Al-Jubouri said in a press statement that "the alliance [sawnon] has no red lines at the level of alliances with any political party in the country provided that the commitment to the program we believe in, which we put forward from the beginning and we ran the election on the basis of it and we are the winning coalition in the first place."
"For us, the program is the foundation because what we are concerned about and how we have gained the confidence of the citizen is how to build the state and provide services, and therefore we are open to those who believe in this project, which is clearly expressed by Mr. Moqtada al-Sadr in a series of recent tweets."
"We are not talking about a particular candidate for prime minister, and we are not focusing on this issue, which makes us a magnet for everyone from what we believe to be a passing project," Jubouri said. Already for sectarianism and ethnicity. "
He pointed out that "the meetings currently under way between political leaders are hardly any more than a process of pulse and thus overcome the dimension of protocol rather than research in detail."
*************
ARTICLE 5
Taj Mahal loses its luster due to pollution
2018/5/22 10:08
[Where - Continue]
The white color of the tomb of Taj Mahal in India turns yellow and gray because the 17th-century mausoleum was exposed to polluted air in the eighth-largest city in the world.
The mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the world, is surrounded by a river where garbage is scattered and often covered by dust and smoke from chimneys and vehicles in the northern Indian city of Agra.
An environmental lawyer told the Supreme Court in India that fine insects were crawling from the Jemna River, where the city's sewage was drained and drained into the Taj Mahal, and the waste of these insects increased pollution of the marble.
The court harshly criticized the government for not doing enough to preserve the impact, built by the Mongol emperor Shah Jahan, a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The lawyer said MC. "If Indian scientists and [environmentalists] can not do anything, they can do nothing less than contact foreign experts or activists who can come and be ready to help," said Mehta, who has been fighting to save Taj Mahal from pollution for 30 years.
Tourists visiting the ruins said they hoped to take steps to preserve it.
*************
No comments:
Post a Comment