TNT Saturday Update
Here's what we've learned so far regarding the Lebanese Pound (currency).....
Currently priced at $650-$750 per million (depending on seller) and a bank screen rate of $1.60 per pound projected to go as high as $2.37. Yes, that would be 1.6 million dollars or 2.37 million dollars. 
The Lebanese people are being told to expect a change in value to their currency.... first it was by Christmas, now it's by mid-January [Hmmmmm, I'm going to check to see which basket it will]
[Not the best deal going for our currency aspirations, but a good contender for those seeking to further diversify their holdings. Maybe?]
WOTS Saturday 1/5/19:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,185.0000 | 1,185.0000 | 1,185.0000 | | 18:40 |
| USD/VND | | | 23,194.0000 | 23,194.0000 | 23,194.0000 | | 15:00 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.8684 | 6.8684 | 6.8684 | | 13:00 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3030 | 0.3030 | 0.3030 | | 12:55 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.2729 | 1.2729 | 1.2729 | | 17:09 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,225.5000 | 14,225.5000 | 14,225.5000 | | 16:33 |
CNBC Link:
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Amiri calls on the government to reject the presence of US troops in Iraq
Release date: 2019/1/5 10:54 • 122 times read
(Baghdad: Al Furat News) President of the Fatah Alliance Hadi al-Amiri called on the government to reject the presence of US forces in Iraq, while urging the federal government and all political forces to unite and leave differences in order to provide services to the Iraqi people.
"The Iraqi national sovereignty was achieved after the withdrawal of US troops from the country in 2011," said Amiri at the Festival of liberation and sovereignty held at the University of Baghdad today, stressing that "the American exit from the country represents a victory for all Iraqis."
He added that "the position of the fixed religious reference is the origin in the exit of the occupier and achieve victory for Iraq," pointing out that "the religious reference is the safety valve for Iraq and sovereignty, unity and patriotism."
"Today, when we reject any presence of US forces in Iraq, it is a new old position that will never change," Amiri said, calling on the Iraqi government to "reject any presence of US forces, whether bases or other in the country."
Al-Amiri called on the federal government and all political forces to unite and leave differences in order to provide services to the Iraqi people, pointing out that "there is a media machine that does not want to recognize the victory over terrorism and is trying to sow despair in the hearts of Iraqis."
On the Palestinian issue, Amiri said that "our position is consistent from the Palestinian issue and as we reject the occupation in Iraq, we reject the occupation there," asserting support for the Palestinian resistance factions. "
He added that "the position of the fixed religious reference is the origin in the exit of the occupier and achieve victory for Iraq," pointing out that "the religious reference is the safety valve for Iraq and sovereignty, unity and patriotism."
"Today, when we reject any presence of US forces in Iraq, it is a new old position that will never change," Amiri said, calling on the Iraqi government to "reject any presence of US forces, whether bases or other in the country."
Al-Amiri called on the federal government and all political forces to unite and leave differences in order to provide services to the Iraqi people, pointing out that "there is a media machine that does not want to recognize the victory over terrorism and is trying to sow despair in the hearts of Iraqis."
On the Palestinian issue, Amiri said that "our position is consistent from the Palestinian issue and as we reject the occupation in Iraq, we reject the occupation there," asserting support for the Palestinian resistance factions. "
Guardians of religion" A new terrorist organization began to appear in the liberated areas
January 5, 2019
Baghdad - Journal News
The House of Representatives intends to discuss the emergence of a new terrorist organization named "Guardians of religion, while confirmed the readiness of the joint forces Iraqi forces for any" sabotage "action aimed at destabilizing security.
"There is an American plan aimed at weakening the Iraqi military forces in all its forms, which may help the emergence of new terrorist organizations in Iraq," said Bader Sayegh, a member of the Sason coalition, in a press statement. Noting that "the Iraqi forces, especially in the liberated provinces of the preacher in full readiness to address attempts to destabilize security, whether the organization of religious guards or other terrorist organizations."
The jeweler, that the Iraqi parliament will discuss the repercussions of the emergence of the terrorist organization "Guardians of religion" in its next meeting.
On the other hand, the head of the Security Committee in the Anbar province, Naim al-Ka'ud, that the armed organizations "terrorist" carrying the same ideas extremist but different names.
"Terrorist organizations carry the same ideas calling for the killing of innocent people but with different names," al-Ka'ood said. He pointed out that "the first armed terrorist organization appeared in Iraq was carrying the name of the base and then moved the same organization to the preacher and do not rule out his appearance in a new label and carries the same mental Agramip.
Tamimi: $ 41 billion of the budget for four ministries only
2019/1/5 1:12
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The head of the Strategic Planning Committee and follow-up of the government's parliamentary program, Magda Tamimi, allocated about 41 billion dollars from the budget in 2019 to four ministries only.
The head of the Strategic Planning Committee and follow-up of the government's parliamentary program, Magda Tamimi, allocated about 41 billion dollars from the budget in 2019 to four ministries only.
"The lion's share of the allocations in the budget of 2019 for four ministries is oil, interior, defense and electricity," Tamimi said in a tweet on the social networking site Twitter on Friday.
She added that "48.8 trillion dinars, equivalent to 41.29 billion dollars [allocated to the ministries of the four], accounting for 36.6% of the budget and the rest of the state institutions 63%."
Tamimi had revealed in a previous change, "Iraq will borrow, according to the draft federal budget law for the year 2019, from 21 external bodies, and that the Ministry of Electricity alone will borrow from 15 destinations, 14 of which are external and only one domestic destination."
Tamimi said in the two tweets that the budget is going in the wrong direction.Saturday، 05 January 2019 01:03 AM
She added that "48.8 trillion dinars, equivalent to 41.29 billion dollars [allocated to the ministries of the four], accounting for 36.6% of the budget and the rest of the state institutions 63%."
Tamimi had revealed in a previous change, "Iraq will borrow, according to the draft federal budget law for the year 2019, from 21 external bodies, and that the Ministry of Electricity alone will borrow from 15 destinations, 14 of which are external and only one domestic destination."
Tamimi said in the two tweets that the budget is going in the wrong direction.Saturday، 05 January 2019 01:03 AM
Abadi has not fled to Erbil: Nasr Alliance
https://www.thebaghdadpost.
https://www.thebaghdadpost.
Saturday، 05 January 2019 01:03 AM
Nasr Alliance denied Friday reports saying that former prime minister Haidar al-Abadi has relocated to Erbil in north Iraq, affirming that Abadi exists in Baghdad with some of his family members.
"The head of Nasr Alliance is safe and protected in Baghdad, surrounded by enough allies to support him," MP of Nasr Alliance Rashid al-Ezzawi confirmed, denying any pressures exerted on Abadi.
The lawmaker affirmed that most of Abadi's family members are based outside Iraq, asserting that Abadi has the to purchase a housing unit in Erbil, or wherever place he wants in the country.
A force from the protection of Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, led by Major General Azad, a close associate to Iran, stormed former Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's house in the Green Zone while he was abroad, a source who asked not to be named said.
The force refused to allow any of Abadi's workers to enter the home amid disputes between Abdul Mahdi and Abadi over the house the latter is inhabiting and whether it should be used to manage Abadi's Nasr Alliance and receive political leaders.
The source denied that Abadi and his wife were held inside the house as reported by the media, noting that Abadi received telephone calls from political leaders who expressed their rejection of the incident.
The Nasr Alliance condemned the incident. The alliance said in a statement that Azad, Abdul Mahdi's protection official, acted cowardly, blaming Abdul Mahdi for allowing such action.Saturday، 05 January 2019 12:35 AM
US Says No Timeline for Syria Withdrawal
05/01/2019 - 01:12
ERBIL — The United States has no specific timeline for pulling its troops out of Syria, said a State Department official.
We have no timeline for our military forces to withdraw from Syria,” Reuters quoted the official who had asked to remain unnamed.
t will be done in such a way that we and our allies and partners maintain the pressure on ISIS [Islamic State] throughout and we do not open up any vacuums for terrorists.”The official suggested that the US troops would stay until the war against the Islamic State (IS) is concluded.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:ddd
Amiri demands that the day of sovereignty be considered a public holiday every year
January 5, 2019
Baghdad - Journal News
The head of the construction coalition, Hadi al-Amiri, called Saturday, December 31 (the anniversary of the exit of US forces) a national day of Iraq.
"The withdrawal of US troops from Iraq seven years ago is a great victory for Iraq," Amiri said at a ceremony organized by the Building Coalition on the occasion of the University of Baghdad's Sovereignty Day. "There is a media that seeks to minimize the victories."
Al-Amiri called for "to consider December 31 as a national day for Iraq and to disrupt the official work, especially since there is no better than this date to celebrate it as a national day."
Al-Nasr explains the fact that Abadi left Iraq
Editorial date: • 2018/1/5 8:27 • 858 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The victory coalition issued a statement on the news of the departure of his boss Haider Abadi Iraq.
"We would like to inform the public opinion that all the rumors in the media about the departure of Dr. Haider al-Abadi from Iraq or leaving the beloved capital of Baghdad are a disgrace," said a statement by the media office of Al-Nasr. And is part of a cheap political competition practiced by irresponsible parties. It is similar to the false campaign that is widespread in the occupation of a number of state properties, although everyone knows that Abbadi and during his rule did not exceed or employ the potential of the state in his favor. "He said.
"We call for high political values, and we stress that the politicians' missions are to serve their people and their countries, to serve them and to fulfill their mission," he said.
The statement stressed that "Abadi will not abandon his national duties, which has assumed responsibility since acceptance of the mandate, and is in the continuation of the project of the victory coalition as an Iraqi national project is intended to complete the march of victories and achievements during the past four years vigorously and steadfastness of the people and his forces and his good sister."
"We call for high political values, and we stress that the politicians' missions are to serve their people and their countries, to serve them and to fulfill their mission," he said.
The statement stressed that "Abadi will not abandon his national duties, which has assumed responsibility since acceptance of the mandate, and is in the continuation of the project of the victory coalition as an Iraqi national project is intended to complete the march of victories and achievements during the past four years vigorously and steadfastness of the people and his forces and his good sister."
Washington appoints a new envoy in its alliance against Dahesh
Release date: 2019/1/5 8:17 • 83 times read
The US envoy to Syria, James Jeffrey, will also take on the role of Washington's special envoy to the International Coalition Against Gangs, which has called on the terrorists to resign after the resignation of Brit Mckgork last month.
The US State Department said in a statement Friday that Jeffrey "will lead and coordinate the efforts of the US State Department to implement President Trump's announcement of a responsible withdrawal of US forces from Syria in coordination with our allies and partners, without harming the objectives of the United States in Syria and Iraq, including the final defeat of Daish."
McGork, appointed by former President Barack Obama and confirmed by Trump in his post to represent Washington at the International Coalition, announced his resignation on December 21 after Trump's sudden decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, and ended his duties on 31 last month.
In order to reassure allies involved in the international coalition, the State Department said that "there is no timetable for a military withdrawal that will be very coordinated so as not to leave gaps that could be exploited by terrorists."
Some 2,000 US troops are based in northern Syria, most of them training Kurdish local troops for a fight
McGork, appointed by former President Barack Obama and confirmed by Trump in his post to represent Washington at the International Coalition, announced his resignation on December 21 after Trump's sudden decision to withdraw US troops from Syria, and ended his duties on 31 last month.
In order to reassure allies involved in the international coalition, the State Department said that "there is no timetable for a military withdrawal that will be very coordinated so as not to leave gaps that could be exploited by terrorists."
Some 2,000 US troops are based in northern Syria, most of them training Kurdish local troops for a fight
Local councils demanding that Baghdad reveal the fate of the abductees
A queue of Iraqis waiting for a share of gasoline and gas AFP
History:
Local councils in Iraq called on the central authorities in Baghdad to move quickly to uncover the fate of hundreds of kidnappers and captives who were arrested during the liberation of some areas of the organization «Daash», and circulated Iraqi media news of the release of one of the kidnappers Razaza in Anbar province, The secret prisons and abductions carried out by factions in the popular crowd militia in predominantly Sunni areas, and the hope of releasing the remaining hideouts.
The local administration in Anbar province, the central government in Baghdad, asked to move to uncover the fate of hundreds of Anbar abductees who were arrested during the liberation of the governorate from Daqash. By troops in the crowd, in addition to 700 others were arrested in the area of Saqlawiyah, northwest of Fallujah, Anbar province.
Al-Fahdawi also revealed the release of about 4 of the kidnapped, a few days ago, which refutes the denial of the central government authorities the presence of abductees from the province. He added that the abductees were displaced from their areas during the military operations against the organization is calling, between 2015 and 2016, in Ramadi, And Karma, indicating that a number of residents of the city of Saqlawiyah, Anbar province, were arrested while entering the area and freeing them from Daash.
In the meantime, the head of the security committee of the Anbar Provincial Council, Naim al-Ka'ud, said on Thursday that many of the people who lost their lives, Or detained in the control of the Razaza innocent, revealing the lack of evidence to prove loyalty or belonging to a low.
He also criticized the suffering of the families of the kidnapped from blackmail and the exploitation and exploitation of their suffering, in exchange for false promises to release their families, stressing the continued efforts to end the suffering of these people. In contrast, said member of the security committee in the Anbar province, Ibrahim Fahdawi, the news that the release Al-Razazah and Saqlawiya detainees are completely naked.
He pointed out that the social networking sites reported the news as promoted by some politicians, to draw attention only, believing that the rumors will increase their popularity. It is noteworthy that the deputy of Anbar province, a member of the coalition of construction «which includes the alliance led by Hadi al-Ameri, The law led by former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki », was revealed in a tweet to him via Twitter, that will be the release of Mughbi area Saqlawiyah after the release of the Mughrabi area of Razaza.
He called Karbouli, the description of the bidders on the political situation, to leave him working to return the abducted to their homes without problems. He pointed out that the Fahdawi that the file of detainees Razzaza and Saqlawiya is a very thorny, and was the latest developments, Chill Committee investigating at the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister Former Haidar Abadi, has drawn up its report but has not announced its results, noting that its findings are still confidential
Multiply
Saleh al-Alwani, identified as Abu Mahdi, said that he was kidnapped as he passed through the security barrier at al-Razazah south of Fallujah. He was then transferred to Jarf al-Sakhr area, north of Babil province, confirming that he and the rest of the abductees were severely beaten by the kidnappers. He explained that in the first days of detention, he was placed with 30 abductors in one place, indicating that they were dispersed later.
Chairman of the Basra Council: the demands of the demonstrators will be unified and submitted to the concerned authorities
Politics, security and economy
Saturday, January 5, 2019 - 12:26 p
Basra Provincial Council Chairman Sabah al-Bazzouni said that the Iraqi constitution affirms equality in providing employment opportunities for all citizens as well as social justice. He also pointed out that the demands of the demonstrators will be unified and presented in detail to the relevant authorities.
Al-Bazzouni said in a statement that he received a copy of him after meeting with the gathering of young protesters in the square of the leader Abdul Karim Qasim in the center of Basra, that the meeting comes to see the demands and listen to the proposals and views, while the meeting "fruitful and will contribute to unify all the demands of demonstrators in the province of Basra, A detailed coverage of the relevant parties. "
He added that "the Basra Provincial Council is supportive of all the demonstrations that come out in the province, provided that it does not deviate in one way or another towards chaos," noting that all demands should not be difficult and that the focus is on the demands that serve the most visible segments of society.
He pointed out that the most prominent "demands made by young protesters are to provide employment opportunities in various sectors and in front of work in investment companies in the oil sector, and give the people of Basra preference in this area, stressing that the Iraqi constitution emphasizes social justice and equality in providing employment opportunities , And the contracts of oil licenses emphasize the need to give the local factor of 80% only within the limits of jobs that do not have skills in Basra.
In conclusion, he pointed out that "he will continue his meeting with young Basri from the protesters and demonstrators to reach the best vision of the demands and to accelerate the submission of the full federal government," he said.
Basra province is witnessing demonstrations demanding services and providing job opportunities for the unemployed as well as not marginalizing the city in the ministerial cabin.
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Morning Brief: Investors await final jobs report of 2018
Yahoo Finance
Top news and what to watch in the markets on Friday, January 4, 2019. Read the full story
Barron's
GasBuddy sees an average May price of $2.97, with 2019 average at $2.70. Read the full story
(Adds former central bankers, details) Read the full story
As the partial shutdown of the federal government continues, at least two major banks are offering assistance programs for affected clients who may have a hard time paying down their loans and credit cards. Here's what you should know. Read the full story
Citi announced a new, no-annual fee rewards credit card with a unique system for earning points. With the new Rewards+ card, points earned from each purchase will be rounded up to the nearest 10, so a $2 purchase will earn 10 points, and a $54 purchase will earn 60 points. The card offers 15,000 points for new members who spend $1,000 in the first three months of card membership. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, travel, or transferred to the card holder's JetBlue frequent flyer Read the full story
China will cut banks' reserverequirement ratios (RRRs), taxes and fees, Premier Li Keqiangsaid on Friday, as the world's second-largest economy slows. Read the full story
Gluskin Sheff's David Rosenberg warns the economy is on a collision course with a recession. Read the full story
At present, the level of total financial assets as a share of GDP is at a record high. This is troubling. Read the full story
The BBB-rated debt tier is increasingly populated by iconic but risky outfits you might not want to finance now. Read the full story
Rob Isbitts, chief investment officer of Sungarden Fund Management, says the investing climate remains "stormy," and investors need be ready for sharp rallies and declines this winter. By Rob Isbitts Author's note: Investment markets can be confusing. To try to cut through the chatter and investment slang, we present this monthly view to you. We want to give you a 50,000-foot view of market conditions updated as our view evolves. Currently, our Investment Climate Indicator remains at Stormy. Read the full story
Treasury yields are falling Thursday after Apple Inc. trimmed its sales guidance, heightening concerns around the health of the second largest economy in the world. Read the full story
Once upon a time, people used livestock or bushels of wheat to pay their taxes. Today, we use checks, credit cards, online money and—starting this year in Ohio—Bitcoin. On Thursday, the online retailer Overstock announced it would pay a part of its Ohio state business tax using the famous digital currency. The move comes after the state last fall unveiled a first-of-its-kind payment portal called OhioCrypto, which lets companies remit taxes using cryptocurrency. In an interview with Fortune, Read the full story
SINGAPORE, Jan. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) will be the newest addition to Paytomat's point-of-sale (POS), wallet, and settlement system (including both crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat settlements). This follows the November 2018 announcement of BCD & Paytomat's collaboration to release the BCD Pay Wallet for iOS and Android, due for release in January 2019. Paytomat has a rapidly growing user base across Europe, with presence in countries such as Georgia, Italy, Spain and Read the full story
Bitcoin looks set to test the crucial 50-day simple moving average (SMA) for the first time since November 8. Read the full story
Bitcoinist.net
BTC price is currently sitting at yearly lows though it is still around 400 percent higher than 2017’s low. In fact, a historic look at yearly lows reveals the massive Bitcoin price gains and how ‘hodlers’ are potentially created. BTC Price: A Different Perspective 2017 was the year of all-time highs (ATH) values in cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin (BTC) 00, the world’s leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization, had an unparalleled bull-run resulting in an ATH value of about $20,000. Read the full story
Bitcoin stuck below $4,000 but price action looking more like a bull market, says analyst
MarketWatch
Most cryptocurrencies are trading marginally lower on Thursday, continuing what’s been a rather subdued beginning to the year for digital currencies. Read the full story
ICO-related drama overshadowed blockchain tech's enormous progress in 2018, writes EY's Paul Brody. Read the full story
The Japanese yen hit its highest level since March against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday evening after what some traders are calling a "flash crash." Read the full story
Forex Jan 03, 2019 15:57 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar fell on Thursday as fears of a global slow down lead to a spike in the yen. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, slipped 0.49% to 95.95 as of 10:56 AM ET (15:56 GMT) while USD/JPY slumped 1.15% to 107.61. The yen was 4.4% higher earlier in the session after a flash crash in Asia due to automated orders.The crash spilled into other currency markets, as Japan is still on Read the full story
THE pound US dollar exchange rate is currently trading at $1.258, rallying roughly 0.5 percent after a sharp sell-off in currency markets overnight. Read the full story
FRANCE and Germany are "at the heart" of the problem with the eurozone because of their inability to find common ground on the future of the euro, economist Iain Begg claimed. France and Germany have been known to hold a prominent role within the institutions of the European Union due to their core role in the creation of the bloc. The eurozone has been under close scrutiny following the economic crisis the swept over the continent from 2008 which left several EU members' economies deeply Read the full story
At one point recently the Aussie Dollar was trading at .683. So what explains the most recent dip? Read More The post Aussie Dollar Hits Lowest Level in Decade: Tough Times Ahead appeared first on Markets & Money. Read the full story
Mumbai: The Indian rupee on Friday strengthened marginally against the US dollar, tracking gains in Asian currencies as the dollar fell on weak US manufacturing data. At 9.15am, the rupee was trading at 69.95 a dollar, up 0.33% from previous close of 70.18. It opened at 69.97 and touched a high and a low of 69.90 and 69.99, respectively. The 10-year gilt yield was trading at 7.406% from its previous close of 7.427%. Bond yields and prices move in opposite directions. Read the full story
South Africa's rand tumbledto its weakest in three months on Thursday as emerging marketcurrencies were hit by a wave of risk aversion as fears aboutglobal growth intensified. Read the full story
(Adds quote, details) Read the full story
How to support your liver and detox pathways, including milk thistle and dandelion tea. Read the full story
The FDA is expanding a recall of a popular blood pressure drug over concern it may contain an unwanted ingredient that can cause cancer. Aurobindo Pharma says it is voluntarily recalling tablets with the ingredient valsartan because it found trace amounts of a substance known as NDEA. Recalls of contaminated valsartan products started in July and involve seven different companies. Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" with more on the latest recall. Read the full story
Is a breath test key to detecting cancer?
BBC News US
A clinical trial aims to find out if early cancer signs can be picked up in breath samples. Read the full story
The importance of respecting our elders has been around for many years. But now there is scientific evidence that respect can potentially save lives among the elderly and keep them both physically and mentally healthy. Read the full story
A new study shows that men are more likely than women to die of brain cancer because of fundamental differences in the way the cancer develops, with important implications for the future of treatment. Read the full story
Find out why many investors are looking beyond the U.S. in the coming year. Read the full story
Economy 2019-01-03 06:16:00 by Natalie Erlich After Wall Street suffered its worst annual losses in a decade, investors looking for better returns may finally pivot to emerging markets, which remain very cheap compared to U.S. stocks. "We think emerging markets are being oversold,” says James Ashley, head of international market strategy at Goldman Sachs Asset Management at a briefing in Singapore. “We would see this as an attractive entry opportunity." Emerging markets offer investors a classic Read the full story
Nicholas Spiro says investors are bearish about the US but increasingly bullish on emerging markets. But, while the worst seems to be over, emerging market stocks may only seem safer because Wall Street had a dreadful December Read the full story
Economy 2019-01-03 06:16:00 by Natalie Erlich After Wall Street suffered its worst annual losses in a decade, investors looking for better returns may finally pivot to emerging markets, which remain very cheap compared to U.S. stocks. "We think emerging markets are being oversold,” says James Ashley, head of international market strategy at Goldman Sachs Asset Management at a briefing in Singapore. “We would see this as an attractive entry opportunity." Emerging markets offer investors a classic Read the full story
Apple’s China Problem Is a Convenient Excuse, Not a Warning About Emerging Markets
Barron's
Two veteran global investors say Apple’s problems are largely self-inflicted, not a harbinger of a looming catastrophe in emerging markets. Read the full story
via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQB: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that its Puerto Rico subsidiary, FFPR, LLC (“FFPR”), which Future Farm owns jointly with TCG Investments, LLC Read the full story
Iraqis of African descent seem to be making progress, albeit slowly, against discrimination, with the UN's help. Read the full story
Turkey and Iraq will deepen their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Read the full story
The company responsible for providing food and water for deployed U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been formally suspended after its former chief executive was charged with fraud in relation to an $8 billion troop supply contract, a U.S. official confirmed Thursday. Read the full story
The murder trial of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi began on Thursday, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for five of the 11 suspects. Read the full story
President Donald Trump managed to elicit outrage in both Israel and India through his wide-ranging set of foreign policy assertions about Syria and Afghanistan. At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump addressed his planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, which he abruptly announced a couple weeks back. He also expressed his displeasure at the U.S.’s continued involvement in Afghanistan. On Syria, Trump maintained that Iran — a key supporter of the regime of Bashar al-Assad — was in the Read the full story
(Fixes formatting from paragraph 3 onwards) Read the full story
The People’s Bank of China has changed the definition of a small business to encourage banks to increase lending amid the trade war with the United States Estimates of amount of liquidity the targeted reserve-requirement ratio cut will release range from 400 billion yuan to 700 billion yuan Read the full story
The soft landing by Chang’e 4 marks the start of a historic survey of a lunar region that has never been explored Read the full story
Retail sales rose 6 per cent in October but growth fell to 1.4 per cent the following month Hong Kong Retail Management Association says demand for luxury goods will remain weak as uncertainty surrounding the trade war prevails Read the full story
Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped more than 2.5 percent in afternoon trade while the Topix index fell nearly 2 percent, with almost all sectors seeing declines. Meanwhile, China's stock markets rebounded on new developments on the U.S.-China trade front. Read the full story
India’s economy grew at a faster pace than most major nations in 2018, and this year, it’s poised to overtake the U.K. to become the world’s fifth-biggest. But that journey won’t be smooth. The outcome of a general election due by May is a potential pitfall for a nation already battered by emerging market turmoil and a currency rout last year. Also, any attempts by the government to undermine the central bank’s freedom and raid its surplus capital may spook investors and carry damaging Read the full story
EUROPE
d
GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Morning Brief: Investors await final jobs report of 2018
Yahoo Finance
Top news and what to watch in the markets on Friday, January 4, 2019. Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Commodities Jan 02, 2019 19:24 GMT Investing.com - Gold continued its effort to move past the $1,300 tape as dismal data on global factory activity pushed investors back from risk as markets began trading for 2019. Futures of the yellow metal hit near 7-month highs above $1,290 per troy ounce on Wednesday after China’s Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) contracted for the first time in 19 months in December. The PMI number of 49.7 indicated weaker-than-expected factory activity in the world’s Read the full story
Gold futures on Thursday extended a climb toward its highest level in about six months as U.S. stocks staged sharp pullback and as the dollar softened. Read the full story
Gold prices rose to a fresh6-1/2 month high on Friday as tumbling share markets on the backof weak U.S. data fanned fears of a global economic slowdown,putting the safe haven metal on track for a third weekly gain. Read the full story
Gold Moves Closer to $1,300 on Weak Factory Data
Investing.comCommodities Jan 02, 2019 19:24 GMT Investing.com - Gold continued its effort to move past the $1,300 tape as dismal data on global factory activity pushed investors back from risk as markets began trading for 2019. Futures of the yellow metal hit near 7-month highs above $1,290 per troy ounce on Wednesday after China’s Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) contracted for the first time in 19 months in December. The PMI number of 49.7 indicated weaker-than-expected factory activity in the world’s Read the full story
Gold set to post back-to-back gains as stocks extend wobbly start to the year
MarketWatchGold futures on Thursday extended a climb toward its highest level in about six months as U.S. stocks staged sharp pullback and as the dollar softened. Read the full story
PRECIOUS-Gold climbs to over 6-month peak on global slowdown fears
ReutersGold prices rose to a fresh6-1/2 month high on Friday as tumbling share markets on the backof weak U.S. data fanned fears of a global economic slowdown,putting the safe haven metal on track for a third weekly gain. Read the full story
METALS-Copper bounces from four-month low on China stimulus hopes
Reuters
* China's Communist Party 100th anniversary in 2021 Read the full story
Reuters
* China's Communist Party 100th anniversary in 2021 Read the full story
How An Oil Boom in West Texas Is Reshaping the World
TIME
An oil boom in West Texas is reshaping the economy, the nation and the world Read the full story
Commodities Jan 03, 2019 05:39 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices fell on Thursday in Asia as investor sentiment continued to be affected by the slowdown in China and turmoil in stock and currency markets. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil WTI Futures dropped by 2.1% to $45.56 by 12:20 AM ET (05:20 GMT). International Brent Oil Futures were down 1.2% at $54.26 a barrel. Asian equities markets traded mostly lower, with Apple’s suppliers underperforming after technology giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Read the full story
Gasoline Prices Could Jump 35% by May, Forecast ShowsTIME
An oil boom in West Texas is reshaping the economy, the nation and the world Read the full story
Oil Prices Fall; Saudi Arabia May Cut February Heavy Crude Prices Sold to Asia
Investing.comCommodities Jan 03, 2019 05:39 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices fell on Thursday in Asia as investor sentiment continued to be affected by the slowdown in China and turmoil in stock and currency markets. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil WTI Futures dropped by 2.1% to $45.56 by 12:20 AM ET (05:20 GMT). International Brent Oil Futures were down 1.2% at $54.26 a barrel. Asian equities markets traded mostly lower, with Apple’s suppliers underperforming after technology giant Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Read the full story
Barron's
GasBuddy sees an average May price of $2.97, with 2019 average at $2.70. Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
UPDATE 1-Turkish central bank to hold AGM early; former bankers disapprove
Reuters(Adds former central bankers, details) Read the full story
Wells Fargo, Bank of America offer help for clients amid government shutdown
CNBCAs the partial shutdown of the federal government continues, at least two major banks are offering assistance programs for affected clients who may have a hard time paying down their loans and credit cards. Here's what you should know. Read the full story
Citi's new no-annual-fee rewards credit card offers a unique system for earning points
Business InsiderCiti announced a new, no-annual fee rewards credit card with a unique system for earning points. With the new Rewards+ card, points earned from each purchase will be rounded up to the nearest 10, so a $2 purchase will earn 10 points, and a $54 purchase will earn 60 points. The card offers 15,000 points for new members who spend $1,000 in the first three months of card membership. Points can be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, travel, or transferred to the card holder's JetBlue frequent flyer Read the full story
China will cut banks' reserve requirements, taxes - Premier Li
ReutersChina will cut banks' reserverequirement ratios (RRRs), taxes and fees, Premier Li Keqiangsaid on Friday, as the world's second-largest economy slows. Read the full story
Why everyone should have a high-yield savings account
Quartz
Money doesn’t grow on trees. And it doesn’t grow in savings accounts at big brick-and-mortar banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America either.… Read the full story
Your credit score — looked at by everyone from lenders to landlords -- can make a number of expenses a whole lot cheaper. Read the full story
Quartz
Money doesn’t grow on trees. And it doesn’t grow in savings accounts at big brick-and-mortar banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America either.… Read the full story
How your credit score can cost (or save) you more money this year
Fox NewsYour credit score — looked at by everyone from lenders to landlords -- can make a number of expenses a whole lot cheaper. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Market bear David Rosenberg warning: Recession virtually unavoidable this year
CNBCGluskin Sheff's David Rosenberg warns the economy is on a collision course with a recession. Read the full story
Market volatility has the Fed facing a dilemma of its own making
The HillAt present, the level of total financial assets as a share of GDP is at a record high. This is troubling. Read the full story
The Rising Risk in Corporate Bonds
KiplingerThe BBB-rated debt tier is increasingly populated by iconic but risky outfits you might not want to finance now. Read the full story
January's Market Climate Forecast: This Bear's Not Hibernating
TheStreetRob Isbitts, chief investment officer of Sungarden Fund Management, says the investing climate remains "stormy," and investors need be ready for sharp rallies and declines this winter. By Rob Isbitts Author's note: Investment markets can be confusing. To try to cut through the chatter and investment slang, we present this monthly view to you. We want to give you a 50,000-foot view of market conditions updated as our view evolves. Currently, our Investment Climate Indicator remains at Stormy. Read the full story
10-Treasury yield extends fall to January low amid China growth fears
MarketWatchTreasury yields are falling Thursday after Apple Inc. trimmed its sales guidance, heightening concerns around the health of the second largest economy in the world. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Overstock to Pay State Tax in Bitcoin, First U.S. Company to Do So
FORTUNEOnce upon a time, people used livestock or bushels of wheat to pay their taxes. Today, we use checks, credit cards, online money and—starting this year in Ohio—Bitcoin. On Thursday, the online retailer Overstock announced it would pay a part of its Ohio state business tax using the famous digital currency. The move comes after the state last fall unveiled a first-of-its-kind payment portal called OhioCrypto, which lets companies remit taxes using cryptocurrency. In an interview with Fortune, Read the full story
Paytomat Adds Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) to Supported Currencies
BenzingaSINGAPORE, Jan. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitcoin Diamond (BCD) will be the newest addition to Paytomat's point-of-sale (POS), wallet, and settlement system (including both crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat settlements). This follows the November 2018 announcement of BCD & Paytomat's collaboration to release the BCD Pay Wallet for iOS and Android, due for release in January 2019. Paytomat has a rapidly growing user base across Europe, with presence in countries such as Georgia, Italy, Spain and Read the full story
Bitcoin Eyes Test of Key Price Hurdle in First Since November
CoinDeskBitcoin looks set to test the crucial 50-day simple moving average (SMA) for the first time since November 8. Read the full story
BTC price is currently sitting at yearly lows though it is still around 400 percent higher than 2017’s low. In fact, a historic look at yearly lows reveals the massive Bitcoin price gains and how ‘hodlers’ are potentially created. BTC Price: A Different Perspective 2017 was the year of all-time highs (ATH) values in cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin (BTC) 00, the world’s leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization, had an unparalleled bull-run resulting in an ATH value of about $20,000. Read the full story
MarketWatch
Most cryptocurrencies are trading marginally lower on Thursday, continuing what’s been a rather subdued beginning to the year for digital currencies. Read the full story
Falling Crypto Prices Aren't Stopping Real Blockchain Progress
CoinDeskICO-related drama overshadowed blockchain tech's enormous progress in 2018, writes EY's Paul Brody. Read the full story
CURRENCIES
There was a 'flash crash' in the currency markets as volatility intensifies
CNBCThe Japanese yen hit its highest level since March against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday evening after what some traders are calling a "flash crash." Read the full story
Forex - U.S. Dollar Falls as Rattled Investors Turn to Yen
Investing.comForex Jan 03, 2019 15:57 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar fell on Thursday as fears of a global slow down lead to a spike in the yen. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, slipped 0.49% to 95.95 as of 10:56 AM ET (15:56 GMT) while USD/JPY slumped 1.15% to 107.61. The yen was 4.4% higher earlier in the session after a flash crash in Asia due to automated orders.The crash spilled into other currency markets, as Japan is still on Read the full story
Pound US dollar exchange rate: GBP stabilises after Apple sales forecast rattle markets
ExpressTHE pound US dollar exchange rate is currently trading at $1.258, rallying roughly 0.5 percent after a sharp sell-off in currency markets overnight. Read the full story
Euro collapse? France and Germany 'heart of the PROBLEM' of euro uncertainty
ExpressFRANCE and Germany are "at the heart" of the problem with the eurozone because of their inability to find common ground on the future of the euro, economist Iain Begg claimed. France and Germany have been known to hold a prominent role within the institutions of the European Union due to their core role in the creation of the bloc. The eurozone has been under close scrutiny following the economic crisis the swept over the continent from 2008 which left several EU members' economies deeply Read the full story
Aussie Dollar Hits Lowest Level in Decade: Tough Times Ahead
Markets & MoneyAt one point recently the Aussie Dollar was trading at .683. So what explains the most recent dip? Read More The post Aussie Dollar Hits Lowest Level in Decade: Tough Times Ahead appeared first on Markets & Money. Read the full story
Rupee edges higher against US dollar
LivemintMumbai: The Indian rupee on Friday strengthened marginally against the US dollar, tracking gains in Asian currencies as the dollar fell on weak US manufacturing data. At 9.15am, the rupee was trading at 69.95 a dollar, up 0.33% from previous close of 70.18. It opened at 69.97 and touched a high and a low of 69.90 and 69.99, respectively. The 10-year gilt yield was trading at 7.406% from its previous close of 7.427%. Bond yields and prices move in opposite directions. Read the full story
South Africa's rand falls to 3-month low in global selloff
ReutersSouth Africa's rand tumbledto its weakest in three months on Thursday as emerging marketcurrencies were hit by a wave of risk aversion as fears aboutglobal growth intensified. Read the full story
UPDATE 2-Turkey's lira slides, hit by global sell-off and cenbank worries
Reuters(Adds quote, details) Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH / SCIENCE
Your Liver Is Your Detox Organ. Here's Why + How To Support It
mindbodygreenHow to support your liver and detox pathways, including milk thistle and dandelion tea. Read the full story
FDA expands recall on blood pressure drug
CBS NewsThe FDA is expanding a recall of a popular blood pressure drug over concern it may contain an unwanted ingredient that can cause cancer. Aurobindo Pharma says it is voluntarily recalling tablets with the ingredient valsartan because it found trace amounts of a substance known as NDEA. Recalls of contaminated valsartan products started in July and involve seven different companies. Dr. Tara Narula joins "CBS This Morning" with more on the latest recall. Read the full story
BBC News US
A clinical trial aims to find out if early cancer signs can be picked up in breath samples. Read the full story
The secret to a long, happy, healthy life? Think age-positive
CNNThe importance of respecting our elders has been around for many years. But now there is scientific evidence that respect can potentially save lives among the elderly and keep them both physically and mentally healthy. Read the full story
Brain cancer kills men more often & more quickly than women – study
RT NewsA new study shows that men are more likely than women to die of brain cancer because of fundamental differences in the way the cancer develops, with important implications for the future of treatment. Read the full story
USA / CANADA
Democrats, in first day with House control, to push shutdown halt and fasten blame on Trump
Reuters
In their first action in control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats plan to adopt a bill on Thursday to end a federal shutdown without funding a Mexican border wall, trying to firmly fasten blame for the 13-day-old closure on President Donald Trump and his Republicans. Read the full story
Talks to end the US government shutdown fail Read the full story
Four ways science students in the U.S. are affected by the government shutdown. Read the full story
The United States issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a U.N. Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology. Read the full story
Reuters
In their first action in control of the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats plan to adopt a bill on Thursday to end a federal shutdown without funding a Mexican border wall, trying to firmly fasten blame for the 13-day-old closure on President Donald Trump and his Republicans. Read the full story
Talks to end the US government shutdown fail
TRT WorldTalks to end the US government shutdown fail Read the full story
House Democrats vote to deny Trump wall money, defying veto threat
The Washington Post
The White House issues a veto threat against the legislation set to pass the House, but key Senate Republicans signal they want to bring the shutdown to a close. Read the full story
The Washington Post
The White House issues a veto threat against the legislation set to pass the House, but key Senate Republicans signal they want to bring the shutdown to a close. Read the full story
Four Ways Government Shutdown Hampers U.S. Science Students Now
ForbesFour ways science students in the U.S. are affected by the government shutdown. Read the full story
U.S. warns Iran against space launches, ballistic missiles
ReutersThe United States issued a pre-emptive warning to Iran on Thursday against pursuing three planned space rocket launches that it said would violate a U.N. Security Council resolution because they use ballistic missile technology. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
3 Top International ETFs for 2019 and Beyond
The Motley FoolFind out why many investors are looking beyond the U.S. in the coming year. Read the full story
Battered U.S. Investors May Need To Eye Emerging Markets For Better Returns
Investing.comEconomy 2019-01-03 06:16:00 by Natalie Erlich After Wall Street suffered its worst annual losses in a decade, investors looking for better returns may finally pivot to emerging markets, which remain very cheap compared to U.S. stocks. "We think emerging markets are being oversold,” says James Ashley, head of international market strategy at Goldman Sachs Asset Management at a briefing in Singapore. “We would see this as an attractive entry opportunity." Emerging markets offer investors a classic Read the full story
Why emerging market bulls need to rein in their optimism
South China Morning PostNicholas Spiro says investors are bearish about the US but increasingly bullish on emerging markets. But, while the worst seems to be over, emerging market stocks may only seem safer because Wall Street had a dreadful December Read the full story
Battered U.S. Investors May Need To Eye Emerging Markets For Better Returns
Investing.comEconomy 2019-01-03 06:16:00 by Natalie Erlich After Wall Street suffered its worst annual losses in a decade, investors looking for better returns may finally pivot to emerging markets, which remain very cheap compared to U.S. stocks. "We think emerging markets are being oversold,” says James Ashley, head of international market strategy at Goldman Sachs Asset Management at a briefing in Singapore. “We would see this as an attractive entry opportunity." Emerging markets offer investors a classic Read the full story
Barron's
Two veteran global investors say Apple’s problems are largely self-inflicted, not a harbinger of a looming catastrophe in emerging markets. Read the full story
Future Farm's Puerto Rico Affiliate Positioned to Launch Significant Expansion of ClÃnica Verde, the Island's Preeminent Provider of Medical Cannabis
GlobeNewswirevia NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQB: FFRMF) is pleased to announce that its Puerto Rico subsidiary, FFPR, LLC (“FFPR”), which Future Farm owns jointly with TCG Investments, LLC Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
UN seeks to raise awareness of bias against African-Iraqis
Al-MonitorIraqis of African descent seem to be making progress, albeit slowly, against discrimination, with the UN's help. Read the full story
Turkey, Iraq will deepen cooperation in fight against terrorism, Erdogan says
ReutersTurkey and Iraq will deepen their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Read the full story
US military food supplier for Iraq, Afghanistan is suspended over fraud indictment
My San AntonioThe company responsible for providing food and water for deployed U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has been formally suspended after its former chief executive was charged with fraud in relation to an $8 billion troop supply contract, a U.S. official confirmed Thursday. Read the full story
Saudi prosecutors seek death penalty as Khashoggi murder trial opens
CNNThe murder trial of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi began on Thursday, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for five of the 11 suspects. Read the full story
Trump Comments Provoke Shock and Outrage in Israel and India
FORTUNEPresident Donald Trump managed to elicit outrage in both Israel and India through his wide-ranging set of foreign policy assertions about Syria and Afghanistan. At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump addressed his planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, which he abruptly announced a couple weeks back. He also expressed his displeasure at the U.S.’s continued involvement in Afghanistan. On Syria, Trump maintained that Iran — a key supporter of the regime of Bashar al-Assad — was in the Read the full story
AFRICA
Zimbabwe's Delta Beverages to accept cash only amid currency crunch
Reuters
Zimbabwe's largest brewingcompany Delta Corporation said on Wednesday that its beveragessubsidiary will accept hard currency only from Jan. 4 to protectitself from a crippling shortage of U.S. dollars in the country. Read the full story
(Photo: New Zimbabwe) Zimbabweans were among the biggest number of foreign nationals to apply for asylum in Ireland last year, it has emerged. According to local media reports, the number of foreign nationals applying for asylum was set to exceed 3,500, up from some 2,619 in 2017. Top of the list were people from Georgia with 409 seeking asylum followed by 383 Albanians and 326 Syrians. Zimbabwe was in fourth place with 230 applicants followed by Pakistan at 230. The figures appeared to suggest Read the full story
Reuters
Zimbabwe's largest brewingcompany Delta Corporation said on Wednesday that its beveragessubsidiary will accept hard currency only from Jan. 4 to protectitself from a crippling shortage of U.S. dollars in the country. Read the full story
Zimbabwean alcohol consumers to buy beer in US dollars from Friday
FurtherAfrica
Zimbabwe’s biggest beverages manufacturer, Delta Beverages, on Wednesday revealed it would start selling its products in United States Dollars from Friday. Read the full story
Government yesterday warned it will not tolerate any attempts by the opposition to topple President Mnangagwa as he was democratically-elected on July 30 last year. In a statement, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana decried the perpetual electioneering mindset still gripping the opposition, describing it as retrogressive. "Government takes note of media reports wherein some political entities made threats to overthrow the constitutionally-elected Read the full story
Experts estimate that over half of the country's young people are addicted to drugs, with many hooked on the cough syrup BronCleer. Read the full story
FurtherAfrica
Zimbabwe’s biggest beverages manufacturer, Delta Beverages, on Wednesday revealed it would start selling its products in United States Dollars from Friday. Read the full story
Zimbabwe: No to Regime Change Demos - Govt
AllAfricaGovernment yesterday warned it will not tolerate any attempts by the opposition to topple President Mnangagwa as he was democratically-elected on July 30 last year. In a statement, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana decried the perpetual electioneering mindset still gripping the opposition, describing it as retrogressive. "Government takes note of media reports wherein some political entities made threats to overthrow the constitutionally-elected Read the full story
Watch Our New Film About Zimbabwe's Codeine Cough Syrup Epidemic
VICE UKExperts estimate that over half of the country's young people are addicted to drugs, with many hooked on the cough syrup BronCleer. Read the full story
Zimbabwe: Ireland - More Than 250 Zimbabweans Seek Asylum
AllAfrica(Photo: New Zimbabwe) Zimbabweans were among the biggest number of foreign nationals to apply for asylum in Ireland last year, it has emerged. According to local media reports, the number of foreign nationals applying for asylum was set to exceed 3,500, up from some 2,619 in 2017. Top of the list were people from Georgia with 409 seeking asylum followed by 383 Albanians and 326 Syrians. Zimbabwe was in fourth place with 230 applicants followed by Pakistan at 230. The figures appeared to suggest Read the full story
ASIA
REFILE-China stocks falter as economic concerns take over
Reuters(Fixes formatting from paragraph 3 onwards) Read the full story
China makes ‘US$102 billion’ move to aid slowing economy, but will it be effective?
South China Morning PostThe People’s Bank of China has changed the definition of a small business to encourage banks to increase lending amid the trade war with the United States Estimates of amount of liquidity the targeted reserve-requirement ratio cut will release range from 400 billion yuan to 700 billion yuan Read the full story
Chinese spacecraft lands on dark side of the moon, makes history
South China Morning PostThe soft landing by Chang’e 4 marks the start of a historic survey of a lunar region that has never been explored Read the full story
Knock-on from US-China trade war causes slowest growth in 18 months for Hong Kong retail sales
South China Morning PostRetail sales rose 6 per cent in October but growth fell to 1.4 per cent the following month Hong Kong Retail Management Association says demand for luxury goods will remain weak as uncertainty surrounding the trade war prevails Read the full story
Japan down more than 2.5 percent as China rebounds on trade hopes
CNBCJapan's Nikkei 225 dropped more than 2.5 percent in afternoon trade while the Topix index fell nearly 2 percent, with almost all sectors seeing declines. Meanwhile, China's stock markets rebounded on new developments on the U.S.-China trade front. Read the full story
India’s path to become fifth biggest economy rife with pitfalls
LivemintIndia’s economy grew at a faster pace than most major nations in 2018, and this year, it’s poised to overtake the U.K. to become the world’s fifth-biggest. But that journey won’t be smooth. The outcome of a general election due by May is a potential pitfall for a nation already battered by emerging market turmoil and a currency rout last year. Also, any attempts by the government to undermine the central bank’s freedom and raid its surplus capital may spook investors and carry damaging Read the full story
EUROPE
Brexit: Theresa May should delay Commons vote on EU deal for second time, David Davis says
The Independent
Theresa May has been urged to suspend a crunch Commons vote on her Brexit deal for the second time in the hope that Brussels offers fresh concessions that can win over MPs. Read the full story
(Adds detail, chart) Read the full story
Ireland has said it will demand hundreds of millions of euros from Brussels if there is a no-deal Brexit, amid growing fears Britain is set to crash out of the European Union without an agreement. Read the full story
GOVERNMENT advice about how to deal with a no-deal Brexit could be aimed at “raising fear” ahead of the crunch Commons vote on Theresa May’s EU exit deal according to former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale. A series of recommendations will be published over the next few days. These will be promoted with posters, billboards and radio adverts across the country. The advice will include warning the public that they may need to renew their passports to travel to the EU after Brexit. Read the full story
The Independent
Theresa May has been urged to suspend a crunch Commons vote on her Brexit deal for the second time in the hope that Brussels offers fresh concessions that can win over MPs. Read the full story
UPDATE 1-Euro zone lending data still bright against gloomy backdrop
Reuters(Adds detail, chart) Read the full story
Brexit: Ireland says it will demand ‘hundreds of millions’ from EU if no deal goes ahead
The IndependentIreland has said it will demand hundreds of millions of euros from Brussels if there is a no-deal Brexit, amid growing fears Britain is set to crash out of the European Union without an agreement. Read the full story
Theresa May accused of ‘RAISING FEAR’ with no-deal Brexit advice by former Tory minister
ExpressGOVERNMENT advice about how to deal with a no-deal Brexit could be aimed at “raising fear” ahead of the crunch Commons vote on Theresa May’s EU exit deal according to former Culture Secretary John Whittingdale. A series of recommendations will be published over the next few days. These will be promoted with posters, billboards and radio adverts across the country. The advice will include warning the public that they may need to renew their passports to travel to the EU after Brexit. Read the full story
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
CBI closed on Friday and Saturday
Rafidain announced the disbursement of advances to more than 1200 retirees
Release date: 2019/1/5 9:14 • 129 times scheduled
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Rafidain Bank announced the disbursement of a new meal of a double and double allowance for civilian and military retirees through electronic payment tools.
The bank's information office said in a statement received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of today that "a new payment of a double payment of two and a half of the retired civilian and military for more than 1200 retired."
He added that "the salary of two and a half, according to the salary of the pension and ranges between 3 million and 7 million."
The statement said that "the disbursement of this advance was by informing the pensioner by sending him a text message informing him of the advance payment, after he completed all the legal procedures to grant it and disbursement through electronic payment tools, which was filled the financial balance to it.
He added that "the salary of two and a half, according to the salary of the pension and ranges between 3 million and 7 million."
The statement said that "the disbursement of this advance was by informing the pensioner by sending him a text message informing him of the advance payment, after he completed all the legal procedures to grant it and disbursement through electronic payment tools, which was filled the financial balance to it.
Kauaihn Chatter:
1-5-2019 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "Under the title No to the adventure of our economy .. Karbali warns of linking the Iraqi dinar in currencies with the lowest value" My take away is this. Okay, he is concerned the IQD will be LINKED with other currencies, that may or do have less value. Not my problem...As what he just said, tells me the cat is out of the bag in that they are going to be linked to other currencies internationally...We shall see what happens, and all in my opinion!! WOW.
1-4-2019 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat We still wait for the Jan 8th session in parliament to see if the last of the three ministers are voted on. Today we heard that maybe they might just vote on the Interior minister on next Tuesday. We wait and see. So right now there is still no indication of a reinstatement occurring soon. I know we all expected maybe January to be our month and this is still the best month for the CBI to target it. The CBI still has this planned for January but, like I keep telling everyone, this is not going to be such a huge surprise when it does occur. We WILL have some indication for at least a week or two ahead of time and see it coming. Right now we do NOT see any of these indicators. Maybe after the last of the ministers are voted on things might suddenly pick up and get crazy. We just sit, relax and wait…..
1-4-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni There is a tweet going around that President Trump has tied some RV to a China trade agreement...False. There is no RV never will be. Best we can hope for is for Iraq to open it's economy to investors and float the dinar.
1-4-2019 Intel Guru Bruce ...I know there have been things happening in Iraq. I know that they have a Parliament meeting tomorrow [Friday] ...I am sure some good information will come out of that...We know things are moving along, but they are moving slowly. As far as I know rates are still good... ...I believe that there is going to be a Bank meeting among the major Banks...I think they are going to make a decision on when to release this to us... We believe they have a couple of options to do it before the weekend. ...That meeting should take place early in the afternoon tomorrow [Friday] which case anything is possible for us in the next couple of days. This is what I am hearing...I just think we are in a great position to receive and finally be there. Yes, it has been a much farther process than any of us thought.
1-4-2019 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [Since I have been on this investment (10years) the dinar rate is moving in the wrong direction (Devaluation) from 1166 - 1182 - 1190.] ...I don't think we're seeing anything to worry about. A change from 1166 to 1190 is miniscule and barely worth noting...I think we are going in a good direction.
1-4-2019 Newshound/Intel Guru RVAlready [Question. Is it to say that Iraq depends on stable oil prices in which to submit, ratify, and approve a budget? I ask because one would think that contingencies would be in place for such a volatile resource.] That would depend on current rate vs budget minimum target rate. A question I cannot answer….there is probably room to spare in the numbers. They have been at this a long time. So, they probably have room to play before they would alter the budget. Also...they have plenty of monetary reserves.1-4-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni There is a tweet going around that President Trump has tied some RV to a China trade agreement...False. There is no RV never will be. Best we can hope for is for Iraq to open it's economy to investors and float the dinar.
1-4-2019 Intel Guru Bruce ...I know there have been things happening in Iraq. I know that they have a Parliament meeting tomorrow [Friday] ...I am sure some good information will come out of that...We know things are moving along, but they are moving slowly. As far as I know rates are still good... ...I believe that there is going to be a Bank meeting among the major Banks...I think they are going to make a decision on when to release this to us... We believe they have a couple of options to do it before the weekend. ...That meeting should take place early in the afternoon tomorrow [Friday] which case anything is possible for us in the next couple of days. This is what I am hearing...I just think we are in a great position to receive and finally be there. Yes, it has been a much farther process than any of us thought.
1-4-2019 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [Since I have been on this investment (10years) the dinar rate is moving in the wrong direction (Devaluation) from 1166 - 1182 - 1190.] ...I don't think we're seeing anything to worry about. A change from 1166 to 1190 is miniscule and barely worth noting...I think we are going in a good direction.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
*************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website)
At the time this report was submitted, there were no new articles posted on PM Mahdi's website. Also, there were no new tweets on the Government of Iraq twitter account.
*************
ARTICLE 2
President of the Republic returns to Baghdad
2019/1/4 14:14
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, returned Friday to the capital Baghdad from the Turkish capital of Ankara.
President Saleh visited Turkey at the head of a government delegation at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and held talks with the Turkish president focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding the horizons of joint cooperation and discussing the issues and outstanding issues between the two countries. Exchange views on the developments and events taking place in the region.
On the sidelines of his visit to Turkey, Saleh also met with Turkish Parliament Speaker Ben Ali Yildirim and discussed with him the consolidation of bilateral relations and the expansion of cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The delegation accompanying the President included Foreign Ministers Mohammed Ali Al Hakim, Trade Minister Mohammad Hashim, Water Resources Jamal Al Adli, National Security Advisor Faleh Al Fayadh and a number of officials and advisors.
*************
ARTICLE 3
Tamimi: $ 41 billion of the budget for four ministries only
2019/1/5 1:12
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The head of the Strategic Planning Committee and follow-up of the government's parliamentary program, Magda Tamimi, allocated about 41 billion dollars from the budget in 2019 to four ministries only.
"The lion's share of the allocations in the budget of 2019 for four ministries is oil, interior, defense and electricity," Tamimi said in a tweet on the social networking site Twitter on Friday.
She added that "48.8 trillion dinars, equivalent to 41.29 billion dollars [allocated to the ministries of the four], accounting for 36.6% of the budget and the rest of the state institutions 63%."
Tamimi had revealed in a previous change, "Iraq will borrow, according to the draft federal budget law for the year 2019, from 21 external bodies, and that the Ministry of Electricity alone will borrow from 15 destinations, 14 of which are external and only one domestic destination."
Tamimi said in the two tweets that the budget is going in the wrong direction.
*************
ARTICLE 4
The crowd is looking east of Salah al-Din .. and these results
2019/1/4 20:38
[Ayna-Baghdad]
On Friday, the Popular Forces of the Army supported the air force, burning four additives to the terrorist gangs during a security operation east of Salahaddin province.
"The forces of the 50th Brigade in the popular mobilization carried out in coordination with Diyala, the Fifth Brigade and the Iraqi Army Air Force a search operation for the villages of Zeklabana, Al-Kiam, Al-Dabaj and Al-Tamour village east of Salah al-Din,
He added that "the operation was proactive and successful through the dismantling of IEDs," noting that "puncture the atmosphere of the prominent presence in the Dakar Okharm and burning four additives to the drowsy."
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ARTICLE 5
A sharp debate over the emergence of the "Guardians of religion" in Iraq
IRAQ PRESS-4 JANUARY: There is talk in the political circles about news reports about the emergence of a new organization called "Guardians" of religion in Iraq.
The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee confirmed its intention to hold a meeting with security and military leaders to discuss the issue of the emergence of this organization
On Wednesday, news reports pointed to the emergence of a new organization in Iraq under the title "Guardians of Religion", aimed at hitting the security of the liberated provinces under the title of "Sunni territory."
A member of the Security and Defense Committee, Abbas Sarwat, said in a press statement: "We have not heard of this organization guards religion only through some media, and did not reach us any security or intelligence reports confirm or reveal the existence of such an organization on the ground."
And Sarrout that "and with the beginning of the meetings of the House of Representatives, there will be an expanded meeting with security and military leaders; to know the fact that there is such an organization on the ground, and take the necessary action in the event of a valid existence of such mobility."
The head of the security committee in Anbar province, Naim al-Kaoud, said that "Anbar did not witness the emergence of such organizations, and we heard only through the media."
Al-Ka'ud said that "organizations or groups with suspicions will have a harsh response. The intelligence and security efforts are very large, and many schemes that try to undermine the security and stability of liberated Iraqi cities have failed."
Not excluded
For his part, the coalition of state law, led by Nuri al-Maliki, the emergence of such organizations at this time is not excluded.
The leader of the coalition, Mohamed Chihod, said that "the American project in Iraq (dodging) failed to divide Iraq, and that is why it now wants to divide Iraq with a new scheme, and talk about the emergence of new organizations is normal and not excluded." As he put it
He stressed the Chihod that "the Iraqi security services to move quickly on this news, and take it seriously, even if it is inaccurate, must thwart any project hostile to Iraq and the Iraqis before its launch."
The information available indicates that the "religious guards" movement emerged late after attracting members of the remnants of the Front of victory and liberation of Syria from Syria, and known members themselves as an organization seeking to support the oppressed and the administration of justice among Muslims.
According to Al-Arabiya channel, the movement of "Guardians of Religion" began with large movements to attract former elements of al-Qaeda and received the support of influential Iraqi political parties to restore violence to the Sunni areas, indicating that its declared goal is to establish a "Sunni region" Central.
The source pointed out that the movement began to exploit the current Sunni-Sunni political conflict to extend its influence, and the implementation of quality operations.
The source revealed that some political parties in the provinces of Salah al-Din, Nineveh and Kirkuk secretly support this group, noting that they hold semi-monthly meetings with them to provide them with information on the security, economic and political, according to the channel "Arab"
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