Sunday, March 31, 2019

WOTS Sunday 3/31/19

WOTS Sunday 3/31/19
WOTS Sunday 3/31/19
 
Forex Rates: 
 
 
Forex will update late Sunday afternoon. If any major changes, I will send it out to all of you.
 
SymbolBidAskHighLowOpenChangeTime
 USD/IQD  0.0000  0.0000 1185.0000 1183.4000 1185.0000  -0.7000 00:00
 USD/VND  0.0000  0.0000 23198.0000 23195.3300 23198.0000  3.6900 00:00
 USD/CNY  0.0000  0.0000 6.7382 6.7060 6.7381  -0.0268 00:00
 USD/KWD  0.0000  0.0000 0.3035 0.3031 0.3035  0.0002 00:00
 GBP/USD  0.0000  0.0000 1.3135 1.2979 1.3043  -0.0009 00:00
 USD/IRR  0.0000  0.0000 42000.0000 42000.0000 42000.0000  0.0000 00:00
 USD/IDR  0.0000  0.0000 14311.0000 14200.0000 14234.0000  -2.0000 00:00
 
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd

Halabousi: US presence is a guarantee for Iraq and a regional meeting nearby in Baghdad

 
Date of release: 2019/3/31 8:57 • 357 times read
 
(Baghdad: Al Furat News) Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohamed Halboussi, stressed that the American presence "a guarantee for Iraq," pointing out that the proposals issued by some parliamentary blocs to submit a bill calling for the withdrawal of US troops "withdrawn permanently from circulation."
He said Halaboussi, in an interview held in the Iraqi embassy in Washington, which is currently visiting, that the position of the American presence was agreed upon between the three Iraqi presidencies and all the political blocs and parties. 
He pointed out that the demand to withdraw the coalition forces led by Washington at this stage, "is in the interest of terrorism, its survival is a guarantee for Iraq, and provides political cover in the face of foreign interventions." 
He said that he does not broadcast privately when he says there is "dissatisfaction with Iranian interference." He asked questions about how to end Tehran's intervention, both in Iraq and in the region, and that the relationship with it must be based on mutual respect and respect for Iraq's sovereignty. 
Halabousi said he discussed the sanctions imposed on Iran with US officials and that he asked for more time for Iraq to develop its capabilities and investments, which would enable it to abandon the import of any energy sources needed by the Iraqi people. 
He revealed his desire to hold a meeting of heads of parliaments and the Shura Council of the neighboring countries of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey and Iran, on April 20 next, in Baghdad, to "ensure the stability of Iraq."
 

Mr. Ammar al-Hakim and al-Abadi discuss political mobility and the role of reform in evaluating government work

 
Editorial date: 2019/3/31
 
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) President of the Alliance for Reform and Reconstruction, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim and the coalition of victory Haider Abadi, the political movement and the role of the coalition in the evaluation of government work.
This came during the reception of Abadi to Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, on Saturday evening. 
A statement issued by his office, received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it, "During the meeting discussed the latest political situation in the country and the political movement, and the role of the coalition of reform and reconstruction in the evaluation of government work, which must be according to a clear vision and understandable. 
He added that "discussing the continuation of work to preserve what has been achieved during the past period of achievements in all sectors," noting that "the two sides discussed a number of topics and other files."
 
 
Iraq and America underscore the importance of cooperation in the economic and investment fields
 
 
31/03/2019

Baghdad - Mawazine News
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed Halboussi and US Deputy Secretary of State John Silvan on Sunday stressed the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment fields, reconstruction and support of the Iraqi government.
The Information Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in a statement received / Mawazine News / copy, that "Halbusi, met with US Deputy Secretary of State John Silvan," noting that "the meeting discussed a number of issues of common interest, and strengthen the relations and development of the two friendly countries, various fields".
"The meeting discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, the continuation of efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology and the defeat of a final advocate, and emphasize the importance of commitment to the sovereignty and security and prosperity of Iraq away from threats.
The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment fields, reconstruction and support of the Iraqi government to provide services to citizens and provide jobs through the actual contribution of US companies in the reconstruction projects of infrastructure and services for all Iraqi cities.
 
 
Halabousi and Sievan emphasize the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment fields
 
 
2019 31 March

Alsumaria News / Baghdad
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohammed Halabousi, during his meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Madness Sullivan, Saturday, the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment.
 
"The Speaker of the House of Representatives met today with the US Deputy Secretary of State, and the meeting discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, enhancing the relations of the two friendly countries and developing them, and cooperation in various fields," Al Halbusi said in a statement received by Alsumaria News.
 

"The meeting also discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, the continuation of efforts in the fight against terrorism and its extremist ideology and the defeat of a final advocate, and emphasize the importance of commitment to the sovereignty and security and prosperity of Iraq away from threats.
 
"The meeting also stressed the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment fields, reconstruction and support of the Iraqi government to provide services to citizens and provide jobs through the actual contribution of US companies in the reconstruction projects of infrastructure and services for all Iraqi cities.
 

Politicians lobby to appoint new pro-Iran Nineveh governor: Nujaifi  

 
31 March 2019
Former Nineveh Governor Atheel al-Nujaifi said that Iran and its agents in the country are trying to make the people believe that there is a conflict between Iraqi politicians concerning the appointment of a new governor for Nineveh governorate.
In statements on Saturday, Nujaifi denied any dispute between the politicians after the sacking of the Nineveh governor who was responsible for the death of more than 100 people when their boat capsized in the Tigers River in Mosul city.
Most of the politicians are not interested in the post in the current phase, he noted, adding that this current delicate period requires an independent administrative figure who is not interested in politics.
He also said that Iran insists on appointing a figure who is close to the mullahs but also a less corrupted figure than the sacked one.
A number of Iraqi politicians and parties are just puppets in the hands of the Iranian regime. This comes within the mullahs' plot to control the Arab country and its people.

Iraqis tell Baghdad Post: MPs are corrupt while people live in poverty

 
Saturday، 31 March 2019
A number of Iraqi people responded to The Baghdad Post's survey on its official Facebook page saying that the members of the current parliament had not fulfilled what they promised.
Earlier, the Arabic version of The Baghdad Post's Facebook page asked Iraqis "Do you think MPs fulfilled their promises?"
A huge nuber of Facebook users asserted that the MPs have failed to make anything concerning their so-called promises to reform the government in order to raise the living standards of the Iraqi citizens.
Iraqis alo expressed their rage over the failure of the political powers who couldn't agree on certain candidates to complete the cabinet, especially candidates for the ministries of justice, education, defense and interior, which are considered the main ministries that need to be completed to guarantee the people's safety and needs.
Many Facebook users commented saying that MPs had totally failed to fulfill any of their so-called promises, noting that nothing was achieved on the ground to help the people of Iraq, especially after the numerous crises that have rocked the country in the past 16 years.
They all agreed that the MPs had failed to approve any legislations that can stop corruption, which is threatening the country.
Mohamed Hadi said, "Nothing was fulfilled from their promises!"
Meanwhile, Abdel Rahman Mohamed said, "Zero percent of their promises was achieved!"
Another one posted a picture of a number of monkeys while commenting, "Politicians are like monkeys, if they struggle, they destroy the crops while if they agree, they eat them!"
Also, Hala El Saady described MPs by saying, "Just a bunch of militants!"
Another user said, "MPs are useless. They just receive huge sums of money while the people are dying from poverty."
Meanwhile, another user commented saying, "This is the result of the overconfidence of sheep in the wolves!"
Despite appointing Adil Abd al-Mahdi as Iraq's new prime minister four months ago, he failed to complete the cabinet, leaving a number of important posts empty. This came after parties, coalitions and politicians continue their conflict on the important ministerial posts.
Iraq has been witnessing a state of political and security chaos since 2003 in which all parties and politicians are working for their own interests without giving any attention to the people who are dying from povertybecause of corruption that is eating one of the richest countries in the world or from war that rocks the country from time to time.
 
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd

Mr. Ammar al-Hakim and al-Abadi discuss political mobility and the role of reform in evaluating government work

 
Editorial Date: 2019/3/31 • 234 times read
 
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) President of the Alliance for Reform and Reconstruction, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim and the coalition of victory Haider Abadi, the political movement and the role of the coalition in the evaluation of government work.
This came during the reception of Abadi to Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, on Saturday evening. 
A statement issued by his office, received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it, "During the meeting discussed the latest political situation in the country and the political movement, and the role of the coalition of reform and reconstruction in the evaluation of government work, which must be according to a clear vision and understandable. 
He added that "discussing the continuation of work to preserve what has been achieved during the past period of achievements in all sectors," noting that "the two sides discussed a number of topics and other files."

Saleh meets King Abdullah on the sidelines of the Tunis Summit

 
Release date: 2019/3/31
 
"During the meeting, they discussed enhancing bilateral relations and ways of expanding cooperation between Iraq and Jordan in a way that serves the common interests of the two brotherly peoples," a statement from his office said. 
He added that "the latest developments and developments at the Arab and regional levels and the need to coordinate positions and efforts on several issues of common concern, as well as the outcome of the tripartite summit between Iraq, Jordan and Egypt." 
President Barham Saleh arrived in Tunisia to participate in the Arab summit
 
 
Tamimi: the threat of a citizen to uncover the largest file of corruption in Diyala
 
 
Editorial date:: 2019/3/31
 
(Diyala: Euphrates News) The deputy governor of Diyala province, Fratt Tamimi, on Saturday, the exposure of the life of a citizen revealed the largest file of corruption in the history of Diyala a great danger.

Tamimi said in a statement received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it today that "a citizen of Ghaira from the people of Baquba revealed the largest file of corruption in the history of Diyala weeks ago, including illegal investment of dozens of acres in the Equestrian Club, located in the heart of Baquba. 
He added that "the citizen is now exposed to threats directly by the influential through threats, in addition to the filing of malicious claims against him to silence his voice and get rid of him after the disclosure of the file of the largest corruption." 
Al-Tamimi called on Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, as head of the Supreme Council for Combating Corruption, to "listen to the citizen's complaint and provide protection to him because he may be targeted at any moment, especially as the file of corruption revealed the names of large whales were trying to plunder public money" Local "safety of citizens after being informed of the threats."

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan: Our policy is clear and the region needs all sides

 
Editorial date: 2019/3/31 • 76 times scheduled
 
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Kosrat Rasul Ali, that the situation in the Kurdistan region needs all parties.
This came during a meeting in the city of Erbil, Kawa Mahmoud, secretary of the Communist Party of Kurdistan and the delegation accompanying him, on Saturday. 
In a statement issued by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the agency received a copy of the "Euphrates News" that "the Messenger congratulated during the meeting, the Communist Party of Kurdistan in the anniversary of its founding, referring to the revolutions of the Communist in Kurdistan side by side of the other parties, and it had an influential role, Further progress ". 
He added that "the meeting discussed the political situation in the region and the question of forming a new government." 
Rasul said that "the policy of the National Union is explicit, noting that Kordasan needs a government working on the basis of true partnership and active participation by other parties to serve the citizens." 
The statement added that "the meeting included another axis of relations between the National Union and the Communist Party in Kurdistan, and the latest developments in the region and issues related to the situation of the Kurds, while the parties agreed to strengthen relations and have a common positions on national and international issues.
 
 
Al-Eidani: We will put the idle investment companies on the black list
 
 
 
In the local March 31, 2019
 
BAGHDAD / The governor of Basra, Eng. Asaad Abdul Amir Al-Eidani, said on Saturday that the local government to support local companies in the implementation of large projects that serve the citizen Basri.
 
In a press statement issued by his private media office, SNC, during his participation in the service seminar held by Al-Salam Center for Strategic Studies in the province of Basra in the city of Al-Amal residential "The local government in both its executive and legislative in Basra has a tendency to support the firm companies in the implementation of projects" .
 
He added that "the governor of Basra that the local government will put the blacklisted companies in the blacklist and will announce their names in the media to inform citizens of the companies and honest companies are not honest." "

Ethel Nujaifi accuses the Ninewa Council and its governor of stealing billions

 
Editorial Date: 2019/3/31
 
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) accused the former governor of Nineveh Ethel Nujaifi, the provincial council and its governor, article Noufal al-Aakoub stealing billions.
Al-Nujaifi said in a tweet on Twitter on Saturday that "if the provincial council had no fault but to vote on the billions that were circulated in cash from the house of the governor and his entourage and the seals of the province where his nephew was signing and stamping the official books in cafés and clubs tonight .. That's to say. " 
 
 
Kauaihn Economic Times:
 
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER

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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO

Today in History
ABC News
Today in History Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY

GRAPHIC-Commodity prices, investment poised to extend upswing
Reuters
A rebound in commodities pricesand investment is poised to extend in coming months as thesector gets its traditional boost during the final stages of theglobal economic cycle along with other drivers. Read the full story

METALS-Zinc hits 9-month peak on hopes for U.S.-China deal, shortages
Reuters
* GRAPHIC-2019 asset returns:(Recasts, updates with official prices) Read the full story
Gold Prices Break 3-Day Losing Streak, Recover $1,300
Investing.com
Commodities Mar 29, 2019 12:50 GMT Investing.com - Gold prices recovered on Friday after a three-day losing streak, passing back above the psychological $1,300 handle. Despite the bounce, the precious metal was still on track for its worst monthly performance since last August as a stronger U.S. dollar and a preference for stocks weighed. At 8:47 AM ET (12:47 GMT), gold futures for June delivery on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange gained $6.55, or 0.5%, to $1,301.85 a troy Read the full story

Oil prices rise, head for weekly, monthly gains
MarketWatch
Oil prices climb early Friday, with a Thursday slump — attributed to a tweet for lower prices by President Donald Trump — proving brief, amid global efforts to keep crude supply in check. Read the full story

Oil Prices Jump Towards Biggest Quarterly Gains in 10 Years
Investing.com
Commodities Mar 29, 2019 13:13 GMT Investing.com - Crude prices jumped on Friday as oil was set for its biggest quarterly rise since 2009 amid supply cuts and U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for May gained 2.6% to $60.65 a barrel as of 9:10 AM ET (13:10 GMT). Brent crude futures, the benchmark for oil prices outside the U.S., rose 1.4% to $68.05 a barrel. Supply cuts lead by OPEC and Russia, known as OPEC+, have helped increase prices, but the Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT

Anti-Bitcoin Banks Paid Over $243 Billion in Fines Since the Financial Crisis
Bitcoinist.net
Banks are quick to label Bitcoin the money of criminals. But banks fines since the financial crisis have totaled over $243 billion. Bitcoin fines? Zero. Isn’t it time for society to open its eyes? Banks Don’t Want to Work with Cryptocurrency Companies I tried to make a small purchase from a well-known cryptocurrency exchange earlier this week. The action was immediately blocked and I had to call my bank over possible fraud. They kept me on hold for 11 minutes. By the time I had liberated my card Read the full story

UPDATE 1-Deutsche-Commerzbank tie-up opposed by 43 pct of Germans in poll
Reuters
(Updates with bank executive, no comment from Deutsche) Read the full story

Wells Fargo jumps as Wall Street thinks Sloan's exit will ease regulatory scrutiny
CNBC
Wells Fargo shares rose more than 2 percent in premarket trading Friday as Wall Street analysts largely welcomed the announcement that Tim Sloan would step down as CEO immediately. Read the full story

We Can't Take Wells Fargo's and Mastercard's Blockchain Bearishness Seriously (And Neither Should You) - Bitcoinist.com
Bitcoinist.net
CEOs of major financial companies are jumping on the bearish-on-blockchain bandwagon, with both Wells Fargo’s and Mastercard’s CEOs telling CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin that blockchain’s utility in the business world is still unproven and unclear at the Fintech Ideas Festival on Wednesday. According to the American multinational financial services companies’ CEOs, blockchain technology is still overhyped and its use-cases for the industry are still unproven — which is almost downright laughable, Read the full story

Wall Street thinks Sloan's exit from Wells Fargo will ease regulatory scrutiny: 'A positive step'
CNBC
Wall Street analysts largely welcomed the announcement that Tim Sloan would step down immediately as CEO of Wells Fargo. Read the full story

JPMorgan Downsizing Wealth, Asset Management
Barron's
The global cuts follow a periodic review of staffing, a typical practices at many large financial companies. Read the full story

Britain gives EU banks more time for no-deal Brexit preparations
Reuters
Britain's financial regulators have given European Union banks, insurers and asset managers more time to decide whether to continue serving British customers if there is a no-deal Brexit. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS

Stocks Advance to Cap Strong Quarter; Pound Climbs: Markets Wrap
Bloomberg
Stocks climbed globally on Friday to round out a strong quarter while Treasuries dropped as investors gauged the growth outlook and hopes for a China trade deal. The pound strengthened. Read the full story

Amid mounting political opposition, stock buybacks could exceed 2018's record high
Axios
U.S. companies are on pace to buy back more of their shares than they did during 2018's record binge, data shows, despite — or perhaps because of — mounting political opposition. Read the full story

Global stocks have largely recovered from 2018's rough 4th quarter
Axios
Today is the last trading day of the quarter and stocks around the globe have essentially recouped all losses from the final three months of 2018. Read the full story


CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY

Coinbase Leads Wall Street to Brave New World of Crypto Staking
CoinDesk
Coinbase Custody has launched staking services for institutional clients, starting with Tezos and touting 6.6 percent yields. Read the full story

Bitcoin Price Hits 5-Week High With Chart Echoing 2015 Pre-Rally Pattern
CoinDesk
Bitcoin is slowly gaining altitude with a long-term lagging indicator flashing signs similar to those seen before the 2015 bull breakout. Read the full story

Bitcoin set to book back-to-back winning months for the first time in 15 months
MarketWatch
Bitcoin prices rose on Friday, trading to their highest level in five weeks and on track to log a second successive winning month. Read the full story

Coinbase Leads Wall Street to Brave New World of Crypto Staking
CoinDesk
Coinbase Custody has launched staking services for institutional clients, starting with Tezos and touting 6.6 percent yields. Read the full story

CURRENCIES
Forex - U.S. Dollar Steadies Despite Weaker-Than-Expected Q4 GDP DataInvesting.com
Forex Mar 29, 2019 03:24 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar steadied on Friday in Asia even after data showed a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter GDP data. The U.S. dollar index that tracks the greenback against a basket of other currencies was up 0.1% to 96.773 by 11:24 PM ET (03:24 GMT). On Thursday, the Commerce Department said U.S. gross domestic product increased at a 2.2% annualised rate in the October-December period. Economists had expected a 2.4% growth rate. The greenback was little Read the full story

Canadian Dollar Surges on GDP Surprise and Oil Rally, Sterling Recovers ahead of Brexit Vote | Action Forex
Action Forex
Canadian Dollar jumps sharply in early US session after stronger than expected GDP data. At least, the three month-rolling average remained in expansion despite the contraction in December and November. Additionally, WTI crude oil surged through recent resistance to resume larger up trend to as high as 60.72. For now, New Zealand Dollar is the […] The post Canadian Dollar Surges on GDP Surprise and Oil Rally, Sterling Recovers ahead of Brexit Vote appeared first on Action Forex. Read the full story
Sterling rallies ahead of vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal
MarketWatch
Currency traders focus on the British pound on Friday, ahead of a vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal that could put an end to the uncertainty of how the U.K. will leave the European Union. Read the full story

Sell the Aussie and Kiwi dollar, buy the yuan, says ANZ
CNBC
Investors should sell the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar, and put their money in the Chinese yuan and the Singapore dollar instead, according to an ANZ analyst on Friday. Read the full story

HEALTH / SCIENCE

Why You've Got Dark Circles Under Your Eyes When You're Not Tired
HuffPost
We've all probably dealt with dark circles under our eyes at one point oranother, and while it's easy to blame them on a lack of sleep, that's only oneof many factors that might be contributing to that pesky under-eye darkness."When people talk about dark circles under the eyes, it seems to be a catch-all phrase," Dr. Shari Lipner, dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine andNewYork-Presbyterian, told HuffPost. "Some people are really referring to darkpigmentation in the under-eye area and some . Read the full story

How To Deal With A Cancer Diagnosis
HuffPost
Sean Swarner doesn't remember being told he had terminal cancer, at least notthe first time around.He was a young teenager when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a rarecancer that limits the body's ability to fight infection. His parents brokethe news, telling him he had Hodgkin's disease, but they left out the word"cancer." A few months prior to his diagnosis, his step-grandmother had diedfrom cancer and his parents didn't want to scare him."Being a nosy 13-year-old, I did some research . Read the full story

Squat, stand, walk, run: New research suggests we should do anything but sit
Quartz
The UK might have avoided an estimated 69,276 deaths in 2016 if people somehow stopped being sedentary for long periods. That’s according to an eye-popping study (pdf) published this week by a group of researchers, largely based at Queens University Belfast, in the peer-reviewed Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. “More realistically, if levels of... Read the full story

I Adopted This Simple Habit to Fight Late-Night Snacking, and I've Already Lost 7 Pounds
POPSUGAR
You could practically set your watch by it. Every night, right around 8:30, I would find myself wandering to the pantry. Hmmm, I would ask myself, what sort of caloric damage can I do tonight? It's . . . nibbling hour. My boyfriend first pointed this out when I began my keto diet a few months ago. " ... Read the full story

I'm a Trainer, and This Is Why Your Body Fat Percentage Is More Important Than Your Weight
POPSUGAR
I'm a trainer, and people constantly ask for my opinion on everything from the best running sneakers to how often you should work out to lose weight. Recently, a friend asked, "Do you find that giving clients a 30-day window to check in on weight loss is a mentally healthy thing?""I actually don't t ... Read the full story

USA / CANADA

Personal income rebounds in February as inflation tapers off
MarketWatch
Incomes rose modestly in February after falling in the first month of the year and declining inflation gave Americans even more bang for their buck, government figures show. Read the full story

Trump to host Egypt's Sisi on April 9: White House
Reuters
President Donald Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the White House on April 9 for talks on strengthening their strategic partnership and working on shared priorities in the Middle East, the White House said on Friday. Read the full story

COLUMN-Trump and Saudi Arabia at odds over oil prices: Kemp
Reuters
(John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed arehis own) Read the full story

US income growth off to slow start in 2019
Fox News
Consumer spending also fell short of expectations. Read the full story

US new-home sales increased 4.9 percent in February
ABC News
US new-home sales climbed 4.9 percent in February; sign that lower mortgage rates boosted demand Read the full story


EMERGING MARKETS

Investors traded $4.9 trillion of emerging markets debt in 2018
Axios
Investors pulled back slightly on emerging markets debt last year, with trading volumes falling just 0.4% to $4.88 trillion, according to a new report from trade association EMTA. Read the full story

Valley National Advisers Inc. Has $1.66 Million Holdings in Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE)
American Banking and Market News Site
Valley National Advisers Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHE) by 30.1% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 70,535 shares of the company's stock after acquiring an additional 16,310 shares during the quarter. Valley National... Read the full story

Emerging market debt sales shrink as window for new issues threatens to shut
Reuters
* Undersupply, over-demand for EM debt in Q1 Read the full story

Economic Conditions Snapshot, March 2019: McKinsey Global Survey results
McKinsey Insights
Respondents report an overall wary economic outlook and are increasingly concerned over trade. Yet there are signs of optimism among emerging economies and for companies’ prospects. Global executives’ views on the economy remain more gloomy than upbeat for the second quarter in a row. In McKinsey’s newest survey, few respondents believe that economic conditions have improved in recent months or will improve in the months ahead. They also share concerns over trade—namely, a recent decrease in Read the full story

Brazil state-run oil firm Petrobras puts LPG distribution unit on the block
Reuters
Brazilian state-run oilfirm Petroleo Brasileiro SA has begun the teaserphase for the sale of its liquefied petroleum gas distributionunit, known Liquigas Distribuidora, the firm said in a filing onFriday. Read the full story

Emerging market debt sales shrink as window for new issues threatens to shut
Reuters
* Undersupply, over-demand for EM debt in Q1 Read the full story

MIDDLE EAST

Iran wants America out of Iraq; will it succeed?
The Hill
The Iranian leader posits that Tehran is both a victim of US sanctions and the strongest country in the region. Read the full story

Saudi Arabia says Syrian opposition must unite before any dialogue with government
Reuters
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said on Friday a unified Syrian opposition should emerge before the start of any dialogue with the Syrian government. Read the full story

Saudi Arabia will ignore Trump's intolerance for oil prices, analyst says
CNBC
OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia will ignore President Donald Trump's tolerance threshold for rising oil prices, one analyst told CNBC on Friday. Read the full story

Turkey rejects US pressure over Russian S-400 missile deal
Aljazeera
Turkey's government on Friday rejected US pressure over its deal to buy Russian missiles, saying Ankara was already in talks over delivery of the S-400 defence system. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has riled Turkey's NATO allies, especially the United States, by purchasing the Russian arms system and by drawing closer to Russia's President Vladimir Putin. US officials have warned Turkey could face possible sanctions and a block on its participation in the US-made F-35 fighter jet programme Read the full story

Iran to 'resist' Trump decision on Israel's hold over Golan
ABC News
Iran's president vows his country will resist Trump's recognition of Israel's sovereignty over Golan Read the full story

Teenage volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire: Palestinian Health Ministry
CNN
A teenaged Palestinian volunteer medic was killed on Wednesday in the West Bank, says the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Read the full story

AFRICA

Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) To Reconvene In Tunis On 25-26 June 2019 For Two-Day High-Level Discussions, Presentations And Networking Opportunities
AllAfrica
Developing Africa’s ocean economy and investing in sustainable growth Tuesday 26th March 2019, London – The second Africa Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) will take place on 25-26 June 2019 in Tunis , historic city for maritime trade and economic powerhouse at the crossroads between Europe and Africa. Once again, the annual event will bring together 150+ delegates from across the globe, including ocean experts and innovators, African political leaders and policy makers, international entrepreneurs and Read the full story

Africa's Heavy Disease Burden Costs U.S.$2.4 Trillion a Year
AllAfrica
Africa loses more than $2.4 trillion from its gross domestic product value due to its disease burden every year, a new report by the UN health agency states. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that that is equivalent to having lost 630 million years of life in 2015. The report titled A Heavy Burden: The Productivity Cost of Illness in Africa was launched this week at the second WHO Africa Health Forum in Cape Verde. Non-communicable diseases are the leading drain on productivity and Read the full story

Zimbabwe: Scrapping of Zimbabwe's Toxic Indigenisation Law Good Riddance
AllAfrica
The announcement by the Zimbabwean government that it will scrap the Indigenisation policy for all investments into the country comes as a welcome development for domestic and foreign investors. The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Bill was signed into law on March 9 2008 amid heated debate and resistance from the business community. The Bill sailed through parliament in September 2007 and had been used as the anchor policy for economic development by the incumbent government in the run Read the full story

Zimbabwe: Zim's Slow Paced Economic Recovery Not Matching Citizen Desperation, Says Consumer Rights Boss
AllAfrica
(Photo: The Herald) Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) executive director, Rosemary Siachitema has expressed concern over government's "slow" attempts to remedy a harsh economic crisis that has brought massive desperation in the country. In a wide ranging interview with NewZimbabwe.com on Wednesday, Siachitema acknowledged current government efforts to revive the economy but said the pace did not match the situation on the ground. "Yes there are some signs that we are doing the right thing, but Read the full story

Zimbabwe has up to seven months supply of maize, after drought damage -official
Reuters
Zimbabwe has up to seven monthssupply of maize after drought ravaged crops and it needs tostart importing grain now to avert shortages, the secretary foragriculture said on Friday. Read the full story

ASIA

China's top banks warn of 'fragile' bad loans scenario as economy slows
Business Insider
By Shu Zhang and Julie Zhu BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's two largest state-controlled banks warned bad loans could rise and interest margins would shrink, as they posted their weakest quarterly profit growth in more than two years. Top lender Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) reported flat net profit of 58.05 billion yuan ($8.63 billion) for the fourth quarter, the first time it has seen no growth in a quarter since the July-September 2016 quarter. And China Construction Read the full story

Exclusive: Goldman’s China-backed fund bucks trade tensions to buy U.S. firm
Reuters
Goldman Sachs Group Inc invested money from China's sovereign wealth fund in a California-based industrial company and is looking for more U.S. deals, three sources familiar with the matter said, even after increased scrutiny from Washington all but stopped U.S.-China deals last year. Read the full story

China pours more money into cheap loans to help regions deal with debt pile and aid economy
South China Morning Post
China will look to tackle existing debt piles and contain the “grey rhino” risk in heavily indebted regions with a pilot programme to restore local financial capability. Trillions of yuan in debt, built up over the past decade of government stimulus, has… Read the full story

Explainer: Why China's inclusion in global bond benchmarks matters
Reuters
China's yuan-denominated onshore bonds will be begin to be included in the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index from Monday, and two other competing indices are likely to soon follow suit. Read the full story

EUROPE

Through the Brexit looking glass, we now know less than we did | John Crace
the guardian
Our PM can’t manage her own resignation, and even the ERG is at war with itself Monday As a child growing up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions I became obsessed with space travel and dreamed of getting a job with Nasa. Not as an astronaut because I was far too scared for that, but maybe as someone who helped them to get into their suits and bolted the capsule door shut on the launch pad. 50 years later, I could be in with a shout as Nasa is offering people £14,000 to spend 60 days in Read the full story

Brexit Live Updates: U.K. Parliament to Vote on Theresa May’s Deal
The New York Times
Lawmakers will vote a third time on the prime minister’s deal to withdraw Britain from the European Union, and she has promised to step down if it passes. Read the full story

Third time lucky? UK lawmakers hold new vote on Brexit deal
ABC News
On the day that Britain was scheduled to leave the European Union, lawmakers are facing what Prime Minister Theresa May's government describes as the "last chance to vote for Brexit." Read the full story

The Latest: EU says UK Parliament's vote enough for exit
ABC News
The European Union says that a "yes" vote on Britain's EU withdrawal agreement from U.K. lawmakers will be enough to assure an orderly exit of Britain from the bloc. Read the full story

Britain is getting a new anti-Brexit party called Change UK
CNN
The Independent Group, a cross-party bloc of anti-Brexit MPs, has formally applied to be registered as a political party. Read the full story

Through the Brexit looking glass, we now know less than we did | John Crace
the guardian
Our PM can’t manage her own resignation, and even the ERG is at war with itself Monday As a child growing up with the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions I became obsessed with space travel and dreamed of getting a job with Nasa. Not as an astronaut because I was far too scared for that, but maybe as someone who helped them to get into their suits and bolted the capsule door shut on the launch pad. 50 years later, I could be in with a shout as Nasa is offering people £14,000 to spend 60 days in Read the full story

Theresa May loses crucial vote on her Brexit deal for a third time
CNBC
The U.K. leader's draft proposal had already been rejected twice by British lawmakers. Read the full story
 
 
Prime Minister's Brexit deal defeated a third time
 
UK lawmakers rejected Theresa May's Brexit deal for a third time on Friday, likely killing it off for good and plunging the country further into political uncertainty.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/29/uk/theresa-may-brexit-deal-defeated-intl-gbr/index.html?utm_source=CNN-News-Alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Brexit+plan+defeated+third+time4b10999b-b773-4f17-9514-15c367191838&utm_term=a53691b0-d93b-ba69-ad8e-96cb06d2a428&m=b095ce84d47ab1cd618b492e86b7df93&p=2019-03-2915:03
d
 
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
 
CBI Update:
 
 
The CBI for Sunday 3/31/19 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is 200,767,800
There are no news and announcements

Al-Rafidain: The introduction to the advances shall be through our branches exclusively

 
Release date: 2019/3/31 8:59 • 203 times read
 
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Rafidain Bank announced that the introduction to the personal advances of state employees and civil and military retirees is through the branches of the bank deployed in Baghdad and the provinces.
"There are offices, commercial centers, associations and social networking sites that promote the granting of advances to employees and retirees," the bank's information office said in a statement received by the agency. 
He pointed out that "these offices are illegal and that the only party that grants advances are the branches of Rafidain Bank exclusively."
 
ISX Update:
 
No update yet
Value Traded
693,440,687
 
Shares Traded
778,684,485
 
 
ISX ended in Red
 
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
 
http://www.dinarguru.com/
 
 
3-31-2019  Newshound/Intel Guru RVAlready    We are expecting RV within next 2 days.  [...because the world is expecting it in the next two days, don't you think they may wait a week or two to announce it?] No…I think Everyone has had enough waiting.  [No info on when?]   There can be no advance info on when….  We will only know after the fact.
 
3-30-2019   Newshound Guru Adam Montana   Very related to HCL is this:  Article: "Parliamentary Energy intends to review the oil agreement between Baghdad and Erbil"  In a nutshell, the Kurdish oil production is higher than the anticipated amount... What does this mean to us? IMO, this has great potential. The Kurds have a solid argument, and the Baghdad side now has a LOT of motivation to get busy negotiating a profit sharing agreement.  That’s exactly what the HCL is.  The Kurds will also be motivated to get this moving, as they probably stand to catch a larger portion of the budget in addition to a better HCL deal. A couple years ago when they were talking about a secession, with the Kurds forming their own country - remember that? I had heard at the time from my experts that there was no real chance of that happening, but they were setting the stage for a stronger position in the big picture. That is EXACTLY what this ties into, and the HCL is what puts a pretty little bow on this whole deal. Pretty exciting stuff!   [post 2 of 2]

3-30-2019   Intel Guru RayRen98   Reportedly, the Speaker of the House was interviewed and stated that personal stubbornness is the cause of the delay of cabinet selections being concluded and that
it will "end" when he returns back to the country.
3-30-2019   Intel Guru MarkZ   ...As far as we know they did not post the rate this am in Iraq...I still expect  800 #s late on Sunday...The ups and downs appear to be coming to an end but this rollercoaster has been nuts...I expect rates to up load on the Forex this evening…probably 11:30 to midnight eastern time which is the best time for them I understand.  ...dong and dinar will for sure go at the same time…I do not think they will let us double dip in the first basket…I still think they will squeak this in at the end of March...going into 1 April...IMO there is a whole lot of reasons I think this weekend is different from the rest of them World events, Banking news...so much is happening everywhere.  I am Still at 99.9%...I am more than a still excited!
 
 
 3-30-2019   Newshound Guru Adam Montana   We're currently in the midst of some significant happenings right now. It's almost coming too fast to keep on top of things, so let's just recap the current situation. ...EVERYTHING oil related is cruising along at a good clip and in the right direction. ...we have touched $60 a couple times this week...the real important part is the manner it is happening. Nice and steady, just how we want it... for now...   ...I'm expecting to see some solid HCL news, and a potential focus on the HCL, with the RV bubbling just below the surface of the news.  ...at this time...they will not give us a major heads up on this plan.  Our only clues are going to be: Stability in the GOI, which we have.;  Solid news on HCL, or an actual passed HCL bill, which is reasonable to expect under the current situation.  [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
3-30-2019   Intel Guru RayRen98   Reportedly, the IMF is pushing Iraq to raise their exchange rate to attract investors for the reconstruction and reforms efforts including trade with neighboring countries. PM Mahdi is still saying, "By June, it will all be completed." Time Will Tell...Anything exciting happens...We'll get the word out.

3-30-2019   Intel Guru Delta   JUST IN FROM IRAQI TV: IMF IS DEMANDING IRAQ TO FREE THE EXCHANGE RATE!!!

3-30-2019   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   ...hold on to your seats and don’t fall off since I am going to give you some great news today. Finally, some more breaking news in the right direction for Iraq... 1.  Quote... "The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is therefore demanding Iraq to free the exchange rate!"   This issue is now becoming imperative since Iraq is having trouble trading with its neighbors... without a real rate. ...The IMF is now aggressively pushing the CBI to reinstate the IQD... 2. Quote... “Abadi revealed his decision in May 2018 to arrest former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki” ...This DOES NOT say Maliki is already arrested. It is only telling us an intent to arrest him. Abadi has no official capacity to arrest Maliki.  Are these both issues exactly what we have all been praying for...?

 
3-29-2019 Intel Guru MarkZ [Are the Currency rates that Flash on Bank screens made up rates or realistic rates?] They used to do testing rates…but at this point I think the rates should be close to the realistic rates...Based on my research I think mid $4’s to mid 6’s on the Dinar. Mid $2’s for the dong…This is just my opinion... [post 2 of 2]
 
Elmer:
 
Not in today
 
Artmeister:
 
Not in today
 

Catnip:
 
 
*************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website

The Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdel Mehdi, greets the masses of visitors and calls for cooperation for the success of the security plan and adherence to safety and security procedures

In the name of of Allah the Merciful

(But God wants to leave the abomination of the people of the house and purifies you purged)

Believe God Almighty

Sad hearts are filled with the love of the people of the house of our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, our people are going to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kadhim.

I would like to thank the honorable religious authorities, distinguished scholars, visiting visitors to Iraq and all the Muslims who are present for this occasion, asking the Almighty to preserve Iraq, its people and all visitors, and to protect them and serve them from our bodies. The security of the heroine and the employees of ministries and state institutions and the processions of the service of visitors and volunteers, and the great efforts they make over the days and the length of the roads leading to Baghdad from different provinces, and call for taking all the procedures For the security necessary to protect visitors and ensure their safety and return to their homes smoothly and safely after the end of the visit, God willing.

I invite the visitors to cooperate with their brothers in the security, service and health services in order to implement its security plan and abide by the procedures of safety and security and achieve smoothness outside and inside the city and on the roads and bridges leading to it.

I renew my condolences to you on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Kadhim, peace be upon him, the meaning of patience, sacrifice and redemption and adherence to the noble values ​​of Islam on the road to achieving the desired reform and the unity of the word and the spread of love and peace in our country, which faced terrorism and the force of the martyrs and the sacrifices of dear Iraqis.

We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return

Peace, mercy and blessings of God .

Adel Abdel Mahdi
Prime Minister
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
30 March-2019

*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account):
  1. Congratulations to Basra Museum on the opening of new galleries dedicated to Babylonian, Sumerian and Assyrian antiquities. Iraq’s museums play a fundamental role in preserving our shared heritage and facilitating dialogue and understanding between our diverse communities.

*************
ARTICLE 3

PRESIDENT: I ​​do not see any serious opposition to the presence of US troops in Iraq

BAGHDAD, March 30 (Reuters) - President Barham Saleh said on Saturday he saw no "serious" opposition to the presence of US troops in Iraq, provided that they continued to help Iraqi forces fight against Saddam.

Saleh said in an interview with the Associated Press that there is "a general consensus that Iraq needs continuous cooperation with the forces, indicating that it can continue as long as necessary."

He also warned that "the threat of fanning the extremists is not over yet, despite the announcement of the defeat of the regional group in Syria last week."

"They are here for the specific task of enabling Iraqi forces to fight against Da'ash. nothing else. This is the specific specific task, and in this context, I do not see serious opposition to the presence of these forces in Iraq today. "

He pointed out that "any task beyond what the Iraqi government agreed to is a subject opposed by many political leaders in the country."

"He recently led a conversation between all the major political groups in the country, and there is a general consensus that Iraq needs this cooperation," he said. Pointing out that "is not scheduled for a discussion or a vote in parliament at the moment."

"Saleh said that" the regional defeat of Daish was very important, and remnants of the group is still working and moving in both Syria and Iraq, "pointing out that" this threat is not over. We in Iraq, Syria and the international community as a whole need to be vigilant and make sure that we are certainly dealing with this threat of extremism. "

"The international community must shoulder its responsibility in dealing with thousands of Da'ash detainees and their families currently detained in Syria and Iraq," he said.

*************
ARTICLE 4

Halabousi discusses with US Deputy Secretary of State the strategic partnership between Baghdad and Washington
2019/3/30 19:42
[Baghdad-where]
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed Halboussi met Saturday with US Deputy Secretary of State John Silvan.
"The two sides discussed a number of issues of common concern, and the strengthening and development of the friendly relations between the two friendly countries and their cooperation in various fields," the press office said in a press release.
He added that "the meeting discussed the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, and continued efforts in the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology and the defeat of a final advocate, and emphasize the importance of commitment to the sovereignty and security and prosperity of Iraq away from threats.
He pointed out the importance of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in the economic and investment fields, reconstruction and support of the Iraqi government to provide services to citizens and provide job opportunities through the actual contribution of US companies in the reconstruction projects of infrastructure and services for all Iraqi cities.

*************
ARTICLE 5

Dream job .. Taste the food with a salary of 66 thousand dollars

30 March: Every person seeks a job that provides him with a good income with comfort, or an enjoyable job that is not stressful, so the job that fulfills these specifications is called "the job of dreams" because it is difficult to obtain.

However, a British company offers a unique job of up to $ 66,000 for travel around the world to eat vegetarian food, not only that, and all expenses will be paid.

According to the United Press International, Viprent Vigan, through its website, announced that it needs a "taste manager" to visit several places, including India, Turkey, Mexico, China and Japan, on a mission to savor various vegetarian foods around the world, The company that runs a service for the preparation and delivery of vegetable food.

The company disclosed in its announcement that all costs of travel, accommodation and meals will be covered for the employee who will receive paid sick leave and 28 days off.

"Although the company focuses on plant foods, it does not require that the applicant be a vegetarian, but should focus on plant foods only during work," the company said in the announcement.

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