For those who can't get on OM, and who don't have access to the forum. I will post here the articles I like for the day and some of my thoughts. Check back later
chevy wrote GOOD EVENING TNT - JUST A QUICK UPDATE FROM ME - I USE A SMALL TIER 2 BANK - JUST GOT A NOTICE TODAY THAT THEY ARE NOW OFFERING TO BUY/SELL FOREIGN CURRENCY INCLUDING VND AND IRAQ DINAR !!!! HMMM - I WONDER WHY?
HUNTINGTON BANK - SMALL CHAIN BANK - NOT SURE HOW MANY WOULD BE FAMILIAR
I THINK IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT THAT REMIND PEOPLE WHO AREN'T AS CONFIDENT ABOUT IT THAT IT IS REALLY HAPPENING AND PROBABLY VERY SOON
VINT - IT WAS AN EMAL WITH A LINK TO THEIR WEBSITE THAT SHOWS ALL THE CURRENCIES THAT THEY HAVE - I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT THEY HAD ANY
YOU ALL SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO HUNTINGTON.COM AND SEE THEIR LIST OF CURRENCIES
YEP STILL THERE https://www.huntington.com/personal/foreign-currency-exchange
Iraq achieves positive performance in foreign reserves and gold
The Central Bank announced on Tuesday the growth of foreign reserves by 32.6% in 2018, as well as Iraq's reserves of gold 96 tons.
The foreign reserves report showed a positive performance in 2018 compared to 2017 as foreign reserves grew by 32.6%, driven mainly by the positive difference between the bank's purchases of dollars from the Ministry of Finance and its sales through the foreign exchange sale window In addition to the profits generated from the proceeds of the investment portfolio in various segments. "
"At the investment level, the portfolio grew by about 25 percent in 2018 as a result of the positive difference between the central bank's purchases of the dollar and its sales, as well as the conversion of a large portion of other currencies resulting from maturity Some investment instruments and returns to the US dollar. "
The statement pointed out that "gold rose in value in 2018 by about 6% than in 2017, as a result of increased investment in this asset, and the gold reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq about 96 tons in 2018.
"Iraq is ranked fifth in the Arab world and 37th in the world in terms of possession of gold reserves, and Iraq was one of the largest buyers of gold in 2018 along with India, China and Kazakhstan."
Araji: the government of Abdul-Mahdi may not complete its first year and Abbadi a strong alternative!
March 19, 2019 | 12:50 PM - The number of readings: 105 views
Iraqi Position Network
The former deputy prime minister of the Sadrist movement, "Bahaa al-Araji," on Tuesday; that the leader of the Sadrist movement Moqtada al-Sadr may put forward a project against the government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi.
Al-Araji said in a press statement that the "Iraqi position" that "Moqtada al-Sadr is in good health"; noting that "the absence of Sadr from the scene may generate a major political project."
He added that "Sadr may put forward a reform project against the government of Abdul Mahdi," pointing out that "the government of Abdul Mahdi may not complete a year of life."
He pointed out that "the political movement of Jaafar al-Sadr contains important messages for political forces," noting that "the prime minister may return to Haidar Abadi again."
"He said that" Sadr was supportive and satisfied with the performance of Abadi to lead the government and the fight against the dashing, "explaining that" Abadi is the most prominent candidates for the premiership if the withdrawal of confidence from Abdul Mahdi, "pointing out that" Iran granted great privileges and large of the government of Abdul Mahdi! "
"He said that" Tehran will seek to keep Abdul Mahdi to complete his term of office, "noting that" the lack of political consensus on the completion of the cabinet cabinet will make the revolutionary Sadr's project. "
"The political ground is ready for Sadr's reform project," he said, adding that "there is political and popular discontent towards the government of Abdul Mahdi." He added that "Abdul-Mahdi does not have the tools to implement his government program" "He said.
America extends Iraq's exemption from US sanctions
The United States has made a new concession by allowing Iraq to continue to buy electricity from Iran despite sanctions imposed on Iran's energy sector, underscoring the failure of US sanctions to achieve its goals.
"The US State Department has granted Iraq a three-month exemption to help prevent instability in Iraq as a result of the energy crisis, which relies on Iranian gas and electricity exports to prevent anti-government protests in some areas of the country," AFP reported in a translation report. .
"While this waiver is aimed at helping Iraq reduce energy shortages, we continue to discuss our sanctions on Iran with our partners in Iraq," a State Department official said.
For its part, the State Department said in a statement that "Washington continues to work with Iraq to end its dependence on Iranian gas and electricity and achieve the independence of the country in the field of energy." Ending / 25 z
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday for talks with Kuwaiti officials and will participate in the third round of the US-Kuwaiti strategic dialogue. The official Kuwaiti news agency KUNA said that Pompeo was received by Kuwait's ambassador to the United States, Salim Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Assistant Secretary of State for American Affairs Reem Al-Khalid.
During his visit to Kuwait, Pompeo will lead his delegation to the third round of the Kuwaiti-US strategic dialogue, which will cover several areas.
The visit of the American foreign minister to the country will be an occasion and an important opportunity to sign a number of agreements between the two friendly countries in the fields of defense, security and customs cooperation," said Foreign Minister Khalid al-Jarallah.
Kuwait is looking forward to the success of the talks that will be held by Pompeo with the Kuwaiti officials, which will discuss "the many areas of economic, investment and energy cooperation in addition to security and military cooperation, especially related to the efforts of the two countries in the fight against terrorism and the drying up of its sources of funding." The US Secretary of State's Middle East tour, Lebanon and Israel, will last five days.
Halabousi arrives in Sulaymaniyah to hold several political meetings
Baghdad:
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed Halboussi, accompanied by a parliamentary delegation, arrived Tuesday in Sulaimaniya, in a series of visits to the provinces.
A statement issued by the office of Halbusi received "news" that "Halbusi arrived in the province of Sulaymaniyah just a few days ago and was received at the airport of Sulaymaniyah International Deputy Chairman of the Kurdistan Regional Government Qubad Talabani.
He added that "is scheduled to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives during his visit several meetings with political leaders in Sulaymaniyah, as well as a field tour in the province."
The absence of Sadr confuses the Iraqi political scene, a leader in his current is likely to return with a project to "oust" the prime minister
The absence of the leader of the Sadrist movement, Moqtada al-Sadr, for more than three months has confused the political scene in Iraq and fueled speculation about the reasons for his absence, ranging from a sudden illness to a pain in his hands, and a dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Is important in his premiership.
He said Bahaa al-Araji, the leader of the Sadrist and former Deputy Prime Minister, in statements on the evening of yesterday, the absence of Sadr to «Zaalh what is happening», saying he is about to return a new project may turn the current political equation, including the dismissal of the government of Abdul Mahdi and the nomination of Prime Minister Previous Haidar Abadi instead.
But Sadr's spokesman, Salah al-Obeidi, denied that Sadr's return was imminent.
The prospect of Jaafar Baqir al-Sadr, the cousin of Muqtada al-Sadr, who has met with senior leaders such as Abdul Mahdi and Abadi, parliament speaker Mohamed Halabousi and leader of the "Wisdom Movement" Ammar al-Hakim, Ali Sistani.
The "victory coalition" led by Abadi denied that he had an intention to overthrow the government of Abdul Mahdi.
Nada Shaker Jawdat, a member of parliament from the coalition, said that «the meeting that gathered Haider al-Abadi with Jaafar Baqir al-Sadr was important, where it was discussed the assessment of the political track and developments of the political process».
Nada Shaker Jodat pointed out that "the victory coalition, despite its marginalization and not granting any executive position, is the fourth winning bloc and has 42 deputies, it did not consider the dismissal of the government because the time is short and the cabin is still incomplete."
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Pence, Abd al-Mahdi talk over phone regarding security, economy issues
US Vice President Mike Pence spoke on Monday with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi, where they discussed opportunities to advance the strategic partnership between the US and Iraq, the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders discussed continuing to work together to strengthen and professionalize Iraq’s Security Forces and grow Iraq’s economy.
Pence welcomed news of Iraq’s recent economic and trade agreements with Jordan and the Prime Minister’s upcoming travel as major steps towards Iraq’s reintegration in the region after the territorial defeat of ISIS.
For his part, Abd al-Mahdi also updated the Vice President on the Iraqi government’s efforts to exhume the mass graves of ISIS’s genocide against Yazidis in Sinjar.
The Prime Minister also conveyed that he would personally investigate security and economic impediments noted by Pence as preventing the return of many of Iraq’s religious components and other displaced persons.
Source reveals the most prominent candidates of three ministerial portfolios
Alsumaria News / Baghdad
A parliamentary source familiar with the nomination of the names of three figures of the Ministry of Defense and its representative to the Ministry of Interior in addition to a candidate for education to be submitted to the Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.
The source said in an interview with Alsumaria News that "there are names have been nominated and will be delivered to Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to study and choose one of them," noting that "was nominated three names of the defense and its ideals to the interior."
The source, who asked not to be named, said that "the candidates for the interior are Ahmed Ne'ma, Abdul Ghani al-Asadi and Hamed al-Husseini. The defense candidates are Ali al-Araji, Najah al-Shammari and Salah al-Hariri," pointing out that "Al-Ta'i was nominated for the education portfolio. For the non-agreement of the Patriotic Union and Democratic Kurdistanists. "
The source said Hamed al-Husseini and Najah al-Shammari were the two most prominent candidates for the internal and defense portfolios.
On 10 March 2019, the deputy of the national bloc Hussein al-Aqabi said that the problem of the remaining portfolios of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's cabinet is a "complex" problem and needs broad consensus, stressing that there is no final consensus on the nomination of specific figures for the defense and interior ministries. the moment.
Parliamentary integrity declares its position on the resignation of the Minister of Health because of the corrupt
The head of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, Hisham al-Suhail, confirmed the committee's stance with Health Minister Alaa al-Din al-Alwan against the interference of the corrupt in his work and the work of the ministry.
Suhail said in a statement that "the Committee stands strongly against the interference of corrupt in the work of the Minister of Health and the rest of the ministries and will be held accountable for every step that prevents the submission of ministries in general to work for the public good."
Al-Suhail called on Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to support the Minister of Health and take the necessary steps against any attempt to interfere with the corrupt in cooperation with Parliament and its committees concerned, especially the Integrity Committee, which will stand strongly against these attempts.
The Ministry of Health yesterday issued a clarification on what was circulated in the media about the resignation of Minister of Health and Environment Alaa Alwan.
"The minister has already submitted his resignation to the prime minister a month ago because of unfair pressures, excesses and blatant interference in his work and persistent obstacles that are still being put in place to prevent him from carrying out the vision, road map and rational and transparent management that were adopted and implemented during this short period, To promote the health and environmental realities of our dear country. "
"However, the prime minister and a number of political leaders demanded that he stay and continue his approach."
Turkish contractors reveal their debts to Iraq and the value of their projects
"Turkish companies that were active in Iraq have been forced to suspend their projects and work there recently because of the increasing security unrest and the lack of collection of their entitlements," Medhat Yenigun, chairman of the Turkish Contractors' Association, said.
He added in a press statement that "Iraq was in the past, one of the largest markets in the Middle East for Turkey, stressing the importance of achieving security and stability in it again."
He pointed out that the total value of projects adopted by Turkish companies so far in Iraq, amounted to 25.7 billion dollars, and that Turkish contractors have entitlements in this country worth 800 million dollars.
He pointed to the existence of predictions about the beginning of a new phase will witness improvement and development of the quality of life and urbanization in Iraq.
Iraqi Trade Minister Mohammad Hashim al-Ani discussed earlier this year with a Turkish economic delegation that visited Iraq, "to increase the volume of trade exchange and expand the horizons of joint cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields" between the two countries.
Al-Ani then pointed to the possibility of his ministry's cooperation with the Turkish side in the fields of building warehouses, establishing mutual exhibitions and importing foodstuffs, construction and other fields in which the ministry works within the government program.
For his part, the Turkish delegation stressed Turkey's full readiness to open up to Iraq and participate in the reconstruction and entry into economic, trade and investment projects at various levels.
The volume of exchange between Iraq and Turkey was 16 billion dollars last year, and the two countries are seeking to raise it to 20 billion this year.
Most of the exchanges take place through two border crossing points in Dahuk governorate: Ibrahim al-Khalil (Vishkhabur from the Turkish side) and Sarzira (Ozumlo from the Turkish side). A third border crossing between the two countries is under construction.
US Hails Kurdistan for Combatting Terrorism, Sheltering IDPs, Syrian Refugees
The United States has praised the role of the Kurdistan Region and its people in, alongside the Peshmerga forces, combatting terrorism while sheltering nearly 2 million IDPs and Syrian refugees in the past few years.
The message was conveyed by a delegation from the US Congress, led by John Garamendi, during their visit they paid to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday where the Kurdish premier expressed gratitude to prolonged humanitarian and military assistance by the US to both Kurdistan Region and Iraq in the hard times, according to a statement by Barzani's office.
He further briefed the foreign diplomats with the developments in the Erbil-Baghdad relations, reiterating support to his Iraqi counterpart Adil Abdul-Mahdi in resolving the remaining issues between the sides through dialogue, the press release added.
The two sides, in the meantime, stressed the need of the presence of coalition forces in Iraq to restore stability and face the threats of returning terrorism in the region, discussing the importance of collaborations among the Peshmerga, Iraqi, and coalition forces to deal with the post-Islamic State (IS) war era in the region, the return of the IDPs and Syrian refugees, and the reconstruction of the affected areas and the support of the international community in this regard.
The two sides additionally stressed the role of women in the management of the country and PM Barzani mentioned about the steps and plans of his government aimed at protecting women and develop their conditions and participation in the governance.
Halbousi, Trump's envoy assert importance of counter-terrorism efforts
Iraq's Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi met the US-led presidential envoy on counter-terrorism James Jeffrey on Monday, where they discussed the current security and political situations in Iraq and the region.
They also have discussed the mutual efforts regarding fighting ISIS terrorist groups in the Iraqi-Syrian border crossing and ending it in the region, Iraq News Agency reported.
Halbousi and Jeffrey also reviewed the file of providing training and technical support to Iraqi forces as well.
They highlighted, during the meeting, the US support regarding IDPs and reconstructing the recaptured areas and supporting the Iraqi government as well to provide better services and fighting corruption.
Halbousi praised the US efforts in term of fighting ISIS terrorist groups and the contribution in reconstructing the recaptured areas.
For his part, Jeffery confirmed his country's support to Iraq in counter-terrorism and reconstruction that will help maintaining the stability in whole region.
Kauaihn Economic Times:
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
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Commodities Mar 18, 2019 19:36 GMT Investing.com - The going is as good as it can get for precious metals bulls as the spot prices of palladium and gold extended their rally on Monday, courtesy of a patient Fed. With the Federal Reserve likely to announce another stay in interest rates at the end of the second of eight regular meetings on Wednesday, speculators chased palladium’s spot price to new highs above $1,580 an ounce and helped gold to a slightly stronger footing in the $1,300 territory. Read the full story
17 Energy Stock Picks From Investing Pros
Barron's
Stronger corporate finances and more stability in oil prices could fuel a rebound in energy stocks. Read the full story
METALS-Copper steady, economic concerns jostle with China demand hopes
Commodities Mar 18, 2019 03:39 GMT Investing.com - Gold prices slipped on Monday in Asia ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting that is expected to shed more light on the outlook for U.S. interest rate hikes this year. Gold Futures were down 0.3% at $1,298.65 on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange by 11:39 PM ET (03:39 GMT). The Fed is due to announce its latest monetary policy decision on Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to keep monetary policy unchanged at the end Read the full story
PRECIOUS-Gold firms as hopes of dovish Fed weigh on dollar
Commodities Mar 18, 2019 05:16 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices fell on Monday in Asia after recording their best weekly gains in a month last week. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures traded 0.4% down to $58.59. Last week, the U.S. benchmark climbed 4.3%, its best weekly gain in about a month. International Brent Oil Futures were down 0.2% to $67.00 on Monday after recording a gain of approximately 2.1% last week. Saudi Arabia’s energy minister Khalid A. Al-Falih said on Sunday that he was optimistic Read the full story
$60-$70 oil is the 'pain threshold' for the US and OPEC, JPMorgan says
CNBC
An oil price of between $60 and $70 per barrel is both a "sweet spot" and "pain threshold" that rival oil producers in the U.S. and OPEC can tolerate, according to the head of EMEA Oil & Gas Research at JPMorgan. Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Bank of China unit fined $1.27 million in Hong Kong
Reuters
Hong Kong's securitiesregulator has fined a unit of Bank of ChinaHK$10 million ($1.27 million) for failing to followguidelines on sale of investment products. Read the full story
Carry on - central bank signals leave 'carry' traders chasing more
Reuters
Collapsing asset price volatility has turned 'carry trading' into one of investors' top plays of 2019. Many reckon the run is far from over. Read the full story
Principal Financial close to Wells Fargo retirement unit acquisition-sources
Reuters
Principal Financial Group Inc is in advanced talks to acquire Wells Fargo & Co's retirement plan services business, in a deal that could exceed $1 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. Read the full story
UPDATE 2-Israel's Bank Hapoalim Q4 profit sinks on U.S. tax probe provision
Carry on - central bank signals leave 'carry' traders chasing more
Reuters
Collapsing asset price volatility has turned 'carry trading' into one of investors' top plays of 2019. Many reckon the run is far from over. Read the full story
Germany Pushes for Deutsche Bank-Commerzbank Merger As It Seeks a National Banking Champion
FORTUNE
After years of speculation, Germany’s two biggest lenders, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, have formally decided to begin discussing a potential merger. The tie-up between the struggling banks could create a national banking champion—or just a larger struggling bank. The banks announced the talks Sunday. “The management board of Deutsche Bank is focused on improving the growth profile and profitability of the bank. There is no certainty that any transaction will occur,” said Germany’s largest Read the full story
Yamanashi Kyoto Management Says Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank Have Initiated Merger Talks
Global Banking & Finance Review
Financial researchers from Yamanashi Kyoto Management have noted that two of Germanys biggest banks have Read the full story
Credit Card Fraud Is Down, But Account Fraud Which Directly Hurts Consumers, Remains High Forbes
EMV chips have reduced POS card fraud as expected but fraudsters are moving into new areas such as opening new accounts in a stranger's name, taking over accounts or hitting reward programs for profits. Read the full story
Allianz Explores Deal with Deutsche Bank's Asset Management Arm: Sources
Insurance Journal
Allianz SE is exploring the possibility of a combination of its asset management arm with Deutsche Bank AG’s DWS Group to create a national champion in active money management, according to people familiar with the matter. The Munich-based insurer is looking at the feasibility of a deal with Germany’s largest lender to create a business with 1.17 trillion euros ($1.33 trillion) under management, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing the private matter. Allianz’s Read the full story
JPMorgan rolls out low-fee, checkless, no-overdraft accounts
Reuters
Responding to calls for more bank services for low-income consumers, JPMorgan Chase & Co on Monday began offering checkless accounts with access to its mobile app, branches and ATMs for $4.95 a month and no minimum balance. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Global stocks climb, dollar dips as traders price accommodative Fed Reuters
Global stocks rose to their highest in five months and the dollar dipped on Monday as traders began to price in an accommodative stance from the U.S. Federal Reserve at its policy meeting this week. Read the full story
RPT-Only way is down: strong bid for negative-yielding KfW bond amid rates stasis
Economy Mar 19, 2019 09:45 GMT Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Tuesday, March 19: 1. Fed Kicks Off Policy Meeting The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day policy meeting today, with a decision due Wednesday afternoon. Many investors expect the Fed, which has raised rates four times last year, to keep its benchmark overnight interest rate unchanged and stick to its pledge of a "patient" approach to monetary Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Ethereum [ETH/USD] Price Analysis: Bulls gains momentum in their race against the bear
AMBCrypto
The week began with Ethereum [ETH], the second largest cryptocurrency by market cap, glowing both red and green. According to CoinMarketCap, at press time, the cryptocurrency was trading at $139.44, with a market cap of $14.68 billion. The coin recorded a trading volume of $4.09 billion over the past 24 hours, and a rise of... Read the full story
Economists look to global trade numbers to determine if the world is headed for recession
Axios
As the world economy has slowed, economists are beginning to look for signs of whether it's headed toward recovery or recession. Read the full story
Litecoin [LTC] Price Analysis: Bulls push coin's price upwards as bear waits in patience
AMBCrypto
Most of the top cryptocurrencies went on a weekend surge, with Litecoin being one of the major contributors to the bull run. The fourth largest cryptocurrency by market cap, Litecoin [LTC], breached the much-anticipated $60 resistance mark. On 18 March, LTC opened at a value of $61.52, and rallied to $62.77, before falling to $62.77,... Read the full story
Citi Scrapped Its Plan for a JPM Coin-Like Bank-Backed Cryptocurrency
CoinDesk
Several years back Citi tested a bank-backed cryptocurrency similar to JPMCoin. The lesson it learned? It's easier to rely on SWIFT. Read the full story
Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Issues Statement on Cryptocurrency
Crowdfund Insider
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) has issued a statement on “crypto-assets” indicating their concern that new financial products related to crypto have the potential to increase the risks to banks who engage in digital or crypto assets. The BCBS was established by central... Read More The post Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Issues Statement on Cryptocurrency appeared first on Crowdfund Insider. Read the full story