Wednesday, April 3, 2019

WOTS Tuesday 4/2/19

WOTS Tuesday 4/2/19

WOTS Tuesday 4/2/19
 
Forex Rates
 
 
SymbolBidAskHighLowOpenChangeTime
 USD/IQD  1169.4000  1222.9000 1185.0000 1185.0000 1185.0000  11.1000 05:02
 USD/VND  23164.5000  23234.5000 23198.0000 23195.2000 23198.0000  283.0200 02:57
 USD/CNY  6.7199  6.7219 6.7234 6.7101 6.7101  0.0093 05:10
 USD/KWD  0.3036  0.3056 0.3040 0.3036 0.3038  0.0002 05:11
 GBP/USD  1.3053  1.3054 1.3101 1.3023 1.3101  -0.0049 05:12
 USD/IRR  0.0000  0.0000 42000.0000 42000.0000 42000.0000  0.0000 05:02
 USD/IDR  14231.0000  14232.0000 14260.0000 14175.0000 14203.0000  26.0000 05:12
 
 
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd

Abadi's alliance seeks to renew corruption charges against Maliki

 
Tuesday، 02 April 2019 12:37 AM
Nasr Alliance, headed by Haidar al-Abadi, is leading a movement to open the case against leader of the State of Law Coalition and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki related to the waste of public money during his rule, Lebanese Al-Akhbar said.

The official investigations fuel political conflicts. Some opponents are trying to exploit them according to serve their interests, the report said.

The report said that 78 MPs submitted, days ago, a request to the presidency of the parliament to form a fact-finding committee to discuss the circumstances of the Camp Speicher Massacre committed by ISIS in June 2014, as well as cases of squandering public funds during the government of Maliki.

MP Yousef al-Kalabi of the Nasr Alliance, allied with Saairun Alliance, National Wisdom Alliance, and Iraqi National List have accused Maliki and his government of spending huge sums of money outside the controls adopted in the draft federal budget in 2014, to implement alleged economic projects and services.
Muqtada Al-Sadr

The Iraqi Shia cleric and prominent political leader Muqtada Al-Sadr has threatened to investigate former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki for corruption, according to media reports in October last year.

Sadr’s Spokesman Sheikh Salah Al-Obeidi said the “thieves” would be held accountable, in addition to Al-Maliki’s men, “who brought back the thieves to Iraq and covered up their corruption”.

“The abundance of corruption crimes during the past years does not mean that crimes committed against the Iraqis would be abandoned,” he announced.

The spokesman concluded: “There is a lot to reveal in the coming days.”

These remarks came after a tweet posted by the head of the National Movement for Development and Reform party, Jamal Al-Karbouli, in which he called for the people who preach morals to teach themselves before teaching others.

The veiled comment was directed at Al-Sadr after he launched an appeal calling for people to ignore the sectarian partition of the government and allowing the designate prime minister to choose technocrats for his government.

The World Bank expects Iraq's economy to recover at this rate

 
Date of release: 2019/4/2 10:16  222 times read
 
{International: Al Furat News} The World Bank expects the economy of Iraq and Yemen to recover significantly during the coming period, expecting the growth of the Iraqi economy by 2.8 percent this year.
A report by the bank attributed its expectation to a new government in Iraq, compared with a rate of 0.6 per cent in 2018, as well as that the agreement on the reconstruction of Iraq will give the economy a strong boost. 
The outlook for the economic performance of oil importing countries in the region is closely related to developments in oil-rich neighboring countries, particularly in the GCC countries. The recovery of oil-exporting countries is linked to increased capital flows, foreign direct investment and cash transfers to neighboring importing countries Of oil. 
The decline in economic growth in the United States, China and the European Union could adversely affect economic growth in the region, according to World Bank experts. He attributed the reason for the slow growth in these countries, to the uncertainty caused by international trade tensions between the EU and the United States and China, and the decline in fiscal stimulus in the United States.
 
 
Governor of Wasit describes the budget (2019) investment
 
 
In the local April 2, 2019 comments on Governor Wasit describes balance (2019) closed investment 49 visits
 
Baghdad / SNG - Governor of Wasit Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi, Monday, the budget of 2019 investment and development of the regions, pointing out that the budget of the ministries implemented in the province of Wasit up to approximately (220) million dollars.
 
Al-Mayahi said in an interview with Al-Khubari Center that "122 projects will be implemented in Wasit Governorate. All these projects are good projects and are funded to this year. Most of their achievements are 60-70%."
 
He added that "there are projects will be included later within the budget for the border posts for the province of Wasit, which amounts to (two billion and a half dinars) every month distributed to the population ratios for municipal work directly."
 
"The budget (2019) does not meet the volume of damage and service problems in the province, stressing that since (2014) so ​​far did not come as a budget (2019) can move the work and market and projects and education in particular in the construction of schools."  "

Oil at the highest level in 2019

 
Editorial Date: 2019/4/2 9:27  311 times read
 
{International: Al Furat News} Oil prices rose to their highest levels in 2019 on Tuesday, supported by strong Chinese economic data, the possibility of new sanctions on Iran and the disruption of Venezuelan supplies.
Brent crude rose 32 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $ 69.44 a barrel by 0212 GMT, having touched $ 69.50, its highest since mid-November. 
US crude futures rose 30 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $ 61.89 a barrel after crossing the $ 62 mark for the first time since early November. 
China's manufacturing sector returned unexpectedly to growth in March for the first time in four months. 
Manufacturing data in the US also came in better than expected in March, helping investors outperform weak February retail sales data. 
A senior administration official told reporters on Monday that Washington was considering additional sanctions on new sectors of the Iranian economy. 
The official also noted that the United States may not extend exemptions from sanctions on Iranian oil exports.  

URGENT Abdul-Mahdi visits Saudi Arabia mid-month

 
Release date: 2019/4/2 8:57  304 times read
 
(International: Al Furat News) President Barham Salih revealed that Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will visit neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia in mid-April.
"Saudi-Iraqi relations are growing, I visited Saudi Arabia and I met King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi officials," Saleh said in an interview. 
"King Salman has been very concerned about Iraq and stressed the need to develop relations. A Saudi ministerial delegation has visited us and a large Saudi delegation will soon visit Baghdad to confirm the activation of the joint Saudi-Iraqi committee," he said. 
Saleh said, "Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will visit the Kingdom and neighboring countries in the middle of this month." 
"We see in the consolidation of relations with the Kingdom an essential part of our perspective of what we want to be the relations of Iraq, we may differ in political vocabulary here and there and on this issue or that, but at the same time there are geographical and historical constants and cultural ties. 
He said: "My meeting with the Crown Prince was good, frank and direct, and we spoke in depth of what was required. He was understanding of the situation in Iraq and the need to enable the Iraqis to overcome the challenges and the need not to load Iraq and the equations we need. Development ". 
The visit of Saudi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi is the second since he took office in October 2018 after he visited Egypt on March 23 and held a trilateral summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II. is over
 

Al-Tufayli visits the plant of Tim Abu Sank and stresses the support of the national product

 
Editorial Date: 2019/4/2 0:05  117 times read
 
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) member of the Committee on Investment and Economy Representative Salim Tahmir al-Tufaili dates factory in Abi Gharq district of Babel province.
Al-Tafayli briefed him on the work of the factory, stressing "the need to encourage the local product and provide the necessary means and facilitate procedures for investors in order to achieve self-sufficiency in the country and reduce unemployment." 
He called on "the competent authorities to cooperate with investors and buy government departments to their needs of investment factories located in the country instead of going abroad, as well as facilitate the procedures followed for investment projects and away from routine murder and corruption. 
For their part, investors praised the role of the parasite for its support and overcoming the obstacles facing them
 
 
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
 
 
Deputy for the construction: Kurdish disputes over the justice portfolio has chosen to complete the government
 
11:44 - 02/04/2019
 
Information / Baghdad ..
 
MP from the coalition of construction Mohamed Baldawi, Tuesday, not complete the cabinet cab to the moment to the Kurdish dispute on the candidate of the Ministry of Justice, noting that the Kurdish dispute in the formation of the provincial government reflected on Baghdad.
 
Al-Baldawi said in a statement that all the political blocs are almost agreed to complete the ministerial cabin and there is a tendency to grant the national list the position of the Ministry of Defense, while the conquest got the Ministry of Interior and Education of the Axis alliance.
 
"What delays the completion of the formation of the government so far is the Kurdish dispute between the Patriotic Union and the Kurdistan Democratic Party on the post of Minister of Justice."
 
Baldawi said that "the dispute between the Kurdish forces during the formation of the Kurdistan government reflected negatively on Baghdad and led to delay access to a comprehensive agreement to pass the remaining four ministries."
 
Saleh: We need to imitate the Imam Kadhim for a dignified life and good behavior
 
 
Political 12:39 - 02/04/2019
Baghdad Mawazine News
The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Kadhim "AS"
Saleh said in a tweet to him on Twitter: On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jaafar al-Kadhim "peace be upon him" we recall the values ​​of tolerance, humility, patience, freedom and tender embodied by the Imam in his life, the Psalm of Doha Muhammadiyah was the best example of all the ethics that we need to invoke constantly, For a decent life and a high ethical conduct. "
is over

Kirkuk operations alert around the clock
 
 
02-04-2019 12:06 AM
 
Baghdad:
The commander of the joint headquarters for joint operations in Kirkuk province, Major General of the Special Forces Saad Brigade, reassured the citizens of Kirkuk of the lack of risks due to the wave of rain and floods that hit a number of cities in Kirkuk.
"Our heroic forces are present with their brothers in the crisis cell, who are carrying out their humanitarian and security duties around the clock," he said in a statement.
Praising "the spirit and joint action that characterizes Kirkuk in all its security, service and administrative configurations," noting that "there are no risks in Elton Bridge, Debs, Abbasi and Zab."
 

The government directed to cut off national electricity from the ministries and departments affiliated with them during the summer
 
 
4-2-2019
 
Baghdad:
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, on Monday, to cut off electricity from the headquarters of the ministries and departments of the provinces in all during the summer.
The Ministry of Electricity said in a statement received by "the news" that "the adviser to the Prime Minister transferred the direction of Abdul Mahdi, to begin cutting off the power of the headquarters of ministries and its departments in all provinces, and the replacement of national electricity generators, and the need for heads of energy committees in the provinces prepare teams to follow up implementation This directive is beneficial for the provision of electrical power in the coming summer to citizens in residential areas directly, and excludes some departments such as health, water, sewage and nationality, with the heads of the departments given the necessary powers to do so.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Electricity Luay Khatib to review the reality of the electrical system and preparations for the summer of 2019. The meeting was attended by the Advisor to the Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Hussein Al Henin, the Undersecretary for Transport and Distribution Nafie Abdul Sada, the Director General of the Technical Department Majed Hantoush, In the provincial councils, as well as the presence of directors of distribution departments in the provinces.
The Minister of Electricity, during the meeting, on "the implementation of the plan of the Ministry of Electricity for 2019, after being studied and follow-up by the advanced owners of the ministry, noting that the budget in 2019, is a budget for maintenance purposes only, and complete schedules according to a specific time, Reconstruction of the electricity sector, including all the stations that were damaged as a result of sabotage and terrorist acts carried out by elements of the organization calling for the terrorist in the liberated provinces.
According to the statement, Khatib said, "The possibility of maintaining electricity in the event of stable technical and operational conditions of the units produced, as well as the important role played by citizens in energy conservation and a sense of responsibility and promote a culture of rationalization in all sectors, as well as motivate citizens to pay fees The collection of each house according to its consumption, to ensure the sustainability of electricity and continuity in accordance with the legal systems in force internationally, the fact that these funds, supporting the conservation and implementation of large projects to promote the growth and development of the electrical system.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Ministry of Electricity and the Ministry of Oil, increasing coordination and maintaining gas pressure and providing fuel of all types for all generating stations producing electricity. He pointed out the commitment of the decisions of the Higher Coordinating Committee between governorates, On their assessed shares. "
With regard to the plan of the ministry for 2020, which represents a major challenge to the ministry, the Minister of Electricity, the development of radical solutions and not a patchwork when discussing the next federal budget plan in the Council of Ministers and the Council of Energy Ministerial and the Council of Representatives, and the preparation of the budget and decide, and the date 1/1/2019 , A date for the start of work and adoption of the methodology (reconstruction of electricity), as a work address instead of patching solutions.
According to the statement, "There are stations within the maintenance program will enter the service, and there are switching stations (400 - 132) (KV), in progress, and will be opened sequentially to resolve the problem of bottlenecks in the network, Electric power to increase processing hours for citizens.
 
 

The Chairman of the Union of Contractors discusses with the Minister of Planning the disbursement of financial dues

 
02/04/2019
 
(Independent) .. The President of the Union of Iraqi contractors with the Minister of Planning, outstanding problems on the payment of receivables of financial contractors. 
The head of the Iraqi Contractors Union Ali al-Sanafi said that when I met with Minister of Planning Nuri al-Dulaimi on Monday, the payment of dues 30% ؜, and to instruct the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Wasit, Karbala, Dhi Qar, Anbar, Salahuddin and Babil to follow up the disclosures sent to the Ministry of Finance, . 
The minister explained that the minister directed the deputy minister, Maher Hammad, to follow up the matter and expedite the completion of the disbursement as soon as possible, and disbursing the outstanding amounts for the second part. He promised to follow up with the Ministry of Finance and complete any approvals required by the financial authorities, and exempt the conditions and mechanisms of classification of contractors. the condition .
 
 
Minister of Trade: We initiated an emergency plan to equip the affected families as a result of rain with food
 
 
02/04/2019
Baghdad Mawazine News
The Ministry of Trade and Industry in coordination with local governments in Salah al-Din and Anbar began to identify areas affected by floods and rain as well as displacement camps in Baghdad for the purpose of starting a plan to equip them with food items within 24 hours of enumeration of these families.
This was announced by Minister of Commerce Dr. Mohammad Hashim Al-Ani, in charge of the work of the crisis cell, which is following up the developments of climatic conditions in all regions of the country and preparing immediate reports to the Ministry's headquarters and companies supervising the processing directly.
Minister Al-Ani stressed that "Sub-committees and centers in all governorates should take their role in determining the damage caused to the citizens by floods and rain and determining their need for foodstuffs as well as the importance of acting urgently on the immediate treatment after the enumeration of these families by the staff of the Department of Planning and Follow- Scattered throughout the country. "
At the same level, the food companies in the Ministry of Commerce and implementation of the directive of the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Mohammad Hashim al-Ani, "immediate immediate processing of all affected areas in Salah al-Din and Anbar after reports of the exposure of places of citizens and their homes in those provinces to the full damage and exit from them."
The branches of food companies, grain processing and grain trade have been assigned to the processing and cutting of foodstuffs to agents in those areas, while quantities of ready-made salmon will be sent from the kilns of the grain manufacturer in Baghdad to these areas and immediately to meet the need of families and provide food possible to cope with the conditions of rain and floods experienced by some Governorates.
The Ministry of Commerce formed a crisis cell in all its companies and branch sites in the provinces and in a proactive step to secure the food possible to cope with the consequences of climatic conditions in a number of the provinces of the country
Independent .. The President of the Union of Iraqi contractors with the Minister of Planning, outstanding problems on the payment of receivables of financial contractors. 
The head of the Iraqi Contractors Union Ali al-Sanafi said that when I met with Minister of Planning Nuri al-Dulaimi on Monday, the payment of dues 30% ؜, and to instruct the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Wasit, Karbala, Dhi Qar, Anbar, Salahuddin and Babil to follow up the disclosures sent to the Ministry of Finance, . 
The minister explained that the minister directed the deputy minister, Maher Hammad, to follow up the matter and expedite the completion of the disbursement as soon as possible, and disbursing the outstanding amounts for the second part. He promised to follow up with the Ministry of Finance and complete any approvals required by the financial authorities, and exempt the conditions and mechanisms of classification of contractors. the condition .
 
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

How to Save for Retirement When You Work for Yourself
Barron's
Gig workers can take cues from employers to put their own savings strategies in place. Read the full story

10 Things to Know for Today
ABC News
Among 10 Things to Know: Suspect in killing of Kim Jong Nam given reduced charge; some Democrats question whether Biden is too out of step to run a successful campaign; Officials say rapper Nipsey Hussle shot and killed in LA at 33 Read the full story

Here’s the biggest news you missed this weekend
USA TODAY
From Joe Biden to the Final Four, here's what to know from this weekend. Read the full story

OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY

Oil Prices Just Had Their Best Quarter in a Decade
The Motley Fool
Crude zoomed more than 30% in the past three months, which will be a boon for producers. Read the full story

Oil Prices Gain Amid Supplies Concerns; Traders Await Sino-U.S. Trade Outcome
Investing.com
Commodities Apr 01, 2019 04:55 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices gained on Monday in Asia as supply concerns continued to provide support to the market. The upcoming Sino-U.S. trade talks in Washington is expected to receive some attention this week. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures was up 0.6% to $60.5 by 12:49 AM ET (04:49 GMT). International Brent Oil Futures rose 0.8% to $68.15. OPEC, which together with some non-affiliated producers like Russia, known as ’OPEC+’, agreed late last year to reduce Read the full story
Gold Prices Unchanged Amid Positive China Data; Trade Talks Continues
Investing.com
Commodities Apr 01, 2019 04:21 GMT Investing.com - Gold prices were trading near flat on Monday in Asia as a private survey showed China’s manufacturing activity unexpected rebounded. The Caixin Purchasing Managers’ Index came in at 50.8 for March, higher than the expected 49.9, after shrinking for three straight months. The survey lifted investor sentiment as Chinese stocks surged almost 3% in morning trade. Prices of the safe-haven gold, however, were flat. Gold futures traded on the Comex Read the full story

BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT

Credit Score Myths: What Really Hurts You and What Doesn't
Consumer Reports
Don't get sidetracked by misinformation Read the full story

Here's How the Apple Card Will Boost the Company's Digital-Payments Strategy
The Motley Fool
Apple Pay is expanding to include a credit card that's uniquely Apple. Read the full story

A Bunch of Credit Cards Have Increased Signup Bonuses, Sweetening the Deal for Travelers
Money
More points for free travel or cash back. Read the full story

TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS

‘Fear of missing out’ pushes investors toward stocks
The Wall Street Journal
As the rally in stocks continues, powering major indexes toward last year’s records, investors say they are increasingly wary of missing out on further gains. Read the full story

Wells Fargo's stock is a 'classic value trap,' strategist warns
CNBC
Investors who think shares of Wells Fargo will move meaningfully higher over the next year are "sadly mistaken," says Joule Financial's Quint Tatro. Read the full story

Now The Big Short investor bets Barclays shares will plunge
Daily Mail
Steve Eisman made his name as a hedge fund boss who cashed in by foreseeing the US housing market collapse that triggered the 2008 crash. Read the full story

Edgewater Bank Produces Solid Gains for 2018, Firing on All Cylinders
Moody on the Market
St. Joseph's Edgewater Bank continues to fire on all cylinders with a solid performance in 2018 on virtually all fronts. The bank's holding company, Edgewater Bancorp, Inc. released annual earnings reports this week reflecting net income for 2018 of $1,245,811 as compared to $485,322 in 2017. Edgewater President & CEO Richard Dyer says, “We experienced a successful year in 2018 as we grew the balance sheet, enhanced profitability, maintained sound asset quality metrics, and improved efficiencies Read the full story

Investors who want to make the world better should think twice about buying Lyft
CNBC
Many riders have opted for Lyft over Uber in recent years when hailing a car because it is seen as the "ethical" choice in rideshare, but for investors who subject their market bets to ESG (environmental, social and governance) screens, it is too soon to tell how much "good" is in either company. Read the full story

Top 5 Things to Know in The Market on Monday
Investing.com
Economy Apr 01, 2019 09:41 GMT Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Monday, April 1: 1. China Manufacturing Activity Rebounds China’s manufacturing sector unexpectedly returned to growth for the first time in four months in March, in a sign that stimulus injected into Asia’s growth engine may be yielding results. The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.8 from 49.9 in February. That was the strongest reading in Read the full story


CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY

Litecoin [LTC] close to its all-time high hash rate; expected to rise further as halving approaches
AMBCrypto
Litecoin [LTC], the silver coin to Bitcoin’s gold, enjoyed a fairly positive start to 2019 since the token surged against the US Dollar in December. Jason A.Williams, Co-founder of Morgan Creek Digital, recently shared a post on Twitter which predicted that Litecoin's price could rise to $650 by May 2019. The price prediction was given... Read the full story

Raising Money in the Crypto World Has Gotten a Lot Harder
The Wall Street Journal
The market for initial coin offerings, which boomed last year after the surge in bitcoin and other digital currencies, has fallen sharply in 2019 amid a regulatory crackdown. Read the full story

Up 100%: Litecoin Price Sets Q1 Performance Record
CoinDesk
Litecoin's price doubled in the first three months of 2019 to register its best first-quarter performance on record. Read the full story

Raising Money in the Crypto World Has Gotten a Lot Harder
The Wall Street Journal
The market for initial coin offerings, which boomed last year after the surge in bitcoin and other digital currencies, has fallen sharply in 2019 amid a regulatory crackdown. Read the full story

Iran's Crypto Regulations: What's Happening Behind Closed Doors
CoinDesk
The Central Bank of Iran's draft crypto framework has the local community worried, and getting it changed will not be easy. Read the full story

CURRENCIES
Forex - Dollar Dips as China PMI Bounce Revives Risk Appetite
Investing.com
Forex Apr 01, 2019 07:51 GMT Investing.com -- The dollar is opening the week slightly lower after a bounce in Chinese manufacturing activity encouraged traders to start the new quarter with some cautious optimism. The British pound, meanwhile, has also recouped some of the losses it suffered at the end of a chaotic week in U.K. politics, although the respite looks set to be brief, given weekend press reports that the country’s parties are tentatively planning for a general election to break the Read the full story

Forex - Yuan Slips Despite Strong Factory Surveys; U.S. Dollar Falls
Investing.com
Forex Apr 01, 2019 05:13 GMT Investing.com - The Chinese yuan fell on Monday in Asia despite an unexpected improvement in the country’s factory activity. The USD/CNY pair last traded at 6.7054 by 1:27 AM ET (05:27 GMT), down 0.1%. The Caixin/Markit PMI came in at 50.8 for March, higher than the expected 49.9. The official PMI that was released on Sunday also rose 50.5 from February’s 49.2. It was the first expansion in four months. A reading below 50 signals contraction, while a reading above Read the full story

HEALTH / SCIENCE
At 71, she’s never felt pain or anxiety. Now scientists know why. 
The New York Times
Scientists discovered a previously unidentified genetic mutation in a Scottish woman. They hope it could lead to the development of new pain treatment. Read the full story

How Blue Light Affects Your Sleep
Consumer Reports
Will glasses that block it help you sleep? It depends. Read the full story

The flu-fighting foods to build immunity ahead of the sniffle season
Daily Mail
With the flu season right around the corner Australian nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo has revealed how to avoid getting sick. Read the full story

Here's Why Experts Say You Should Cut Back on Carbs If You Want to Lose Belly Fat
POPSUGAR
There's a reason so many people lose weight on a low-carb diet, including shedding stubborn belly fat. "Those who eat high-carbohydrate diets, particularly diets high in processed, simple carbs, are prone to fat accumulation around the abdominal region," Gabby Geerts, a registered dietitian at Green ... Read the full story

We look at the signs of male depression and how YOU can help them
Daily Mail
UK-based Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP healthcare, has revealed the warning signs of mental health issues - including loss of appetite and struggling to sleep. Read the full story

The fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. is woefully underdiagnosed
GSK
More than 15 million Americans have COPD. Read the full story

USA / CANADA

Get ready for a big week of economic health checks
Bloomberg
Investors will get a welcome health-check on the U.S. economy this week as markets fret it’s looking increasingly recession-prone. Read the full story

Federal tax breaks for donating to these state-run funds are on shaky ground
CNBC
Did you donate to a state-run charitable fund in 2018? You might not be able to claim a deduction for it on your federal tax return. Here's what you need to know. Read the full story

New York becomes first state to introduce congestion pricing
Axios
The New York State Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday agreed to a $175 billion budget on Sunday, which includes a new congestion pricing policy that would charge a fee to vehicles traveling south of 60th Street, the New York Times reports. Read the full story

EMERGING MARKETS


Petro and Venezuela: The origin of a cryptocurrency that was supposed to save the country
AMBCrypto
This is Part 1 of our article on Petro and Venezuela. Episodes of wars and conflict have long been tools by which empires have risen and fallen. With the onset of the new age and the Industrial Revolution, a key component of what makes the world tick was revealed – money, or more specifically, the... Read the full story

Russia Defends Military Presence in Venezuela, Says U.S. 'Nervous' Because Its Plans 'Failed'
Newsweek

Tensions between the United States and Russia over Venezuela increase
The Hill

Russia admits it has sent 'specialists' to crisis-hit Venezuela
Daily Mail
The Russian specialists arrived under a military cooperation deal, although Russia denies they have been used in military operations. The opposition leader and president held rival protests today. Read the full story

Venezuela darkened by third major blackout this month
CNN
Electricity slowly returned in most areas of Caracas on Saturday after Venezuela struggled through the third major blackout of March. Read the full story

Brazil's Bolsonaro visits Israel with embassy decision pending
Aljazeera
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro began a visit to Israel on Sunday with a decision pending on fulfilling a promise to move his country's embassy to Jerusalem, a policy change opposed by military officers in his cabinet. The four-day visit by the far-right leader comes a week before Israel's closely contested election in which the right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is battling a popular centrist candidate and corruption allegations, which he denies. "I love Israel," Bolsonaro said in Read the full story

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia to raise around $31 bln in debt this year
Reuters
Saudi Arabia plans to issue 118billion riyals ($31.5 billion) in debt this year to help financethe national budget deficit, the country's Debt ManagementOffice, part of the ministry of finance, said in a statement. Read the full story

DFM, National Bonds sign MoU to boost Islamic financial services
Mubasher
Dubai - Mubasher: The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) on Sunday announced that it has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Bonds Corporation (NBC) to strengthen its leading position as the first Shari'a-compliant exchange globally. … Read the full story

UAE gold reserves grow 0.6% in February
Mubasher
Abu Dhabi – Mubasher: The UAE’s gold reserves grew 0.6%, or AED 2 million, by the end of February. Gold reserves in the GCC nation hit AED 1.172 billion in February, from AED 1.710 billion a month earlier, according to recent data released by the … Read the full story

Arab summit expected to reject U.S. decision over Golan
Business Insider
TUNIS (Reuters) - Arab heads of state, long divided by regional rivalries, are expected to unite at a summit on Sunday to oppose a U.S. decision to recognize Israel's annexation of Arab lands captured in 1967. Arab leaders are already grappling with unrest in Algeria and Sudan, international pressure over the war in Yemen, regional splits over Iran's influence in the Middle East and a bitter Gulf Arab dispute. They face a new challenge after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation last week Read the full story

Egypt to up minimum wage to EGP 2,000
Mubasher
Cairo – Mubasher: The Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Saturday announced on a TV broadcast to that the minimum wage for workers and employees in the public sector will be increased to EGP 2,000 from EGP 1,200. El-Sisi said that public … Read the full story

MIDEAST STOCKS-Abu Dhabi slips further, banks support Saudi market
Reuters
Stock markets in the Gulf weremixed on Sunday with Abu Dhabi experiencing losses after someshares traded ex-dividend last week, while the Saudi market waslifted by the banking sector. The Saudi index added 0.4 percent, with Al RajhiBanking & Investment Corporation up 1.7 percent andregistering the highest trading volume on Sunday. In a research note, Dubai-based Arqaam Capital said itexpects credit growth to strengthen in Saudi Arabia this year, apositive for the banking sector. Banks such as Read the full story

The former US diplomat who predicted a 'perfect storm' in Iraq says Trump's Iran policy is 'untethered to history'
Business Insider
William Burns, then a US deputy secretary of state, delivers remarks at the Strategic Track Plenary Session of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue at the State Department in Washington, July 11, 2013. William Burns was on the front line of US diplomacy for more than three decades, serving under five presidents. In a new memoir, Burns details his concerns that the US still has learned the lessons of the the Iraq War and that it is forging ahead with a worrying "militarization of Read the full story

Arab summit to showcase unity against Trump's Israel policy
ABC News
Leaders meeting in Tunisia for the annual Arab League summit are united in their condemnation of Trump administration policies seen as unfairly biased toward Israel but divided on a host of other issues. Read the full story

Gaza violence: Crossings reopen after negotiated 'calm'
BBC News US
The move comes a day after several Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces. Read the full story

AFRICA

Zimbabwe: ED Threatens to Crush Anti-Government Demos
AllAfrica
ZANU PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has warned his government is ready to use brute force to deal with any violent protests in the country. Mnangagwa unleashed the army in January this year, to crush anti-government demonstrations organised by labour federation the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions that turned into an orgy of violence across the country. At least 17 people were killed after the army used live ammunition against protestors while dozens were left with gunshot wounds. Read the full story

Zimbabwe: Met Department Ill Resourced to Predict Weather Patterns - Expert
AllAfrica
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) is not adequately resourced in line with international best practices and as a result it has not been able to avail conclusive information on weather related issued in Zimbabwe. This was revealed by Haanyadzisi Batisai, an operational meteorologist at MSD. He was addressing guests at a Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) post drought assessment briefing Friday. Batisai said that authorities are ignoring the capacitation of the MSD which is Read the full story

Nigeria: Contaminated Lands, Water - New Major Inquiry Into Oil Spills in Niger Delta
AllAfrica
A major new inquiry into oil companies operating in the Niger Delta has been launched by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu. The probe will investigate "environmental and human damage" in Nigeria's vast oil fields. "This Commission will investigate the human and environmental impact of multinational oil company activity and is crucial to the prosperous future of the people of Bayelsa and their environment, Nigeria and hopefully to other oil-producing nations," he said. Nigeria is Africa's Read the full story

Sudan: ATMs Remain Empty As Sudan's Cash Shortage Deepens
AllAfrica
Sudan The lack of liquidity in Sudan has intensified, with some people reporting that they have had no access to cash money for nearly three weeks. They explain that bank staff told them that the Central Bank of Sudan has not provided cash to feed the ATMs. They said lack of liquidity has led trade in the to the crop market in El Gedaref, where the difference in prices of crops in cash and cheques lie between SDG 500 ($10.50*) and SDG 4,000 ($84), to resort to the use of cheques. An ardeb [ Read the full story

ASIA

China March factory activity grows for first time in four months, but exports weak
Reuters
Factory activity in China unexpectedly grew for the first time in four months in March, an official survey showed on Sunday, suggesting government stimulus measures may be starting to take hold in the world's second largest economy. Read the full story

Activity in China’s services sector accelerates in March as manufacturing also sees upturn
South China Morning Post
China’s services industry saw faster growth in March, while manufacturing activity also recovered, according to figures released on Sunday. The official non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI), which covers the services and construction sectors… Read the full story

The inclusion of China’s yuan bonds in global bond index is the start of a game-changing shift in global investment patterns
South China Morning Post
In 1980, sponsors of China’s Yizheng Chemical Fibers desperately needed capital to build a large-scale chemical fibre plant. State-owned financial institutions were unable to help. Having nowhere else to turn onshore, Yizheng issued a US$50 million… Read the full story

StockBeat: Europe's Stocks Roar as China's PMI Rebounds
Investing.com
Stock Markets Jan 01, 1970 00:00 GMT By Geoffrey Smith Investing.com -- Europe’s stock markets have started the second quarter with a bang, in another emphatic reminder of how China’s economy seems to be more important than the domestic one. At 04:15 AM ET (08:15 GMT), the benchmark Euro Stoxx 600 was at 382.74, up 3.66 points, or 1.0%. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is all due to news from China, where the private-sector Caixin Purchasing Managers’ Index leaped to its highest since Read the full story

Stocks to Gain, Yen Dips as China Data Improves: Markets Wrap
Bloomberg
U.S. equity futures climbed alongside the Australian dollar as China manufacturing data eased concern about the pace of the global economic slowdown. Stocks in Asia looked set to rise, while the yen slipped. Read the full story

EUROPE

Brexit in meltdown: Theresa May under pressure to forge softer divorce deal
Reuters
Britain's exit from the European Union was in disarray after the implosion of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy left her under pressure from rival factions to leave without a deal, go for an election or forge a much softer divorce. Read the full story

Official: Govt would consider 'will of Parliament' on Brexit
ABC News
Britain's justice secretary has signaled the government might take a more conciliatory approach to Brexit as Parliament prepares for another round of votes on alternatives to Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal deal with the European Union Read the full story

Labour may call fresh vote of no confidence in Theresa May
the guardian
Shadow foreign secretary also says it is likely Labour would pursue policy of leaving the EU in government Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, has said Labour is considering calling another vote of no confidence in Theresa May’s government following parliament’s failure to pass her Brexit deal with 10 days before the UK is due to leave. The prime minister survived a vote of no confidence in January, the day after her Brexit deal was rejected for the first time. Her deal has since Read the full story

PM may have to accept soft Brexit if parliament backs it, says minister
the guardian
David Gauke says May would have to ‘look closely’ at customs union if Commons voted for it Theresa May will have to consider the possibility of accepting a softer Brexit if the measure is supported by parliament this week, the justice secretary, David Gauke, has said. With 10 days before the UK is due to leave the EU, and parliament plunged into a political stalemate, Gauke, a soft-Brexit supporter, said the prime minister would have to “look very closely” if MPs back a customs union in a fresh Read the full story

Brexit: Theresa May 'under huge pressure' from Brexiteers over no deal
Sky News
PM 'under huge pressure' over no deal Read the full story

Euro Zone Inflation Slips in March
Investing.com
Economic Indicators Apr 01, 2019 09:05 GMT Investing.com - Inflation in the euro zone fell slightly in March, staying well below the European Central Bank’s medium-term target, according to a flash reading of the data on Monday. The consumer price index showed annual inflation fell to 1.4% from 1.5% in February, the bloc’s statistics agency Eurostat said. Core inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices, slowed to an annual rate of 0.8% from a revised 1% in February. That Read the full story
d
 
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
 
CBI Update:
 
 
No update yet.
 
 
The CBI for Tuesday 4/2/19 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is
There are no news and announcements.
ISX Update:
No update yet
 
 
Shares Traded:
 
Value Traded:
 
ISX ended in Green
 
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
 
 
4-1-2019   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   A scientific symposium (seminar) was held entitled “delete zeros from the Iraqi dinar This seminar was divided into three sessions:  The first session: the concept of deleting zeros from the dinar. The second session: the expected results of the deletion of three zeroes from the Iraqi dinar. The third session: The experiences of some countries in the process of deleting zeros. Wow! Wow! Wow!  Does this not tell you something? They just held this three-prong seminar on the project to delete the zeros. WOW!
 
 
4-1-2019   Intel Guru MarkZ   I do believe we have a great week ahead…There was great progress over the weekend...lots of I’s dotted and t’s crossed...I am still extremely confident we are in the short end...We are being told we should be getting 800 numbers about Wednesday.  There are expectations absolutely for this week.  My person in Iraq said they did not post new rates on Saturday as we expected. But expecting new rates by Wednesday.   I am hoping to get to the 100% this week...I am in a any moment mode still...I really believe its that’s close.
4-1-2019   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat
   They only [way?] I know that they can liberate the exchange rate of the dinar is to put in on a float. We have read many times that the CBI will NOT put the program rate of 1180 on a float. In other words, the only way to liberate it is to reinstate it and let it float on the currency exchanges.  This is what the IMF was talking about. But we know that in order to do this means the CBI must also coordinate this effort with the “project to delete the zeros”.  These two pieces are interconnected and can’t be separated. When will this project occur? We know it can occur anytime before, during or just after the reinstatement. So no one really knows but...when we do see the smaller category notes coming out we know the reinstatement is very close at hand, if it didn’t already happen.   [post 3 of 3]

4-1-2019   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   Meantime the CBI, an independent agency, stands waiting in the wings to more ahead with the project to delete the zeros. The GOI has been holding them back. Just in recent weeks we read that parliament has passed a special bill assuring the independence of the CBI. So can the CBI go ahead without the GOI Yes, but will they?  We know the IMF also has recently told the CBI to move ahead with “freeing the exchange rate of the dinar”. The only way I know that they can do this is to liberate the dinar from the currency auctions (put in place for sanctions).   [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]

4-1-2019   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat   The government will not be formed or even get to a vote in parliament until qualified candidates are presented and are not within the influence or a puppet of the Iranian government. There is going to be billions of dollars at stake for these reconstruction projects and those donators want to make sure they money is secure and goes towards these projects.   ...We would rather stall and hold off this effort until the right people are in place that can secure the best opportunity for success. So this is the GOI standpoint...   [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]

4-1-2019   Intel Guru Jester   EVERYONE IS HOPING FOR A WINDOW...THERE IS A SCENARIO THEY ARE FOLLOWING ...THEY ARE NOT GIVING US ANY WINDOWS...THEY ARE WORKING ON PEELING THE ONION NOW... IT IS A VERY TEDIOUS PROCESS...JUST HANG IN THERE...GOT SOME WAYS TO GO BUT CLOSER THAT EVER AND WORKING THE RIGHT DIRECTION FROM WHAT I AM TOLD...
 
 
4-1-2019 Newshound Guru larrykn ...I believe countries will always have IQD in reserve for people that travel to their country so they can exchange it like every other counties currency...now they will hold the larger notes for 10 yrs before only having the LD out in circulation.

 
Elmer:
 
Not in today
 
Artmeister:
 
Not in today
 
Catnip:
 

************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)

The Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdul-Mahdi, is inspecting the bridges and standing on the measures taken to ensure the smooth flow of visitors to the Holy Kadhimiya

6 pictures

Media Office of the Prime Minister
1 - April - 2019

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ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)

At the time this report was submitted, there were no new tweets on the Government of Iraq twitter account.

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ARTICLE 3

April lie behind "injury" Abadi heart attack and "death" Ibrahim Jaafari

BAGHDAD, April 1 (Reuters) - The victory coalition led by former prime minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday confirmed the fact that he was reported to have received a heart attack and was taken to London for treatment.

The leader of the coalition, MP Nada Shaker Jawdat, "What was published in this regard, citing the leader of the coalition Ali Sinaid is absolutely untrue."
"Some may have fabricated the news as the April lie," she said, without giving further details.
A picture of Abadi's heart attack was spread on the media

In turn, the Information Office denied to former Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, news of his death.

The office said in a brief statement that it "denies the news transmitted by some social media about his death."

He added that he "extends his thanks and appreciation to the noble people who expressed their concern over the lies that some social media outlets transmitted about the news of his death."

The pages of the site "Facebook" circulated on Sunday, a picture of the urgent news, said it was published on the "BBC Arabic" and included the news of the death of Jaafari, before the denial of the news.
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ARTICLE 4

Saleh reveals Abdul Mahdi's visit to Saudi Arabia mid-month
2019/4/2 11:04
[Baghdad-where]
The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, said Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will visit neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia in mid-April.
"Saudi-Iraqi relations are growing, I visited Saudi Arabia and I met King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi officials," Saleh said in an interview.
"King Salman has been very concerned about Iraq and stressed the need to develop relations. A Saudi ministerial delegation has visited us and a large Saudi delegation will soon visit Baghdad to confirm the activation of the joint Saudi-Iraqi committee," he said.
Saleh said, "Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will visit the Kingdom and neighboring countries in the middle of this month."
"We see in the consolidation of relations with the Kingdom an essential part of our perspective of what we want to be the relations of Iraq, we may differ in political vocabulary here and there and on this issue or that, but at the same time there are geographical and historical constants and cultural ties.
He said: "My meeting with the Crown Prince was good, frank and direct, and we spoke in depth of what was required. He was understanding of the situation in Iraq and the need to enable the Iraqis to overcome the challenges and the need not to load Iraq and the equations we need. Development ".
The visit of Saudi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi is the second since he took office in October 2018 after he visited Egypt on March 23 and held a trilateral summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II.

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ARTICLE 5

New dog flu may be fatal to humans
2019/4/1 21:55
[Follow-up]
Researchers from the University of South Korea announced the emergence of a new strain of influenza, "dog flu" (CIVmv), may be fatal to people.
The researchers warned of the possibility of a new version of the avian influenza CIVmv. The strain, according to their opinion may appear as a result of the interaction of three viruses: swine flu, avian influenza and traditional dog flu. This strain may pose a mortal danger to humans and will spread very quickly.
The researchers came to this conclusion after a 10-year study, which found that the swine flu strain in China, as well as the avian flu strain, "can be combined at any moment with other strains of influenza for pets," especially with the strain of " Traditional, which will turn into a new strain, "CIVmv."
Researchers call for the creation of a bird flu vaccine before mixing with human influenza versions. "Given the lack of human immunity against dog flu, it may become one of the most serious epidemics that humans have faced," they say.

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ARTICLE 6

The security authorities issue important recommendations to visitors to avoid the occurrence of unfortunate accidents

BAGHDAD, April 1 (Xinhua) - The security authorities issued a number of important recommendations to the visitors on Monday to avoid incidents that could cause confusion in the country.

The recommendations stated:
1 - not to eat food and drink from unknown people.
2. To maintain calm and allow the security services to cooperate with them in the event of any emergency.
3 - not to scramble on the entrances to the holy places or elevators or wheels of transport visitors.
4 - walk the roads secured by the security services.
5. Not to believe or promote rumors that are likely to cause panic among citizens.
6 - News of the security services about the suspicious elements or Almndsin between processions or foreign objects.
7 - the need to take care and caution for the owners of the processions are performing cooking service in those processions and reduce the use of sources of fire and electricity sources.
8 - the need to deal properly with gas cylinders used in cooking and the provisions of connecting pipes by the glove to prevent the diversion of gas
9 - Avoid fuel storage inside the processions and the pavilion, whatever its quantities are few or many and the dimensions of sources of fire for tents or marquees
10 - Attention during cooking to cooking utensils and not allow children to approach them where there were previously many incidents that resulted in the deaths of a number of children as a result of negligence
11. Attention to smokers and warning them verbally (verbal) or by a poster indicating the non-smoking and seriousness, many of the incidents of fire was caused by the wake of cigarettes
12 - Attention to electrical wiring and attention to good insulation as well as attention to the erection of generators and reflectors Alkbaiip in a remote location and security of citizens and fuel storage drums
13 - Do not touch the strange things and do not tamper with them and reported by the competent authorities and away from the places of accidents and non-gathering near them
14 - Fire extinguisher insurance, which is one of the most important means of safety of the processions and can be used posters and explanatory modules that were distributed by the Directorate of Civil Defense, which includes the commandments and guidance as well as how to use fire extinguishers of all kinds
15 - abide by the instructions and guidance of civil defense and security services and service during the visit period
16. Civil defense wheels and emergency wheels were allowed for traffic to perform their duties
17 - the need to quickly call the Civil Defense Control Number (115) free of charge from any mobile phone or land when there is any emergency (God forbid)
1 - not to eat food and drink from unknown people.
2. To maintain calm and allow the security services to cooperate with them in the event of any emergency.
3 - not to scramble on the entrances to the holy places or elevators or wheels of transport visitors.
4 - walk the roads secured by the security services.
5. Not to believe or promote rumors that are likely to cause panic among citizens.
6 - News of the security services about the suspicious elements or Almndsin between processions or foreign objects.
7 - the need to take care and caution for the owners of the processions are performing cooking service in those processions and reduce the use of sources of fire and electricity sources.
8 - the need to deal properly with gas cylinders used in cooking and the provisions of connecting pipes by the glove to prevent the diversion of gas
9 - Avoid fuel storage inside the processions and the pavilion, whatever its quantities are few or many and the dimensions of sources of fire for tents or marquees
10 - Attention during cooking to cooking utensils and not allow children to approach them where there were previously many incidents that resulted in the deaths of a number of children as a result of negligence
11. Attention to smokers and warning them verbally (verbal) or by a poster indicating the non-smoking and seriousness, many of the incidents of fire was caused by the wake of cigarettes
12 - Attention to electrical wiring and attention to good insulation as well as attention to the erection of generators and reflectors Alkbaiip in a remote location and security of citizens and fuel storage drums
13 - Do not touch the strange things and do not tamper with them and reported by the competent authorities and away from the places of accidents and non-gathering near them
14 - Fire extinguisher insurance, which is one of the most important means of safety of the processions and can be used posters and explanatory modules that were distributed by the Directorate of Civil Defense, which includes the commandments and guidance as well as how to use fire extinguishers of all kinds
15 - abide by the directives and guidelines of civil defense and security services and service during the visit
016. The civil defense and emergency wheels have been cleared for traffic to perform their duties
17 - the need to quickly call the Civil Defense Control Number (115) free of charge from any mobile phone or land when there is any emergency (God forbid)

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