Monday, January 20, 2020

Sunday 1/19/20 WOTS

Sunday 1/19/20 WOTS
Sunday 1/19/20 Wots
 
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Baghdad / NNC- The head of the al-Hikma stream, Ammar al-Hakim, and the head of the Victory Coalition, Haider al-Abadi, discussed Saturday, fulfilling the demands of the protesters and preparing for the early elections, calling for unity of the national ranks in front of the challenges. Al-Hakim’s office said in a statement received by “NNC”, that “Al-Hakim received a president The victory coalition, Dr. Haider al-Abadi, discussed developments in the political scene in Iraq and the region, and the file of the new government, and the necessity of choosing it based on the challenges of the stage and the road map drawn up by the supreme reference. They emphasized “the need to work to neutralize Iraq from international and regional conflicts and not be an arena for settling accounts, and surely He stems from his common interests, respecting his sovereignty and non-interference in his internal affairs. ”Concerning the next government, they stressed,“ The prime minister must be a non-dialectical figure capable of restoring the prestige of the state and achieving the demands of the demonstrators and preparing for early elections, and that it has popular acceptance. ” Also demanding "unity of the national ranks in front of challenges, and for political forces to carry out their national responsibilities."
 
 
 
19-01-2020 10:56 AM
 
Amoun - On Saturday morning, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived in Iraq to meet his Iraqi counterpart, Muhammad Ali al-Hakim, at the ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.
 
The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs had previously written through his account on Twitter: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ayman Safadi visited us carrying a message from His Majesty King Abdullah II and to hold talks with Iraqi political leaders on easing tensions and work to calm the support of Iraq and stand to his side.
 

 
Iraq's former ambassador to the United States: Baghdad will face four catastrophic consequences after the US exit
 
 
19/1/2020
 
Baghdad / newsletter:
On Friday, the former Iraqi ambassador to the United States, Rand Rahim, revealed four serious consequences after the US withdrawal from Iraq.
The Atlantic Council for Strategic Studies in Washington said in an article written by al-Rahim that the security implications of the decision of the Iraqi parliament is the loss of training and logistical and technical support and the sharing of intelligence information provided by the coalition to Iraqi forces.
It adds that this measure coincides with ISIS regrouping, while the Iraqi security forces are still not prepared to face this on their own.
On the economic front, the author of the article indicates that the consequences will be serious, especially after the threat of US President Donald Trump to impose severe economic sanctions and seize Iraqi assets abroad.
And if this "dreadful" scenario is applied to the ground, the Iraqi oil sector will suffer and revenues will decrease, and the country's economy, which is already suffering from several crises, will collapse.
And Rahim adds that there are two other outcomes of equal importance that Iraq’s external relations with the West, not only the United States but also with Europe, will be severely strained, forcing Iraq to go to Russia and China, and increase Iran's control of the country’s politics and economy.
Regarding internal policy, the author of the article stresses that the decision may affect the relationship between the main components in Iraq, given that the parliament’s decision was taken in the presence of the Shiite component only.
Al-Rahim indicated that the Kurds had reservations about the decision to end the American presence from the country, while the Sunnis expressed their concerns as they see the presence of the coalition forces as important to counter Iranian influence.
And stresses that this decision may cause the return of mistrust between the Iraqi components and forces after the cohesion between them was high since it was formed during the war against ISIS.
On January 8, the Iraqi parliament called on the government to "end the presence of any foreign forces," including the approximately 5,200 US troops.
 
 
Macron: France will deploy aircraft carrier to the Middle East
 
 
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is meant to assist French operations in Syria and Iraq.
JANUARY 19, 2020 01:04

French President Emmanuel Macron said in his New Year speech to the French army that aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will support “Chammal operations [in the Middle East] from January until April 2020,” Reuters reported.
The deployment also includes the aircraft carrier battle group, which is a group of smaller escorts that service the carrier.
The Chammal operations are the on-going missions taken by the French army in Iraq and Syria to fight ISIS and support the Iraqi military. The name is derived from the Shamal wind.
The aircraft carrier is nuclear-powered and can carry 550 aircrews and accommodate 800 marines, Naval Technology reported.
 
 
Iraq: Protester killed and dozens wounded in Baghdad
 
 
Publication date: 19.01.2020
 
Our correspondent in Baghdad reported that a demonstrator was killed and 15 others were wounded in the Al-Sinak area, in the center of the capital, Baghdad, as a result of riot police launching tear gas and live bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

Our reporter: Clashes between protesters and security in Baghdad
And clashes took place between the security forces and protesters in central Baghdad, while witnesses said, "The clashes took place near the al-Sink Bridge and a few meters from the barriers established by the security forces."
They added, "The security forces fired live bullets at the protesters," at a time when medical sources confirmed that "a protester who died after a tear gas canister hit him in the neck directly."
A source from inside Tahrir Square confirmed that a number of demonstrators had crossed the security barrier on the bridge, which caused the security forces to respond with live bullets and tear gas.
For his part, a spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Abdel Karim Khalaf, said: "Vandals tried to cross the Al-Sink Bridge, and the security forces responded by using non-lethal means to deal with them."

Two Protesters Killed, 15 Injured in Baghdad

At least two protesters were killed and 15 others were injured in the capital Baghdad on Friday evening.

According to Iraqi reports, the security forces were attempting to bring the situation under control near Sanak Bridge before clashes erupted between the protesters and the forces.

The death toll is likely to rise, reports added.

Anti-government demonstrations have been ongoing in Iraq since the beginning of October, as a result of which hundreds of protesters have been killed and tens of thousands suffered injuries.
 
 
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
 

Iraq holds dialogues with America on security relations between the two countries
 
 
19-01-2020 11:20 AM
 
Baghdad / news
 
The Iraqi army spokesman, Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, stressed that we are conducting dialogues with Washington regarding security relations, which should not contradict our sovereignty.
 
Khalaf said in statements published by "Al-Arabiya" channel, "The negotiations with Washington on the security relationship have not ended yet, following up that the Iraqi government is conducting dialogues with the United States on security relations, and Iraq has observations and proposals related to this file, and will work to make everything not contradictory." With his sovereignty. "
 
He explained that "one of the existing proposals is for NATO to be in Iraq and the presence of American forces from within this alliance, and the Iraqi parliament adopted at the beginning of this month a decision that obliges the government to end the presence of any foreign forces on Iraqi soil and prevent it from using its lands, airspace and water for any reason"
 
 
Al-Hakim after his meeting with Safadi: Iraq will not be a battleground
 
2020-01-19 | 05:33
 
Al-Hakim after his meeting with Safadi: Iraq will not be a battleground

Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim stressed today, Saturday, that Iraq "will not be a battleground" and stressed the need to keep the country away from the axis policy, while noting that "terrorism has not ended."
Al-Hakim said in a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi after their meeting, that "the focus was on that Iraq will not be an arena for war and battles, and we stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Iraq and not violating it."
 
Al-Hakim added, "We stressed the need to keep Iraq away from regional conflicts and the policy of axes, and support efforts to combat terrorist organizations," noting that "terrorism has not ended, and that terrorists are still present in the east of the Euphrates."
 
Al-Hakim added, "He held extensive discussions with (Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman) Al-Safadi on strengthening relations to serve the interests of the two countries." Our views are similar between common issues.
 
It is worth noting that the Jordanian Foreign Minister arrived, on Saturday morning, to the capital, Baghdad, on an official visit. .
 
 
 
An illustrated speech by Sistani today ... between affirmation and denial
 
 
 
January 19, 2020 | 10:56 am - Views: 226 views

Iraqi Position Network
The Iraqi National News Agency quoted Muhammed Reda Al-Sistani, son of supreme authority Ali Al-Sistani, as saying that his father will deliver a speech to the Iraqis after the surgery he underwent, while users of social networking sites indicated a denial issued by Al-Sistani's office in this regard.
According to what was reported by the Al-Hurra channel website, in a report that the National Agency came with news about Sistani's son, in which he announced that his father will speak today in a video clip of a picture and voice with the masses awaiting his health, stressing that his father is determined to direct a speech to the Iraqi people with his vote.
Although the news was received by the Iraqi National News Agency, Iraqi civilian activist Haider Hamzouz said that "the news of Sistani's speech on the video is incorrect and just a rumor."
It was remarkable that "most of the comments on the news published by the Iraqi National News Agency about Sistani's speech, were indicating that the news is not true."
The website of the supreme authority did not publish any news about the supposed letter.
Al-Sistani had undergone surgery on Thursday in a hospital in Karbala at the hands of an Iraqi medical team after suffering a broken thigh bone after slipping while he was going to ablution, according to the agency.
 
 
The security situation in Tahrir, Al-Khulani, Al-Sanak, and Al-Jumhuria security
 
 
2020-01-19 | 05:38
 
The security situation in Tahrir, Al-Khulani, Al-Sanak, and Al-Jumhuria
 
A security source revealed, on Saturday, the situation in the areas of Tahrir, Al-Khilani, Jeser Al-Senak and Al-Gomhoria in central Baghdad.
The source said in an interview with Alsumaria News, that "the security situation within the demonstration arenas is good as citizens flock to Al-Tahrir, Al-Khulani, Al-Sinak and Al-Gomhoria bridges."
He added that "the demonstrators returned to focus at the first checkpoint within the Al-Sank bridge, with the withdrawal of riot police to the second checkpoint," noting that "the situation is good and there are no clashes."
It is noteworthy that clashes took place yesterday, Friday, between demonstrators and riot police in the Al-Sank bridge.  
 

Kurdistan Sees US Presence in Iraq Vital: President
 
 
19 January 2020 01:37

The Kurdistan Region believes that the presence of the US and Coalition forces is vital to continue the battle against the Islamic State (IS) and to prevent the terrorist group from resurgence, said Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan, according to "BasNews".
 
In an interview with al-Monitor, Barzani explained that Erbil does not agree with a previous resolution the Shia majority blocs at the Iraqi parliament passed to ask the government for expelling the US and other foreign forces, noting that the move was unilateral without taking into consideration the opinion of the Kurds and the Sunni Arabs.
 
“Our view is that the decision taken by the Iraqi parliament was not a good one and the Kurds and the Sunnis did not take part in that decision. Moreover, it set a bad precedent. The decision was taken by the Shia bloc without consulting either of the key components of this country, the Kurds or the Sunni [Arabs]. It was a very critical step that was taken without seeking consensus and as such violates the spirit of the Iraqi Constitution. This is not good for Iraq, either now or in the future,” Barzani told al-Monitor.
 
The Kurdish president pointed out that the decision against the US presence in Iraq was made in an emotional situation in the wake of the killing of Iran’s top general Qasem Soleimani and Iraq’s Shia militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis by US in Baghdad while Washington did not coordinate the operation with the Iraqis.
 
Concerning Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on 8th January when it targeted the US military bases in Anbar and Erbil, and Tehran’s pressure on Baghdad to stand against Washington in the complicated situation, Kurdistan Region President said: “The Iraqi leadership has to hold the interests, the security and the stability of the country, of the Iraqi people, above all. The launching of the missiles was a very clear message to everybody that Iran has the will and the capacity to strike inside any part of Iraq.”
“In Kurdistan we do not wish Iraq to become a battleground where Iran and the United States settle their scores. Iraq’s relations with the United States are very important. But Iran is our longstanding neighbor. Since assuming office Prime Minister Mahdi has set out to avoid being dragged into the conflict between Iran and the United States,” Barzani added about the position of Kurdistan Region in the issue, noting that Kurdistan is not scared of Iran, but it respects Iran.
 
Kauaihn Economic Times:
 
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER

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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
 
 
January 18 - What Happened - On This Day
https://www.onthisday.com/day/january/18
 
 
 
Wayne T. Essex Essex and Associates Inc.
 
I know the W-2's haven't arrived, by law they have to be postmarked by January 31st. However, many companies are putting their W-2's on their website well ahead of the end of the month.
Nevertheless, all things being equal, you should file sooner rather than later. Why?
 
1.) You get your refund sooner. Don't let our government keep your money any longer than necessary.
 
2.) Peace of Mind. Get that paperwork monkey off your back. In fact, don't ever let it even be on your back. Let tax professionals do the heavy lifting. They have many techniques to help you get the paperwork organized.
 
3.) Fraud. Tax time is famous for criminals grabbing identities and filing fraudulent returns. The sooner your returns are filed means the less risk for someone to hack your information, and take your money. Get ahead of the criminals.
 
 
4.) Make plans for what you might owe. This is way less fun. But you know what's even less fun? Scrambling to avoid penalties in a couple weeks (or even worse -- days), because the return was filed in April ... and you have to make fast decisions about a big number.
 
5.) To start early on 2020 tax planning. Let's clear the deck ASAP and get you as clean a slate as possible to be proactive about this year's taxes. 2019 is already in the rear view mirror, but we can do things now to help for 2020
 
6.) The best tax preparers calendars fill up quickly. The sooner you get your stuff to a talented and educated tax professional, the sooner they can prepare the return. Side note: if you are late scheduling an appointment, don't choose just anybody, out of convenience, to prepare your taxes. It is better to file your taxes late than use a professional that costs you refund money.
 
 
COMMODITIES/ENERGYGold Continues To Make Progress - A Diversified Approach To Precious Metals With GLTRA volatile week leads to a new high. This bull market is almost two decades old. Central banks support gold on two levels. $2,000-plus on the horizon. GLTR diversifies risk.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A4N9U3xrLNziqBj5DqHO2Sg
 
 
The Outlook for Gold in 2020 Remains Bullish
Gold ranked as one of the best investments in 2019, outperforming both bonds and emerging market stocks. The report pointed out that 90% of developed market sovereign debt is trading at negative real interest rates. Globally, central banks have pivoted toward easing.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AHyFnFzcuNiCynRai6V8RcQ


Taking A Long-Term View On Oil
As long-term investors, we've always had to consider a myriad of geopolitical issues that shift in importance over time. Potential supply disruptions always exist, as we have seen firsthand in Venezuela, Libya and, at times, West Africa. Although the conflict in the Middle East has increased the potential for more significant curtailments of oil supply, we believe it is difficult to predict the timing, severity and longevity of such outcomes.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AjCrfgjMkN8C_Vss11-1kbQ


Oil Rigs Turning the Corner?
Commodities Jan 17, 2020 20:18 GMT By Kim Khan Investing.com - Oil prices have been dealing with geopolitics for months, from the trade battle between China and the U.S. to unrest in the Middle East. But the market is focusing more on fundamentals now. The Baker Hughes oil rig count rose to 673 from 659 last week, according to the reports released today. The total rig count rose to 796 from 781. That was the first time the both rig counts have risen in four weeks. While the rises are small, it’s

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AxQ8aOor-Qk27s_zxWbz-2Q

Nat Gas Nadir Fueled By Speculative Losses
The March natural gas contract performs poorly into expiration. Small speculators show clear evidence of bottom picking. This combination likely leads to lower prices.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AJ2nqM4-mP6-SyyQAqqn44g


National Fuel Gas: The Dickie Betts Of The Utility Sector
National Fuel Gas is overlooked by utility, midstream, and natural gas E&P investors, much like guitarist Dickie Betts. 50% of income is from regulated activities, either state LDC utility or FERC pipeline. Many investors, myself included, believe National Fuel Gas offers what Roger Conrad describes as a "unique business model which has repeatedly proven its resiliency in tough times".

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AjK6ki56_NoCcvYxew1x65Q


BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT

Crisis, what crisis? Hong Kong’s banks remain ‘profitable and solid,’ HKMA says, calling the bluff on short sellers’ doomsday prediction
Hong Kong’s banks were among the world’s best capitalised last year, and local currency deposits rose even amid an unprecedented political crisis, according to the city’s de facto central bank, as it called the bluff on doomsday predictions by short…

Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AUELFiw6yRR-Pc-jfJHioTA

How Wells Fargo's financial management app leveraged agile development
FINANCIAL institutions have quickly learned that innovative efforts are not only highly critical in staying ahead of peers and fintech disruptors, but they are also a fundamental component in ensuring customers’ needs are met. It all starts by collecting data, information, and feedback on what customers expect and analyzing financial trends that are highly marketable. From there, ideas for new products and services are born and development plans are structured. Sadly, there are many cases where

Read in Tech Wire Asia: https://apple.news/AurdnzPsKO2CPvzsdJBWwMA


Deutsche Bank Adds More QE to a Growing List of Pound Risks
The pound was already under pressure on the prospect of a Bank of England interest-rate cut this month when Deutsche Bank AG upped the ante.

Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/AAvnmkWc3Q8eIQtq6caWeoA


Frustrated Lebanese depositors turn rage on crisis-hit banks
As cash runs short at Lebanon's banks, so has the patience of depositors. Hit by restrictions on withdrawals, some are taking extreme steps, occupying branches and in one case taking an employee hostage, to squeeze what they can from their accounts.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/Axj-pqWFjTUKLkoLP6Gnr1A

How to Get Traction on Paying Off Your Credit Cards in 2020
This article was first published on NerdWallet.com. After Ashli Smith, 23, graduated from college last May, she wanted to pay off her credit card debts as soon as possible. She opted for the debt snowball method, or paying off the smallest debts first.

Read in My San Antonio: https://apple.news/APTtGSx1cQ-C2M1szRJQQ9A

The Critical Points: Did you fall short of elite status? Stop asking the program for help
Each week in his column “The Critical Points,” TPG Loyalty and Engagement Editor Richard Kerr presents his opinion on a loyalty program, card product or recent news that he believes is overlooked, unsung or the result of groupthink taking mass opinion in a direction with which he doesn’t agree. His goal is not necessarily to convince you to agree with his position...

Read in The Points Guy: https://apple.news/Az4ExJXeKT7Wfpx3A7P1Lnw


Libra Association Forms Steering Committee to Guide Technical Development
the government body of the eponymous stablecoin introduced by Facebook in late 2019 — has formed a new committee to guide the network’s technical development. According to an announcement on Jan. 16, the Libra Association has voted to establish the five-member Technical Steering Committee which comprises leading experts from various firms in the fintech and blockchain industries. The members are: Calibra core product lead George Cabrera III, Anchorage co-founder Diogo Monica, Union Square

Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AWT-iapOMRXmz5jZi5DKsYA

Binance's Fiat-Gateway Partner Banxa Raises $2M in Series A Round
Digital banking infrastructure provider Banxa has raised $2 million soon after partnering with Binance.

Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/AnSY2O6TxTm64BXJWMYUOaw


Axios Markets: Big banks can't stop winning
Good morning! I'm in Washington, D.C., today to check in with IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, who's speaking at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AMbrRnv5ASk2zjLu5UC6PYg


Wells Fargo's Results Show The Amount Of Work Left To Be Done
Wells Fargo is going to face renewed questions about its near-term prospects with an exceptionally weak fourth quarter report. Not much went well in the quarter, with loan growth coming at the cost of significant yield weakness and an expense structure that's too high. Management's commentary that most of 2020 will be spent assessing the state of the business may well disappoint investors hoping for faster clarity on the turnaround strategy. Wells Fargo shares look too cheap relative to ROTCE

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AFDnmvUjtOfWG1odTCJ6nGQ


TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS


What to Watch: Stocks rally, pound slips on retail sales, and Ladbrokes's 'excellent' performance
A daily overview of the top business, market, and economic stories to watch in the UK, Europe, and abroad.

Read in Yahoo Finance UK: https://apple.news/AmctCuRcLSAGqrSS-XYr1kg

Snap +3.6% as new bull sees continuing momentum
UBS upgrades Snap (NYSE:SNAP) from Neutral to Buy and adjusts the target from $16 to $24. The firm expects Snap's strong momentum to "persist in 2020" with a renewed management team focusing on driving a mix of user growth and improved ad monetization. The positive trends could drive Snap to multiyear revenue growth above the firm's expectations. Snap shares are up 3.6% pre-market to $18.90. The company has a Bullish average Sell Side rating.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AdmxtuIM6PxKJDQ5plg4oWg


Slack: The Shorts Will Get Crushed
Shares of Slack are down 47% from their highs, and short interest amounts to 24% of the float. The company is the top player in the workplace collaboration space, and the competitive threat from Microsoft could be overblown. Slack is growing rapidly, and financial reports are understating profitability at the core business level. The valuation is demanding, but not necessarily excessive in comparison to other high growth software stocks. The chart shows that Slack could be bottoming, and a short

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AmFTmmeoMMrSIdPAVXcTbHA

The S&P 500 Looks Great In Multiple Time Frames (Technically Speaking For 1/16)
Will the trade deals spur growth? There are good arguments on both sides. We have some initial readings from Zacks on 4Q19 earnings season. In all time frames, the SPY looks great.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A9kc7AfuFOomjda-Afvh51w


Current Risk Levels For The U.S. Stock Market Relatively Modest
We reviewed how recent performance for the S&P 500 Index stacked up relative to history. Let's extend the analysis to risk. Deciding if risk is unusual, or not, depends on how you're defining risk. As a result, there's quite a bit more subjectivity in this corner or market analytics.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ASQ2KRs2gO1yqSKXwrTWyzg


3 Things Under the Radar This Week
Economy Jan 18, 2020 02:56 GMT By Investing.com staff writers Investing.com - Stock markets cheered the much-anticipated signing of the phase one trade deal between China and the U.S. But there are many more trade questions that could either take the deal as a model or see it as a warning sign. The EU and the U.S. may be next in the headlines. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is getting applause it may not want, with its repo action catching the attention of those against quantitative easing. And

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AXM7yc3GkRMC8dcdicnEO6A 
 
 
 
 
CRYPTO/DIGITAL CURRENCIES
 
 
 
How Ethereum Could Fuel a Trillion Dollar Finance Market - Bitcoinist.comIn terms of token price Ethereum is still buried under the weight of the bears but its potential to fuel a multi-trillion dollar finance market is much greater. Ethereum Money Protocol in Demand As a tradable asset Ethereum is still in the depths of a two-year bear market. Prices are back where they were in mid-2017 before cryptocurrencies really took off. Then came the ICO bubble and Ethereum demand went through the roof propelling ETH prices to giddy heights of $1,400. Today the token is

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/AO45UNSEzNguDGXxl6yh4xw
 
 
How Bitcoin Could Hit $70,000 By The End Of 2020 - Bitcoinist.comBitcoin price prediction models vary greatly but one analyst that has been correct on numerous occasions has plotted a path to $70k BTC by the end of the year. Bitcoin Holding Gains There has been no pullback since crypto markets erupted a couple of days ago and bitcoin is holding its gains. For the past few hours BTC has been trading just below $8,700 but it started to move again topping $8,800 as it reaches resistance. BTC price 1 hour chart – Tradingview.com The Tradingview.com chart shows

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/AzDrHhU94PY6lR3B18NiYKQ
 
 
Ripple Blew Serious Cash to Sway US Crypto Regulations, Data ShowsRecent information reveals that Ripple spent a significant amount in 2019 to try and shape crypto and blockchain regulations in the US through lobbying. Ripple spent $170,000 on lobbying in 2019 The new year is already well underway, and yet, the crypto industry continues to struggle with the same issues as it did in years before. The crypto space still lacks regulatory clarity in most countries around the world, and even those that have made attempts to regulate it only partially succeeded in

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/AAblyN2ecM_yn8hYsUMt9Vg
 
 
Crypto Exchange Binance to Partner With Yahoo's Japanese DivisionsCrypto exchange giant Binance has announced two major partnerships with subsidiaries of Yahoo Japan. This is big news for the industry. Binance Eyes Crypto Expansion in Japan According to a company blog post Z Corporation, a subsidiary of Yahoo Japan, and TaoTao has begun negotiations with Binance for strategic partnerships in the Japanese market. The significance here is that these two firms are affiliated with Yahoo Japan which has been far more successful than its US counterpart. Binance

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/ASgmQ5xqLO1KiJe8dwGPjEw
 
 
Crypto Analysts Speculate Different Reaction To Bitcoin HalvingBitcoin has been relatively stable within the $8700 range as of late, but it’s slowly becoming clear that a massive shift will happen in due time. The majority speculates that this will become a bullish run for the world’s oldest cryptocurrency, the block reward halving having historically brought massive bull runs. The halving is due in May, but several key figures have started to speculate whether or not the retail market will react as it had during the past two halvings. Some say it might

Read in InsideBitcoins: https://apple.news/AHGNvEQwmPDGwgCJPjG8ylA
 
 
Binance in Talks to Launch Crypto Trading Joint Venture in JapanThe exchange said it is discussing a strategic partnership with a Softbank subsidiary and Japan-based exchange TaoTao to work together to provide "trading services" in the country.

Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/AyFGs02_OSF2zTifJHdSvaw
 
 
Bitcoin Falls Back After Briefly Breaking $9k ResistanceBitcoin's bulls have failed to make a solid move above $9,000, having briefly topped the psychological resistance level earlier on Friday.

Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/AzZYBTMOzRfS33R1Eqw5RCw
 
 

CURRENCIES


Dollar Mildly Firmer in Mixed Markets, Aussie Soft | Action Forex
Dollar is trading with a mildly firm tone in Asian session today, riding on solid data from US released overnight. But there is no clear committed buying seen yet. Meanwhile, Australian and Canadian Dollars both turned weaker but New Zealand Dollar is trading higher broadly. Over the week, Yen is the weakest one with Aussie, […] The post Dollar Mildly Firmer in Mixed Markets, Aussie Soft appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/APcvluFxFPQS947tARPNSTw


Forex - Dollar Rides Bullish Housing Data HigherForex Jan 17, 2020 19:15 GMT By Yasin Ebrahim Invesing.com – The dollar advanced Friday as bullish housing data offset weaker labor data, adding to growing expectations that the U.S. economy will continue to expand. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.30% to 97.61. The Commerce Department said housing starts rose 16.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.61 million units in December, well above economists'

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ANRf6BZ2LSF6F4Rxdv3KONA

GBP/USD Drops On Weak Retail Sales | Action Forex
UK data this week has been dismal. UK retail sales was the latest release to disappoint: MoM -0.6% vs +0.6% exp. YoY +0.9% vs 2.9% exp. Expectations were running high for December retail sales as the data included black Friday and Cyber Monday as well as an expected rebound in confidence following the UK general […] The post GBP/USD Drops On Weak Retail Sales appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/A_qnFDs7mMA6U9ClUbjGSMw
 
 
 
 
EUR/CHF At Risk Of Upside VolatilityEUR/CHF has been dropping for months, as the bearish trend continues. Despite Swiss rates being more negative than the negative rates of Europe, the differential is too little to matter. With loose monetary policy also persisting in Europe (including quantitative easing), Swiss monetary policy has been largely reactive and has clearly not worked to devalue the Swiss franc. As EUR/CHF has entered into the range of 1.06 and 1.08, this author believes there is a growing chance of SNB intervention (

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AjJae4w47P_-A_oJgxe9p3w


Pound to Euro exchange rate: Sterling remains firm ahead of Brexit deadlineTHE POUND remains steady ahead of today’s retail sales report and as we get closer to the Brexit deadline - what impact will this have on Britons? THE POUND has traded better across the Euro and other major currencies in the second half of the week, despite “lacklustre” inflation results.

Read in Express: https://apple.news/A-vOIeSKtOCWc2cT8FA-Bkg


GBPJPY Rises Near Upper Boundary Of The Trading Range | Action ForexGBPJPY is trading sideways over the last month, struggling within the 50.0% Fibonacci retracement level of the downleg from 147.95 to 140.80 near 144.40 and the 141.10 support level. However, looking at the very short-term timeframe the pair rebounded on the 140.80 barrier on January 6 and surpassed the moving averages, suggesting an upward wave. […] The post GBPJPY Rises Near Upper Boundary Of The Trading Range appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/AYz688_vaPvqYTyHmfPdeYw


Aussie And Kiwi Post Shooting Stars Ahead Of Key Chinese Data | Action Forex
Both the AUD/USD and the NZD/USD put in shooting star candlestick formations on daily timeframes ahead of key Chinese Data due out later: AUD/USD NZD/USD Shooting Star candlestick formations are indicative of a reversal of trend when at a topping formation. Early in the day, buyers come in and push the price higher. However later […] The post Aussie And Kiwi Post Shooting Stars Ahead Of Key Chinese Data appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/AS0UXlTLiMpmzoz40a4UmnQ

Australian dollar continues to slide - Inside RetailAussie dollar falls against US counterpart. The post Australian dollar continues to slide appeared first on Inside Retail.

Read in Inside Retail: https://apple.news/AwsqG4dm0P5S5I2wugKXQEA
 
 
 
HEALTH/SCIENCE

Stealth disease likely to blame for 20% of worldwide deaths
Sepsis, or blood poisoning, arises when the body overreacts to an infection. An analysis finds that it may be involved in 20% of deaths worldwide, twice the proportion previously estimated.

Read in NPR: https://apple.news/ASNiEg3b4SNW8y0LAU60HNw


The US Food and Drug Administration is green lighting new drugs faster than everThe US Food and Drug Administration, the regulatory body that authorizes drugs to be sold on the market, approved more drugs annually on average in the last decade than it did in the decades starting in 1990 and 2000, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University reported in an article published this week...

Read in Quartz: https://apple.news/AvI7rJzTLSBiVNNiutSRsNw


Fake drugs: How bad is Africa’s counterfeit medicine problem?Seven African countries are meeting in Togo to tackle the issue of fake drugs.

Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/AsSwsDjY_RFGmapGDAI0GiQ


A woman left the ER to find another hospital after a long wait. Two hours later, she was deadTashonna Ward walked into an emergency room in Milwaukee one evening this month to get treatment for chest pains and shortness of breath.

Read in CNN: https://apple.news/AtS-M9bypToq_REtUSkIHPQ


A teen's final days with the fluOn Christmas Day, 16-year-old Kaylee Roberts opened presents at her aunt's house in suburban Cleveland, joyfully celebrating the holiday and laughing with her cousins. By New Year's Eve, she was dead.

Read in CNN: https://apple.news/AU133PA_QTJiIrNfMv_dnIQ


Study finds blood pressure rises faster for womenA study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that women are more likely to develop high blood pressure earlier in life and at a faster rate than men. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat joins CBSN to discuss the findings of the study.

Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/AFtD7AjqQRdaJ7CmKfbQWnQ
 
 
 
USA/CANADA


Students Exempted from Paying Loan Tax by IRS
There is good news for some student loan borrowers who would not be asked to pay loans because of a situation the IRS revealed on [...] The post Students Exempted from Paying Loan Tax by IRS appeared first on LearnBonds.com.

Read in Learn Bonds Financial News: https://apple.news/AaNLB6dl9OaWvHZkCBmL3uw

The Fed Won't Avert The Next 'Crisis,' They Will Cause It
The ultra-low interest rate policy administered by the Federal Reserve is responsible for the "yield chase," and the massive surge in debt since the "financial crisis." Rising levels of non-productive debt has negative long-term economic consequences. Despite the best of intentions, lowering interest rates to zero did not spark a "bank lending spree" throughout the economy. Instead, the excess liquidity flowed directly back into the financial system, creating a global wealth gap, rather than

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A6tFD7iLKOo-YCpXEzNMYqQ


January Business Conditions Monthly
Modest readings continue for the AIER Leading Indicators index, suggesting slow growth with downside risks. The AIER Leading Indicators index gave back the small gain from November, leaving the index just slightly above neutral for the fifth consecutive month. Consumer balance sheets look healthy with record-high net worth and low liabilities-to-asset ratio. The combination of low debt levels, low interest rates and rising incomes is keeping debt service burdens low. The personal savings rate

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AT9AJZP-FPLuWVuH_IN2BkA


Housing Starts
December Housing Starts: +16.9% M/M to 1.608M vs. 1.373M expected, 1.365M prior (revised from 1.365M). Building permits 1.416M vs. 1.458M expected and 1.461M prior.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AaigpzE3bN6aoWdj7Gr_I0g

Big end-of-year surge in housing starts
December Housing Starts: +16.9% M/M to 1.608M vs. 1.373M expected, 1.375M prior (revised from 1.365M). Building permits 1.416M vs. 1.458M expected and 1.474M prior (revised). The 1.608M annualized pace of starts would be the perkiest level since December 2006. Much of the late-year surge is attributable to multi-family starts, which rose to 553K - the quickest pace since December 1986.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AB1VL-PGqMzW7iCSTZaa6AA


Homebuilder Sentiment Remains Strong
Homebuilder sentiment declined in January, but the drop came on the heels of a much stronger-than-expected December. Even with this month's decline, though, overall homebuilder sentiment is higher than all but four other months in the history of the index. While Present Sales dipped, Traffic was actually higher which would seem to confirm reports that the Spring selling season is starting off early this year.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A5BIHwW5QN3qBv8n6Zsr7dA
 
 
 
EMERGING MARKETS
 
 
 
Cliff Notes: Terms of US/China Trade Deal to Test Market Optimism in 2020 | Action ForexKey insights from the week that was. Global trade has been on the market’s mind this week as the US/China trade deal was signed and the U.S.M.C.A legislation passed the US Senate – the latter removing trade risks between the US, Canada and Mexico. On Wednesday, the US and China finalised their stage 1 trade […] The post Cliff Notes: Terms of US/China Trade Deal to Test Market Optimism in 2020 appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/Am_AbtZySNaKyUR19ghXpSA
 
 
The Markets Speak: New HighsU.S. equity markets are at new highs. The Fed is providing a great deal of liquidity. The liquidity is finding its way into equities. Emerging markets and MLPs are still cheap. The market is shrugging them off, going for momentum plays.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A0A9YgSKhMkmcwTKdarTiWg
 
 
Grab your passports. Time to look overseas for stocksUpdated 4:45 PM EST January 16, 2020 New York American stocks continue to power on to new all-time highs this year. But could the Wall Street bull finally be ready to pass the rally baton to other markets around the globe? Few investing experts predict a major collapse for US stocks in 2020. However, concerns about slowing earnings and economic growth, extended valuations and the potential for more volatility tied to the presidential election may mean that the best market opportunities lie

Read in CNN Business: https://apple.news/AoB3wLFMfRFe4WPtXepbEjw
 
 
Markets aren’t losing any sleep over the US, Iran and oil yet – the trade war is still more of a worryThe abrupt escalation in political tension between the US and Iran briefly rattled markets, at a time when global investors were feeling upbeat about the trade war and Brexit. Trade negotiations between the United States and China have now led to the…

Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ANG-6o-WSR16q7UB9Mhf_Bg
 
 
U.S. Futures Advance With Stocks; Dollar Edges Up: Markets WrapGet all the latest news updates in global markets.

Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/AC8fUsYIiTaytJAcRo-I8cw
 
 
These non-US markets are worth a look: StrategistsWith the S&P 500 getting more expensive as it crosses record high after high, investors can look outside the U.S. for better deals, according to at least two strategists.

Read in Yahoo Finance: https://apple.news/Ac4-sE5yQTriXZ6BNiapZNw
 
 
Emerging Markets Could Be Poised to Outperform U.S. Stocks for a Very Long TimeFrom its 2010 peak, the MSCI Emerging Markets index has underperformed the S&P 500 by 65%. That trend looks like it’s finally ending.

Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/AnLWX8s4lRailco-DdXVyuQ
 
 
 
MIDDLE EAST
 
In rare address, Iran’s leader defends military after it shot down passenger planeAyatollah Khamenei praises the Revolutionary Guard amid anger over the downing of a passenger jet.

Read in BBC News: https://apple.news/AAXP3hdn-SEG1axTPwY49OQ
 
 
Russia's foreign minister slams 'aggressive' US policiesRussia's foreign policy chief has blamed what he described as “aggressive” U.S. policies for growing global tensions

Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/A5Oot7217TpWADRoBpab9Pw
 
 
Russia: Iran was spooked by reports of U.S. F-35s when it downed airlinerRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that Iran's accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week occurred at a time when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AW-nKBEawR6CpyeUI5o5sZQ

 
Ayatollah admonishes US in rare address during Friday prayers in TehranAyatollah attacks US in rare address

Read in Sky News: https://apple.news/Amm9NcZKFQE-eG3vjQ3oWNA
 
 
Rocket attack on Iraqi military base injured 11 U.S. service members, official revealsEleven U.S. service members were flown out of Iraq and treated for concussion symptoms after Iran's rocket attack targeting Iraqi military bases earlier this month, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command revealed Thursday night.

Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/AkamQ1o31Q4KVPodH39d57A
 
 
OPEC December 2019 Oil Production DataOPEC crude oil production continued to slide in December. Angola had the largest gain in December, up 125,000 barrels per day. According to the OPEC Secretariat, World oil production saw a huge increase during the last three months of 2019.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AIYmy1cjDOymqK-x27cIkDA
 
AFRICA

 
Zimbabwe: EU Raises Us$18,7m for Drought Relief
The European Union (EU) has mobilised US$18,7 million for emergency food support for vulnerable people in Zimbabwe to improve nutrition, access to basic health care and provision of potable water. Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Timo Olkkonen said the funding was part of a larger support package of over US$24,5 million, with the rest going to support Eswatini, Madagascar, Lesotho and Zambia. "The funding comes as large parts of the country and the wider

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Aj-500oNdN2edT_oB-mHXfA


Zimbabwe: 200 Illegal Miners Arrested in Mazowe
TWO HUNDRED more illegal miners were arrested in Mazowe, bringing to 1 107 the number of those netted in the blitz in Mashonaland Central Province this week. This came as security guards at a mine in Battlefields fought off a machete gang of around 60, killing one. The suspects who are still assisting police with investigations, are expected to appear in court soon on charges including illegal possession of gold, criminal trespassing and prospecting for gold without licences. In a statement

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AI47hveo7O1CJFBiOEfaDEQ


Zimbabwe: 'Telecel On the Brink of Collapse'
Workers at mobile network operator Telecel Zimbabwe have raised a red flag over the state of affairs at the company, saying it faces imminent collapse unless government urgently intervenes to rescue the entity. In a letter written by Communication and Allied Services Workers' Union of Zimbabwe general secretary David Mhambare on behalf of Telecel workers to Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security minister Jenfan Muswere, the agitated employees painted a grim picture. The workers

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AHSzX2Uu6M1OFmFVt-V_WiA


Zimbabwe: Zim Gets First Computer Plant
Zimbabwe is now, for the first time, assembling computers and other technological gadgets locally following the establishment of Zimbabwe Technology Company (ZITCO). ZITCO is a joint venture between TelOne, Chinese company Inspur and a Government-owned entity and is involved in the assembling of computers, laptops, tablets and other technological gadgets. It is the first company in Zimbabwe to assemble computers locally and has the capacity to produce 150 000 gadgets annually at its plant in

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AU6On8n41Me6iNIc7jOW2xQ


Zimbabwe: Govt Plays Down UK-Africa Summit Snub
The Zimbabwe government has played down its apparent snub by British authorities who have overlooked Harare among those invited to next week's UK-Africa Summit set for London. The summit will bring together businesses, governments and international institutions across Africa to interact, grow and explore new business opportunities. But Zimbabwe is one of the few African countries which was not invited for reasons not known but probably linked to the poor human rights situation and other

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AEQ_a_3aNNsaymJEwBhujrw


Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa Sanctions Excuse Is Nonsense - EU
The European Union (EU) ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen has described as 'nonsense' President Emmerson Mnangagwa's proposition that sanctions are impeding on the country's economic progress. Speaking to 263Chat on the sidelines of the EU announcement of a US$ 18.7 million humanitarian aid for Zimbabwe, Olkkonen said only one company, the Zimbabwe Defense Industries and two individuals-former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace, are on EU's restrictive measures list. "No, I

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Aevh68hXUPgeXI0tq50T76Q


Zimbabwe: Unpacking the Emergence and Rise of Violent Criminals in Mining
Not every artisanal miner behind machete killings in Zimbabwe is from Shurugwi. In fact, if the truth, be told very few of the miners can be connected to the violent acts but the name mashurugwi has taken root and now mutated to denote any violent machete-wielding criminal with the extension of the meaning even encompassing any criminal indulging in violent acts. I have heard people refer to common robbers as mashurugwi. While some now argue mashurugwi should not be taken in the literal sense of

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/A-vR4xFFEOWiRsWWIndcsqw

Zimbabwe: Why the Economy Is Broken - What the Private Sector Can Do
Government has weakened itself by creating monopolies and appointing Zanu-PF officials in key positions in government departments and parastatals. The decision to do so was more political than professional. However, government does not own every business entity in the country. A larger percentage of the economy is in the hands of the private sector, which can play a critical role in improving the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe. The private sector can be divided into agriculture,

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AwzVbqDQHMYq_r_f5zmYLMA

Tanzania: Govt Sheds Light on Mining Controversy
THE government will react according to the law, to the claims by a Canadian based junior gold exploration company, Winshear Gold Corp, on an alleged dispute involving investment in the SMP Gold project located in South West Tanzania. Solicitor General Dr Clement Mashamba told the ‘Daily News’ on Tuesday that his office as well as that of the Attorney General (AG) has received a notice by the company of an intention to submit claim to arbitration under a Canada-Tanzania agreement for promotion

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AhKouTn_DNuiIEMX-hg6s2A


Could the Saraha turn Africa into a solar superpower?
Installing solar panels in the Sahara desert in North Africa could provide renewable energy to millions of Europeans at low cost to the environment.

Read in World Economic Forum: https://apple.news/ACm28oDdUQMK3MlkMZexqcw

Africa’s Richest People - And The Tycoon Who Lost Half His Fortune
Why One Tycoon’s Fortune Fell 50% And Another’s Nearly Tripled In A Volatile Year For Some On The Continent

Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AXXK_OpjpQByIIwyrAxohWg

 
 
ASIA


'We can't wait': Maldives desperate for funds as islands risk going under
The tropical Maldives may lose entire islands unless it can quickly access cheap financing to fight the impact of climate change, its foreign minister said.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ATufqc03NQqOrfUjVOS0OtA


Japan Firms Have Done Little to Build Resilience Against Increasing Floods: Reuters Poll
Japanese companies have contingency plans for the floods that increasingly drench this island nation, but most have done little to fortify facilities, relying instead on insurance and securing alternative supply sources, a Reuters poll found. Japanese have long been conditioned to prepare for earthquakes, but powerful typhoons and heavy rains have brought the risk of flooding to the forefront, as climate change brings ever more frequent bouts of extreme weather. The monthly Corporate Survey

Read in Insurance Journal: https://apple.news/A2f7bHGoCO02Olq96rwizcA


US Stocks Renew Record, Surprise Chinese Production Fuels Optimism | Action Forex
US stocks continued their advance through uncharted territories as encouraging retail sales data and robust bank earnings in the fourth quarter further fueled the American stock purchases. The S&P500 (+0.84%) jump-opened above the 3300 mark and gained exponentially toward the closing bell. Technology stocks led gains, as all industries traded in the positive. Nasdaq closed […] The post US Stocks Renew Record, Surprise Chinese Production Fuels Optimism appeared first on Action Forex.

Read in Action Forex: https://apple.news/AUbpUaXp2PkqYiXaOzNZMXw


Chinese cities get creative in steadying cooling property markets
Property agent Yuan Bin thought he must have misheard when news broke on Nov. 11 - China's equivalent of Black Friday - that the Shenzhen government was cancelling a capital gains tax on some apartments in the southern boomtown.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ANf9i-4e9QninraSsIzwTjw

China tells European Union it won’t miss out because of trade deal with US
China has sought to reassure European businesses that they will not be disadvantaged by Beijing’s recent trade deal with Washington, according to local diplomats and other sources. The US-China trade agreement, under which Beijing has promised to buy…

Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/Aue9IYP1aT06UUuJFjQeMdA

China And The U.K. Surprise In Opposite Directions
Nearly all the markets in the Asia-Pacific region advanced, and the seventh consecutive weekly rally is the longest in a couple of years. Europe's Dow Jones Stoxx 600 is at new record highs and appears set to take a four-day streak into next week. US shares are trading firmly. Since the end of last September, the S&P 500 has fallen in only three weeks. The dollar is paring its weekly loss against most of the major currencies. The yen and sterling underperformed this week.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AgsPb8SykODik1Wx7uCYqFQ

EUROPE
 
 
Foreign investors bought net 4.3 bln euros of Italian government bonds in NovForeign investors bought a net 4.3 billion euros ($4.78 billion) of Italian government bonds in November, central bank data showed on Friday.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A0maQrM8HRbeK3JQ6DwKA1Q

Stocks - Europe to Push Higher; China GDP Prompts Caution
Stock Markets Jan 17, 2020 07:10 GMT By Peter Nurse Investing.com - European stock markets are set to edge higher at the open Friday, helped by hefty gains on Wall Street overnight, although data from China indicating slowing growth may weigh on sentiment. At 02:15 ET (0715 GMT), the DAX futures contract traded 20 points, or 0.2% higher. France's CAC 40 futures were up 6 points, or 0.1%, while the FTSE 100 futures contract in the U.K. was unchanged. Futures on the eurozone Euro Stoxx 50

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AhueRQHldS42vk4_zyWAQ-w


Labour leadership: Starmer won’t make rival Long-Bailey shadow chancellor if he wins, ally predicts
Keir Starmer could freeze his “inexperienced” Labour leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey out of the top shadow cabinet jobs if he wins the contest, a senior ally has suggested.

Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/AC-OqZgMLQDy6AHE9OSFqsw


Brexit: Government denies U-turn on giving EU citizens physical proof of right to remain in UK, despite 'new Windrush' fears
Ministers have refused a plea to give EU citizens physical proof of their right to stay in the UK after Brexit – needed to prevent “another Windrush” they say – triggering fresh anger.

Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/AowRYeIoaSzOCDFBmXSPuaA

UK will rejoin EU as younger voters realise Brexit is mistake, says Verhofstadt
Britain will rejoin the EU in the “coming decades” because young voters will realise leaving the bloc was a mistake, according the European Parliament’s chief Brexit coordinator.

Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/AMKS4C-PBQHevd105Ompihw

Boris Johnson news – live: UK will rejoin EU claims Brussels chief, as Tory squabble erupts over Big Ben bong for Brexit plans
The chairman of the EU’s Brexit steering group Guy Verhofstadt has claimed the UK will rejoin the EU one day because young people in Britain will demand to be part of the bloc. “It will happen,” he said.

Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/AkgmTKu_xSRuP6wDfYrzFVQ


U.K. Retail Sales Extend Worst Run on Record
British consumers shunned stores during the crucial Christmas trading period, confounding predictions of a rebound in spending and stoking speculation that the Bank of England will cut interest rates this month.

Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/AJPsECtXGRyOYrR0CLl6GLw

Trump DID threaten Europe with 25% tariff on car exports over Iran
At a press conference in London yesterday, Germany's Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer confirmed reports of such economic threats and said: 'This expression or threat, as you will, does exist.'

Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/AVLeTO6NXQwWK-Ax3npotJQ


The United States' main allies are abandoning Trump as his threats to world leaders backfire
President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump's threats to allies are backfiring as European leaders speak openly about loosening their alliance with the US. Trump has threatened Europe with a new trade war if it defies him on Iran. Now European leaders are talking openly about cutting back on their ties to the US. Trump's decision to assassinate Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani has exposed a growing transatlantic rift. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald

Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/A_kallvNNS56j9vi00gzvyw
d
 
CBI, ISX,Dinar Guru:
 
CBI Update:
 
 
The CBI for Sunday 1/12/20 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is
There are no news and announcements.
ISX Update:
Shares Traded:
 
Value Traded:
 
ISX ended in Green
 
Dinar Guru:dd
 
 
1-18-2020   Newshound Guru MilitiaMan   ...they will have to report at some point the rate for January, as that is a transparency issue for the world at large. A key indicator is that they massively reduced the note count and have populated the banks with new small category notes And fils now from what we here.  What the data to me supports is that the credit transfers ceasing in the end September 2019, the loan modifications happening just a month later real close and the present the lack of some reporting by the CBI now of critical items aforementioned earlier (Nov 30) shows me the CBI has openly shown us that a significant rate change is coming soon!! ...In the end the evidence from the CBI supports imo, we are going to see them paid...Report and internationally accepted rate and have it reported by 01/31/2020, in my honest opinion that is 100% now, aside from an act of God ... and the CBI does exactly as they have shown they are doing!   [post 2 of 2]

1-18-2020   Newshound Guru MilitiaMan   Today we see an article about a company in Mosul having 10 offices to exchange again after many years both inside and out outside Iraq!  They will need to be able to do so now, as this month’s exchange rate will need to be reported accordingly in regard to a rate!   Imo The CBI published a rate for year end Dec 2019 at 1182 on December 31. They have not as of yesterday updated the data for Dec 2019 as they did for November 2019 for things like the reduction of money, the amount of money to commercial banks, yet.  We know they modified those latter two on November 30th and published the modification on 12/08/2019...So it appears they are holding back reporting of those crucial numbers for a reason. Imo That is possibly because they can and will if need be for sensitivity related issues, such as a rate disclosure or exposure of any, and the timing of it or them accordingly, will be kept quiet until the very end. [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
 
 
1-18-2020   Newshound Guru  Kaperoni   ...Guru Mtn Goat seems to think the CBI has issued a 100k dinar note. The CBI specifically stated several months ago their was no need for such a note and I have not heard or seen one in the public or press...  [reference Guru Mnt Goat post 1-17-2020...Parts 1 & 2]

1-18-2020   Intel Guru Frank26    Now due to the article about many being arrested from the CBI this situation called the monetary reform it has turned into, insistence!   It has turned into an insistence!   NOW!  [Guru]  Walkingstick told me President Trump is putting pressure on them like you have no idea...
 
1-18-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...I want to caution everyone in believing that Iraq needs a robust economy or that they need a partial or total reconstruction of their country to reinstate their currency...These ideas of needing a robust economy and a reconstructed Iraq is NOT the case. In fact, it is just the opposite. Iraq will need the funds from the reinstatement and the currency to attract investors and the funding for the reconstruction effort...Why in hell are we seeing all of a sudden, the US pushing to get rid of the Iranian influence and all its corrupt politicians from Iraq. Folks – it is time for the reinstatement and the US must secure its investment along with China. The CBI is ready and the world is ready for Iraq. It is time….
 
 
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)

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi receives Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi received, today, Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ayman Al-Safadi.

The Prime Minister expressed his pride at the level reached by the Iraqi-Jordanian relations and his aspiration for more cooperation in all fields to achieve the interests of the two neighboring countries and two brotherly peoples. He also expressed his deep thanks to His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al Hussein for his supportive stances in Iraq and his people, wishing the brotherly Jordan leadership and people of prosperity and progress.

His Excellency stressed that Iraq and Jordan have close and growing relations, and constitute two basic pillars of security and stability in the region and play an important role in containing crises and removing the region from the risks of wars and conflicts, pointing to the importance of exchanging visits between officials in the two countries to proceed with the implementation of memoranda of understanding and mutual agreements, and the need for consultation and communication on Security developments and the regional crisis.

For his part, the Jordanian Foreign Minister expressed his happiness at visiting Iraq and the existing cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

The Jordanian Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah bin Al Hussein to the Prime Minister and his support for Iraq and its people and the Iraqi government and the desire to increase cooperation and coordination on various issues that concern the interest of the two peoples, security and stability in the region, praising Iraq’s role in the success of the Iraqi-Jordanian-Egyptian tripartite meeting and its resulting cooperation And coordinate.

The Jordanian Foreign Minister affirmed that his country supports the efforts of the Iraqi government to preserve the security and stability of Iraq, its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and to avoid entering into the policy of axes, and that Iraq should not be an arena for conflicts. Security of the region and the world.

The Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his wishes for the speedy recovery of the supreme religious authority, His Eminence, Mr. Al-Sistani, and conveyed a message of reassurance from His Majesty King Abdullah on his health and wishes for his full recovery.


Media office of the Prime Minister
January 18, 2020

*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)

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

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

Financial adviser to Abdul-Mahdi reveals the total debt of Iraq

1/18/1920 13:53
[Baghdad-where]

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, announced that the total debts of Iraq amount to about 72 billion dollars, the internal debt constituting the largest proportion of it, which amounts to 42 billion dollars.

Saleh said in a press statement today that "the external debt of Iraq is less than 30 billion dollars, and that there is external debt suspended on the Paris Club agreement, which deducted about 80% of debts before 1990, has not been settled."

He added that "Iraq's external debt for the pre-1990 phase, amounting to 128 billion dollars, 80% of which was written off under the Paris Club agreement."

He explained, "There are from 41 to 42 billion dollars belonging to the Gulf states and some other countries that go back to before the year 1990, debts outside the Paris Club agreement." .
He pointed out that "the debt remaining from the Paris Club agreement is less than 9 billion," noting that "there are new debts that were arranged as a result of the war with the ISIS terrorist gangs, which estimated about 13 billion dollars."

He continued, "The remaining amount for countries inside and outside the Paris Agreement, and for international multilateral financial institutions not subject to the Paris Club agreement, is estimated at 28 billion dollars."

He pointed out that "its payment will be in the form of payments from the year 2020 to the year 2028, each according to its maturity."

He explained, "The internal debt of Iraq is estimated at 42 billion dollars for the Central Bank, Rafidain, the TPI, and Al-Rashid."

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ARTICLE 4

Khalaf reveals dialogues with America to review security relations

1/18/2020 11:39
[Baghdad-where]

Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, a spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, revealed on Saturday that there are dialogues with Washington to review security relations between the two countries.

Khalaf said in a press statement, "The Iraqi government is conducting dialogues with the United States regarding security relations, and Iraq has observations and proposals related to this file, and it will work to make everything not in conflict with its sovereignty."
Khalaf added, "The negotiations are not over."

Earlier last week, an Iraqi government source said, "There is communication between the Iraqi and American governments about the future of American forces in Iraq, and the common desire between them is for negotiations to begin and continue for months or a year."

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ARTICLE 5

Mr. Al-Sistani gives a [video] address to the Iraqi people about his health today

1/18/2020 11:04
[Najaf-Where]

The son of the supreme authority, Ali Sistani, confirmed that the reference will address the Iraqi people about his health today, Saturday.
Mr. Mohammad Raza Al-Sistani said, "His father is determined to address the Iraqi people with his voice."

He added, "In a video clip, he will speak with a picture and a voice with the public awaiting his health."

It is worth noting that, on Thursday, Sistani underwent surgery at the Kafeel Hospital in Karbala at the hands of an Iraqi medical team after he suffered a fractured thigh bone due to his slide during his ablution.

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