Friday, January 24, 2020

Thursday 1/23/20 WOTS

Thursday 1/23/20 WOTS
Thursday 1/23/20 Wots
 
Forex Rates: 
 
 
SymbolBidAskHighLowOpenChangeTime
 USD/IQD  0.0000  0.0000 1192.5000 1190.7000 1192.5000  -1.0000 00:00
 USD/VND  23171.0000  23174.0000 23147.4400 23147.4400 23147.4400  5.8800 01:30
 USD/CNY  6.9327  6.9347 6.9328 6.9057 6.9059  0.0266 03:47
 USD/KWD  0.3032  0.3042 0.3035 0.3034 0.3035  -0.0002 03:42
 GBP/USD  1.3132  1.3132 1.3151 1.3119 1.3140  -0.0008 03:50
 USD/IRR  0.0000  0.0000 42097.5000 42097.5000 42097.5000  97.5000 00:00
 USD/IDR  13643.0000  13647.0000 13653.0000 13600.0000 13630.0000  16.0000 03:50
 
 
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd

Trump “Reiterates Support for Iraq

 
23rd January 2020 in Politics
As a part of his meetings with a number of leaders and heads of State, President Salih held in-depth talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
The President stressed the need to intensify international efforts to establish international and regional security and stability, noting that their consolidation and strengthening is the only way to ensure comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.
His Excellency added that Iraq is eager to establish balanced relationships with all friends and allies to strengthen its sovereignty, respect its independent decision, achieve the interests of Iraqis, continue the economic development and reconstruction. In addition to Iraq must not be turned into a battleground to settle scores, he stated.
The US President, in turn, reiterated his country’s support for Iraq, showed his desire to have a closer relation, expand the scope of cooperation and raise the trade volume between Iraq and US to serve both peoples. Iraq’s pivotal role in the region, he appreciated.
Discussions covered the presence of foreign forces, the reduction in troops strength in the country as well as the importance of respecting Iraqis people’s demands in maintaining national sovereignty and ensuring security and stability.
(Source: Office of the Iraqi President)

Parliamentary committee: the border outlets are able to provide 15 trillion dinars for the state budget

 
Editing Date: 1/23/2020 12:07 • 11 times read
 
[Baghdad-where]
Member of the Parliamentary Committee, Hussein Al-Oqabi, asserted, Thursday, that the border outlets are able to provide 15 trillion dinars annually for the state treasury in the event that its imports are set, indicating that reducing the deficit needs to be reduced and rationalized in many doors without prejudice to the salaries of employees.
Al-Aqabi said in a press statement, “The large deficit in the budget for the current year is a major reason not to be paid by the government of Abdul-Mahdi to Parliament.” He pointed out that “the deficit exceeded the 48 trillion dinars, and this is a frightening number, and adjustments must be made to save it in half through Austerity measures not to touch the employees ’salaries.

Al-Oqabi added that “the process of stopping corruption is the main factor in providing additional funds that contribute to reducing the deficit, as the border outlets are able to provide 15 trillion dinars annually for the state budget and withholding the purchase and maintenance of all mechanisms for all ministries and agencies except productivity and service”, indicating that “there are other expenditures It can be canceled. Tens of trillions of dinars have been saved.

In the context of the government's agreement with China, Al-Oqabi pointed out that "the agreement is not an international treaty and may be limited to contracts, and that the size of the agreement does not exceed two billion dollars a year."

The House of Representatives announces the completion of the completion of the constitutional amendments

 
Editing Date: 1/23/23 11:22 • 38 times read
 
[Baghdad-where]
On Thursday, the Constitutional Amendments Committee revealed that the amendments to the constitution will be finalized and put to a popular referendum.
Deputy Committee Chairman Youssef Mohamed said in a statement to Al-Sabah newspaper today that "the committee has previously taken the opinions of citizens, elites and legal experts to discuss constitutional amendments that can be agreed upon, in addition to other disputed articles."

He added, "The committee produced these materials for discussion in general, to reach satisfactory solutions for all parties," noting that it "has accomplished more than 50 percent of its work within the time specified for it within four months."

For his part, the deputy of the Alliance of Fath, Fadel Al-Fatlawi, said in a press statement: "The Constitutional Amendments Committee is limited to four months to finish all the amendments, and therefore the completion of this file will be the beginning of next month or the beginning of the new legislative term for Parliament."

A spokesman for al-Sadr: Close to Abdel-Mahdi is responsible for the sniping of demonstrators
 
 
 
23/01/2020 Baghdad / newsletter:
A spokesman for the Sadrist movement leader, Salah al-Ubaidi, on Wednesday accused an official close to Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi of suppressing the demonstrations, indicating that the million-dollar demonstration will take place away from Tahrir Square.
Al-Sadr said in a televised statement, followed by "Al-Akhbaria", that "evidence indicates the responsibility of close to Abdel-Mahdi for the sniping of protesters, and there are American parties protecting him."
He added that "the millionth demonstration called by the leader of the movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, will take place away from Tahrir Square, and that the center of the demonstration will be near the intersection of Baghdad University," noting that "the idea of ​​the millionth demonstration exists well before the airport strike."
He explained that "Kurdish snipers carried out sniper demonstrations near the nervous system in the first days of the demonstrations, and that the person responsible for sniping demonstrators is close to the American embassy and his crime is not intended to be revealed."
 
 
 
Al-Sayyadi threatens a Shiite parliamentary coup:
 
We can run the country alone
On January 23, 2020
 

(Independent) .. Representative of the State of Law, Kazem Al-Sayadi, threatened a "Shiite" parliamentary coup, stressing that the Shiites can manage the country on their own.
 
Al-Sayyadi said in a tweet on his page on the social networking site “Twitter” that the number of Shiite representatives is sufficient to run the country alone.
 
He added, "Thefts of the other components are innumerable," accusing those components of practicing "puppet policies ... at the expense of Iraq."
 
Sayyidi's tweet came against the background of President Barham Salih and President of the Kurdistan Region Nagirvan Barzani meeting with US President Donald Trump yesterday in Switzerland on the sidelines of the Davos Forum held there.
 
The fisherman accused "some ingredients" of "wanting to sell us to the Americans."
 
He concluded his tweet by saying, "We are the first to stop and deal with symptoms of fever, and this is not our intention.
 
 
 
International Alliance: ISIS will return if American forces withdraw from Iraq
 
On January 23, 2020
 

The Independent ... The second leader of the international coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, American General Alexus Greenwich, confirmed that ISIS could return to the rise despite its weakening, in case American forces withdrew from Iraq.
 
"ISIS is certainly still a threat," General Greenwich said at a Pentagon press conference, saying that "he has the ability to emerge again if we remove pressure from him for a long time."
 
He explained that he “does not see a threat to restore the organization’s strength in a timely manner,” but “the longer we remove pressure from him for a longer period of time, the greater this danger”.
 
General Greenwich said that "the organization revealed its structural weakness after its inability to take advantage of the demonstrations in Iraq since October to demand political reforms."
 
He explained that "the participants in the international coalition evaluated during the past months the status of the organization after losing in March the lands of its control in parts of Syria and Iraq, after battles with the forces backed by the coalition that lasted for years."
 
And between the general, "The goal was to know if the organization" is pursuing a kind of strategy that awaits waiting for an opportunity that it can exploit, or if it is really subject to pressure and lacks capabilities and capabilities. "
 
He continued that "the demonstrations in Iraq helped the coalition to develop its assessment and concluded that the organization suffers from a lack of capabilities and capabilities more than the strategic patrimony.

 

KRG Approves Reforms to Kurdistan Tax System

 
 
 
23rd January 2020 in Iraq Industry & Trade News, Politics
KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani chaired a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday to discuss implementing best practice for the taxation system of the Kurdistan Region.
The ministers reviewed an internal pilot project tasked with developing a new legal and auditing framework. The framework updates current auditing practices and increases the transparency of the taxation system.
Prime Minister Barzani emphasised his cabinet’s commitment to an ambitious reform agenda, notably tax revenue reform in the Kurdistan Region, which will ensure fair implementation of the system and provide the government with the enhanced enforcement tools.
The cabinet also approved a project designed to improve monitoring and auditing of government and private sector budgets, the facilitation of which will be supported by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
During the cabinet meeting, the KRG also approved the merging of the High Institute for Audits and Accounting with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, bolstering their research capabilities and raising scientific standards.
Prime Minister Barzani called for everyone to work together to ensure that public property and government vehicles are used in the best interest of the public and in accordance with government rules and regulations.

 
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd

 

Fox News: Washington plans to deploy an air defense system in Iraq

23/01/2020  Follow up / Tomorrow Press:
The American "Fox News" news network revealed today, Thursday, that Washington intends to deploy an air defense system in Iraq.
The network quoted US defense officials as saying that the move comes after Iranian missiles caused extensive damage to Ein al-Assad base and 11 soldiers were injured in the brain as a result of the lack of US air protection systems in Iraq.
"I don't think Iran will attack al-Qaeda again now, but it is likely that we will go ahead with the deployment of an air defense system as a precaution to protect our soldiers," said an official, who was not identified by the network.
The report pointed out that more than 1000 soldiers are present at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, in addition to about 4 thousand soldiers in other bases within the international coalition forces to fight ISIS.
Fox News did not specify the nature of the air defense system that will be deployed by the American forces, but pointed to the presence of American Patriot missile networks in Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in order to protect its forces and Gulf countries against any air attack.

 
 
Iraq Protests Morph Amid Iran-US Crisis
 
 
23 January 2020 02:20 AM
 
Militias kidnapped my son,” shouts Umm Mohammad, a 43-year-old mother of two, under a tent awning in central Baghdad.
 
“Why isn’t anyone doing anything?”

Businesses around here have been closed for months as full-time protest camps occupy Tahrir Square and the surrounding area. Roads are shut down, and a tower of Iraqi flags resembling a Christmas tree blows in the wind. The only vehicles are motorcycles and three-wheeled Tuk-Tuk cars.
 
Most of the protesters’ demands have not wavered since the demonstrations began in October. They say they want jobs, health care, security, an end to widespread abject poverty and corruption, and new leadership. But as Iraq continues to be the battleground for the United States’ and Iran’s ongoing crisis, protesters are expected to expand their demands on Friday. 
 
 
 
Muqtada al-Sadr, a prominent Shi’ite cleric and leader, has called on his supporters to join the rallies then to demand U.S. forces leave Iraq.   
 
Until now, the protests have been largely non-sectarian but many Iraqis feel this issue could divide protesters.
 
Sunni and Kurdish leaders boycotted a parliamentary vote to expel foreign militaries, with Nechirvan Barzani, the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, later saying, “This is not good for Iraq, either now or for the future.”
 
 
 
But in a tent lined with blankets at the Baghdad protest camp, 22-year-old Moussa rests on a thin mattress, in bare feet and wearing necklaces with charms of Quranic verse, the Eiffel Tower and Sadr. For months he has been protesting daily against corruption and poverty, but on Friday, he is also prepared to lift his voice in support of Sadr.
 
“He speaks for us,”  Moussa says.  “He cares for people and doesn’t steal like the government.”
 
Local clashes 
 
Not far from the square, a bridge is barricaded by protesters on one side and security forces on the other. Protesters say hundreds have been killed and thousands injured in clashes over the past few months. 
 
Posters bearing the faces of the dead hang on tents and cement walls.
 
 
 
A crowd gathers around Umm Mohammed, the mother. They show videos on their phones of injured protesters. One woman, 29-year-old Intesar, says she was stabbed in a protest but she will not go home to rest. “I can never stop demanding my rights,” she declares.
 
More than a week ago, protesters imposed a deadline on the government to appoint a new head-of-state. And demonstrations on Monday intensified when the deadline passed with no apparent action. Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi continues to fill the post, despite tendering his resignation in November. 
Three people were killed and dozens were injured in Monday’s clashes. By Tuesday evening, local TV reported shots fired in new demonstrations.
 
U.S.-Iran clashes
 
Early Tuesday morning, rockets landed in the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, near the U.S. Embassy. 
 
The rocket attack was one of several since a new crisis between Iran and the U.S. in early January, when the U.S. killed Iran’s most powerful general, Qassem Soleimani. Six others died in the airstrike at the Baghdad airport, including Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. 
 
Iran retaliated with missile strikes on American bases in Iraq, and both sides have promised grave consequences for continued aggression.
 
 
At the base of the bridge, Karrar, an 18-year-old wearing plastic sandals and fraying jeans, says he will protest the U.S. in Iraq, but he is far more concerned with local grievances.  
Like many young Iraqis, Karrar quit school when he was 12 to help support his family. Now he makes salads at a restaurant in the mornings before joining protesters each afternoon. In a country awash with oil riches, residents are hungry and living in squalor, he says.
“I’ll protest against corruption and U.S. involvement in Iraq,” adds Karrar. “But if security forces throw grenades, people will die.”
 
 
 
More U.S. troops leave Iraq over potential injuries as Trump downplays brain risk
 
23 January 2020 11:02 PM
 
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he did not consider the brain injuries suffered by 11 U.S. service members in Iran’s recent attack on a base in Iraq to be serious, as the American military moved more troops out of the region for potential injuries.
In a statement on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command said that more troops had been flown out of Iraq to Germany for medical evaluations following Iran’s Jan. 8 missile attack on the base where U.S. forces were stationed after announcing the 11 injuries last week.

Further injuries may be identified in the future, it added, without giving further details.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about a dozen troops were being transported to Germany.

Trump and other top officials initially said Iran’s attack had not killed or injured any U.S. service members before the Pentagon reversed course on Thursday, saying 11 U.S. troops had been treated for concussion symptoms after the attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq.

On Wednesday, Trump declined to explain the discrepancy.
“I heard that they had headaches and a couple of other things, but I would say and I can report it is not very serious,” Trump told a news conference in Davos, Switzerland.

Asked whether he considered traumatic brain injury to be serious, Trump said: “They told me about it numerous days later. You’d have to ask the Department of Defense.”

Pentagon officials have said there had been no effort to minimize or delay information on concussive injuries, but its handling of the injuries following Tehran’s attack has renewed questions over the U.S. military’s policy regarding how it handles suspected brain injuries.

While the U.S. military has to immediately report incidents threatening life, limb or eyesight, it does not have an urgent requirement to do so with suspected traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which can take time to manifest and diagnose.
According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000.

“I don’t consider them very serious injuries relative to other injuries I have seen,” Trump said. “I’ve seen people with no legs and no arms.”

Various health and medial groups for years have been trying to raise awareness about the seriousness of brain injuries, including concussions.d

 

Kurdistan President Discusses Various Issues with World Leaders in Davos

 
BasNews 23/01/2020
 
On the sidelines of the second day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held several meetings with other world leaders, discussing various topics.
Barzani's office said in a statement that the Kurdish president met with Shinichi Kitaoka, the president of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Wednesday, adding that he "expressed Kurdistan Region’s gratitude and appreciation for the work and the projects of JICA, which has been providing services" in the autonomous region for several years.
JICA’s President, in return, reaffirmed his agency's support to the Kurdistan Region, while appreciating Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) coordination in facilitating the implementation of JICA’s projects in the region, the statement added.
Barzani, in a separate meeting with Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, discussed the recent political and security affairs in Iraq and the wider region, stressing on the need to defuse the tensions in the country.
The pair also exchanged views on Saudi Arabia's relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Barzani, apart from US President Donald Trump, discussed a range of topics with other leaders in Davos on Wednesday.

 
 
 
BP pulls out of Iraq’s Kirkuk field as expansion plans stall
 
 
23 January 2020 02:34 AM
 
BP (BP.L) has pulled out of Iraq’s giant Kirkuk oilfield after its $100 million exploration contract expired with no agreement on the field’s expansion, dealing a fresh blow to Iraq’s hopes to increase its oil output, three sources told Reuters.
 
 
The move comes as Western energy companies reassess their operations in Iraq amid political turmoil following months of anti-government protests and a flare-up in tensions between the United States and Iran in the country.
 
BP informed Iraqi authorities last month that it was pulling its staff out of the oilfield in the north of the country after its 2013 service contract expired at the end of 2019, the sources familiar with the matter said.
 
A senior source at Iraq’s North Oil Company (NOC), which overseas the Kirkuk operations, confirmed BP’s withdrawal.
 
“The results of its field study for Kirkuk oilfield development have been handed over to the North Oil Company and unfortunately it was below expectations ... at least for us,” the official said.
 
“It’s very obvious study results were not encouraging for BP to extend its operations,” he added.
The Iraqi government did not reply to a request for comment.
 
BP confirmed it had completed the field work and studies and said it had handed its recommendations for the development of the field to the NOC.
The London-based company did not comment on staff movements.
 
“In 2013, BP signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the North Oil Company of the Iraq Ministry of Oil to support field activity studies in Kirkuk. As planned, in December 2019 BP completed field work, studies and recommendations,” it said.
 
According to another senior NOC engineer, BP staff left their laptops with the NOC after completing the survey and technical study of the field.
Iraq was hoping BP would help it triple output from the field to one million barrels per day (bpd) - more than a fifth of Iraq’s current production and one percent of global output.
But BP’s contract was put on hold in 2014 when the Iraqi army collapsed in the face of Islamic State’s sweeping advance in northern and western Iraq, allowing the Kurdish regional government (KRG) to take control of the Kirkuk region.
Baghdad regained full control of the deposit from the regional government in 2017 after a failed Kurdish independence referendum, at which point BP resumed its studies on the field.
Kirkuk was discovered in 1927 and marks the birthplace of Iraq’s oil industry. BP and Iraq’s oil ministry signed in 2013 the letter of intent to study the development of the field with a planned spending of $100 million.
BP’s work included a three-dimensional seismic study of the field’s reservoir to expand on the existing 2D data."
 

Russia Deploys S-400 Air System near Iraqi Border

 
BasNews 23/01/2020 - 01:55 Published in Middle East
 
The Russian Military has deployed its S-400 air defense system to an area close to the Qamishli Airport, near the Iraqi-Syrian border.
"The maximum detection range of the S-400 air defense radar at the Hmeimim Airbase is only 600 kilometers, which means that the Russian S-400 radar can only detect aircraft over most of the border between Iraq and Syria, but not over the border between Iraq and Iran," the Chinese publication Sohu said in a report.
"The most appropriate explanation is that the Russian Air Force sent the 96L6E radar, located at the Hmeimim Airbase, to the Qamishli Airbase in the northeast border region of Syria, which is only 100 kilometers from the Iraqi border."
The information was made available after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a press conference that his country's armed forces had tracked six F-35 fighter jets along the border between Iraq and Iran during Iran's missile attack on the US bases in Iraq, according to the publication.
 
 
Kauaihn Economic Times:
 
ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER

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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
This Day in History
 
 
 
Today in History: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020
 
 
Good Morning from CNN
 
 
 
Good Morning from CNN
 
 
Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 22 Jan 2020
Jeff Bezos: phone ‘hacked’ by Saudi prince The mobile phone of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos was hacked with a WhatsApp message sent from a number belonging to Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, The Guardian claims. The newspaper says the message from Mohammed bin Salman to Bezos, the world’s richest man, contained malware that allowed the Saudis to intercept messages. Riyadh has dismissed the claim as “absurd”. China: ‘virus may mutate and spread’ Health authorities in China are warning that a new strain of
Read in The Week UK: https://apple.news/At4nfUldlN2yoL60JUSWOEQ
 
 
10 Things to Know for Today
Get ready for Wednesday, January 22nd with a few things to know about the day’s news from The Associated Press
Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/ANSrFUrOGTd68w1cR6-57_g
 
 
No turning point in sight as IMF predicts sluggish global growth
Global growth appears to have bottomed out but there is no rebound in sight and risks ranging from trade tensions to climate shocks makes the outlook uncertain, a top International Monetary Fund official said on Monday.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AIhL1cSwCQNyl6iOr-IR2WA


COMMODITIES/ENERGY

New Gold: Production Report Shows That Q4 Was Weak, Major Catalysts Ahead
New Gold publishes its Q4 2019 production report. Grades dropped at both mines. Production decreased but remained in line with the previous guidance. Life of mine plans for Rainy River and New Afton will be shared on February 13 together with full-year financial results.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ArwGDfHuZPymDdiDHa29Qng

Gold prices retreat as coronavirus threatens China buying
Gold futures on Tuesday trade lower, facing pressure as one of the commodity’s biggest buyers face a viral outbreak that could hurt buying of physical gold at a peak holiday period.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/Ajm2DtUwUQ7iv-AGOdgo-bA

Do Gold Mining Stocks Lead Gold?
Do gold mining stocks, as represented by the Barron's Gold Mining Index or the XAU or the HUI, lead gold bullion at significant turning points? There are plenty of examples of gold mining stocks leading the bullion price at a turning point from down to up or up to down, but there are at least as many examples of gold mining stocks lagging the bullion at a turning point. Non-confirmations between the gold price and the related mining indices matter, but it doesn't matter whether the non-

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/Aerai-JrsP2SXsn8i6GCUrA

PRECIOUS-Gold eases off 2-week peak; safe haven demand limits declines
Gold briefly hit a two-week high on Tuesday as concerns over the coronavirus outbreak in China lifted demand for safe havens, but then retreated as investors took profits on the view that buying had been overdone.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AzWL3ViK9RlG44OvrS9Gv5A


Platinum Is Breaking A 12 Years Resistance, It Is Time To Buy This Precious Metal
Platinum is currently cheaper than both gold and palladium. Even tough demand for the metal was lower than expected in 2019, the precious metal was still able to end the year in green. Demand for the precious metal is projected to grow steadily for the next couple years.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AuzYvxYdLNwKZuAKYlVMR7w


Gold Prices Down As Markets Await More News on Wuhan Coronavirus
Commodities Jan 22, 2020 05:41 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com – Gold prices traded lower on Wednesday in Asia as investors assessed the risk of a global epidemic from a coronavirus outbreak in China. Gold Futures were down 0.3% to $1,552.95 by 12:40 AM ET (04:40 GMT). The safe-haven metal gained earlier this week as some fear a potential virus outbreak could weaken tourist visits during the upcoming key Chinese holiday period. On Wednesday, the death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus in China rose

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ALrdOHLnUSx6CF_VFftfmsw

Palladium Hits Another Record as Gold, Other Metals Slide
Commodities Jan 21, 2020 20:17 GMT By Barani Krishnan Investing.com - The world’s costliest metal got costlier -- then the metals universe slumped on Tuesday. Autocatalyst agent palladium, up almost 30% in the three weeks since 2020 began, hit another record high before sliding on widespreading profit-taking that took gold and all other metals down. Spot palladium surged to an all-time high of $2,527.14 before trading at $2,404.49, down $94.57, or 3.8%, by 3:00 PM ET (20:00 GMT). Despite the

How Global Weather Has Pressured Natural Gas And Coffee And Helped Cocoa Prices
Lack of snow cover and CLIMATE PREDICT weather program creating warm US winter and lowest natural gas prices in years. Why coffee prices have collapsed again and cocoa is in a bull market. While many forecasters disagree, the reasons why El Nino conditions exist.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AWzn60Ym0NK2cZRsOYDLnIQ

Oil Prices Drop as IEA Predicts Market Surplus
Commodities Jan 22, 2020 05:15 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Oil prices dropped on Wednesday in Asia as the International Energy Agency forecasted that there will be market surplus. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures fell 0.5% to $58.10 by 12:05 AM ET (04:05 GMT), while international Brent Oil Futures dropped 0.4% to $64.33. Goldman Sachs said in a note that oil markets are likely to be impacted by China’s deadly coronavirus, especially if it plays out like the SARS epidemic in 2003. The virus that

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AnXkzw_kQQ6Wu2TW7g_SwJQ


Oil prices gain on Libya, Iraq supply worries
* Oil disruption could be offset by OPEC output - PAJ president

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/Ag5lli8iSSSu9Cwi_PSDCbA


BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT


We'll change earnings trajectory as we become more profitable, UBS chairman says
Axel Weber, chairman of UBS, tells CNBC the last year has been good for the Swiss lender.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AzR5hFQ29RkO7OXsJIxcVQQ


Bank of America CEO: All clients becoming ESG investors focused on 'doing right'
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says its wealth management business has $25 billion in ESG funds and that investor interest will continue to grow.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/As3LccqkeQmWwHu5gWeYBEw


Opinion: Fed should turn to digital money to combat next recession
The economy is doing fine now, but eventually it will hit a rough patch and require better monetary-policy tools from the Federal Reserve.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A7S2GeYWZQ1C3reB7llpBOw

Opinion: Bank of England’s rate dilemma turns political
Strong employment numbers weaken the case for an interest-rate cut when the U.K. central bank’s rate-setting committee meets next week on the eve of Brexit

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ArL2esXlRR661DsoB5mEUUg


Commercial Banking And The Consumer: Bank Of America In The Lead
Brian Moynihan, BofA CEO, would like to double the bank's share in the consumer market, a market now very profitable, which will be even more so with advances in informationtechnology. Other large banks are also trying to increase their market share causing regulators and analysts concern about big bank dominance of the whole commercial banking sector. Investors should be very aware of these efforts because of the effect that they will have on the structure of the full banking sector and number

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AG8U7UJtXPMyvzpvFxjgFMw


The steep costs of bad financial advice
Here are some areas where you need to be particularly careful to seek out the best advice.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AUI3DRAGDSwyJSs0LJ4Vfbw


Improving your credit score can save over $56,000
The amount in loan interest payments quickly adds up to thousands extra for someone with just a "fair" credit score.

Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/Aez-255C3SymXi0LGuEMTsg

Global central banks are partnering up to explore digital currencies
The central banks of Britain, Japan, the euro zone, Sweden and Switzerland have grouped up to assess potential use cases for digital currencies.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A-4hFYCRnTAK57Os1TYh7cQ


TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS

Ray Dalio: 'Cash is trash' in the 2020 market
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, joins "Squawk Box" at the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss what he's watching in the markets for 2020.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A6IUdQGCdSu-7vNb4LzkuMw


Treasury yields and stocks spiral lower over virus fears and Hong Kong downgrade
U.S. Treasury yields are on the slide in early Tuesday trade as fears around a rapidly spreading virus in Asia along with a credit rating downgrade to the region’s premier financial center push investors into haven assets.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AHNjaTCM6SY6MHOEOrLmUkQ


Opinion: January gains point to strong 2020 for stocks — but don’t get too excited
If you follow stock market patterns, make sure they pass the test, writes Mark Hulbert.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A2Vxt3E_iR7eLt9JsZTEivA

Investing In An Elevated Market
Historically, strong starts to a January are a positive predictor for market returns in the balance of the year. Since the beginning of December 2019, the market has accelerated even more quickly to the upside. The most important thing for investors is to have a plan, i.e., an investment plan along with a financial plan.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AQbSy1NsfOuitMSmR1q_LkQ


Top Stocks & ETFs In Gold & Silver For 2020
Each year, MoneyShow asks the nation’s leading financial newsletter advisors for their top stock ideas for the coming year. Gold stocks have been noticeably absent in recent years – but were a popular choice in this year’s Top Picks 2020 Report. Here are some favorites in mining and metals.

Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/Aou7OpelrQbWxk_sukNZYAA
 
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Wednesday, 22nd January
Investing.com -- Stocks are set to bounce after China reassured that it would be transparent about the progress of the coronavirus outbreak. Well-received earnings from Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) and IBM (NYSE:IBM) are likely to help U.S. indices at the open, but a new warning from Boeing (NYSE:BA) over the 737 MAX program is weighing on the Dow. President Donald Trump revived threats of a trade war with the EU, while the dollar goes from strength to strength - and may get a further boost later from either U.S. housing market data or a shift to easier monetary policy from the Bank of Canada. Here's what you need to know in financial markets on Wednesday, 22nd January.


Cramer: 5 things that need to happen for the market to sustain current levelsCNBC's Jim Cramer made a list of 5 things to watch for in order to determine whether the stock market is overvalued.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/Afx2yQpKDRxeEtupedPAOLg



CRYPTO / DIGITAL CURRENCIES
 
 
New Bill In Congress Could Have Massive Impact On Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Other CryptocurrenciesA new bill in Congress would make it much easier to use Bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions.

Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AGcwdY90zRm-Tl082pxc-5Q
 
 
Bitcoin, Crypto Assets are not Banned in India: RBI - Bitcoinist.comAfter a stressful Supreme Court hearing, India conceded that bitcoin and crypto assets are not illegal. The Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank, also stated it did not place restrictions on Bitcoin (BTC) or other virtual currencies. RBI Denies Banning Bitcoin and Crypto Outright, but Banks Face Restrictions The RBI put in place ring-fence regulations, to protect banks and institutions from the risks related to trading bitcoin and other crypto assets, reported the Economic Times of

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/AmG5-wUwMOkKGudpNJqLDTg
 
 
Britain’s Tax Agency Offering Contract for Tech to Combat Crypto Tax EvasionBritain’s tax agency is inviting contractors to provide a tech tool to help Britain’s tax agency combat crypto cybercriminals. What the agency wants The technology, which Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) posted on Jan. 17 in an open contract call worth 100,000 pounds sterling, should gather intelligence through cluster analysis. The HMRC’s Cybercrime team hopes this will help them correlate crypto-asset transactions with service providers. As opposed to free online tools and human analysis

Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AgF37HxtfR4qF5jpBKb1YFw
 
Turkish City Developing Crypto and Blockchain Solutions for Public ServicesKonya, the city of the world-famous poet Rumi, might not come to mind when talking about technology, especially blockchain and cryptocurrencies. As one of the major cultural centers of Turkey, Konya is known for its rich history, gorgeous mosques, and historical sites. But that has not stopped the Anatolian city from setting up its "Science and Technology Valley," under the umbrella of Konya Science Center, and building a team to apply blockchain to municipal services. First revealed by Konya

Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AElrrqddJSse913sqDoggEA
 
 
CME Bitcoin Options Volume Doubles One Week After Launch, Hits $5.3MBitcoin (BTC) options from CME Group more than doubled their traded volume in the first week after going live, data shows. According to figures supplied by the company, Bitcoin options volumes skyrocketed in the seven days since they went live on Jan. 13. BTC futures options surge higher As of Jan. 17, volume was 122 contracts, worth 610 BTC ($5.27 million). By comparison, on day one, volume was 55 contracts, or 275 BTC (currently worth $2.37 million). Open interest on options stood at 219

Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AxNODSBZtT-i3N4KmXZ4LIQ
 
 
Digital Chamber of Commerce Weighs In on Telegram Legal Battle With SECThe Chamber of Digital Commerce has filed an amicus brief in the ongoing court case between encrypted messenger service Telegram and the United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Filed on Jan. 21, the document was authored by Lilya Tessler, a partner and the New York head of Sidley Austin LLP, counsel to the Chamber. In the amicus brief — a legal document that allows a non-litigant to submit its expertise or opinion in a case — the Chamber makes a number of arguments regarding how the

Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AGnMdSXyBRa-vSu_priQXMw
 
 
How Bitcoin's On-chain Activity and the Iran Crisis Correlate?The dust has settled in the Middle East for now as the political posturing takes a back seat. Bitcoin prices have also settled a little from their roller-coaster ride over the past fortnight, but how closely related were the two events? Bitcoin has spent the past day or so consolidating at the $8,600 level after a minor pullback on Sunday. Its epic 32% pump this month has been largely attributed to geopolitical tension in the Middle East as the safe haven narrative intensified. On-chain analysis

Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/A5xePhIFLO22dCJPBs_F4-A




CURRENCIES


Forex - Dollar Edges Higher; Loonie Downside Risk as BoC Meets
Forex Jan 22, 2020 09:03 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar edged higher Wednesday as traders took a calmer view of the emergence of the pneumonia-like virus in China, but its gains were minimal and caution was still abundant. At 04:10 ET (0910 GMT), the US Dollar Index Futures, which tracks the greenback against a basket of other currencies, was up 0.1% at 97.42. The yen dropped 0.1% against the dollar, with USD/JPY trading at 109.97. EUR/USD traded 0.1% at 1.1079 and GBP/USD at 1.3043, down

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AeKjJkGl2Stu2G59R50J-MA


Forex - U.S. Dollar, Yuan Near Flat Despite Coronavirus Worries
Forex Jan 22, 2020 06:18 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - The U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan were little changed on Wednesday in Asia despite concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. The U.S. dollar index inched up 0.08% to 97.390 by 1:15 AM ET (05:15 GMT). As of Wednesday morning, Chinese authorities confirmed that at least nine people, all in Wuhan, have died after contracting the virus and a total of 15 medical personnel have been infected. The virus, which causes a type of

Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AA_YfFoYSQuytyo61D0ml1Q

Pound rises as U.K. jobs data slows rate-cut momentum
The British pound advanced on Tuesday as employment data slowed the momentum toward a rate cut at the end of the month.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/ArJxYMb9eQ3WpILJwokUceQ


Sterling resists the weight of UK rate cut speculation
The swift repricing of short-dated UK interest rate futures has sent bond yields plunging but barely moved sterling, which is still holding out hopes of a post-election, post-Brexit inward investment bounce that will lift the pound in time.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AyTPEofiTQ4inTLV274v2kA


NZD/JPY Downside In Favor
NZD/JPY has begun to consolidate with a key area between 72.35 and 73.10. As we head into the latter part of January, and into February, downside is now in favor. The pair has climbed significantly above its 100-day moving average, which not only serves as a technical indicator but could also provide some tone to the upcoming central bank meetings. Meanwhile, the ratio between oil and gold has been an effective leading indicator for risk-on/risk-off currency pairs such as NZD/JPY. The 20-day

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A5-SRlyhuOdGzhidi99ME-w


Asian Stocks Drop in Risk-Off Turn; Yen Rises: Markets WrapStocks and U.S. futures took a modest dive in morning trading in Asia, with Hong Kong equities opening to a slide in excess of 1%.

Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/APAxrSjfATgiGYeiHR6IkoQ
 
 
HEALTH / SCIENCE

Wall Street Breakfast: Virus Fears Spread To Global MarketsListen on the go! A daily podcast of Wall Street Breakfast will be available by 8:00 a.m. on Seeking Alpha, iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify. Stocks dropped across the globe following a big selloff in Asia on concerns that a mysterious coronavirus emanating from China will spread through the region as travel heats up for the Lunar New Year holidays. The disease has already infected 224 people and killed six, and is reminiscent of the SARS epidemic that subtracted an estimated 0.8 percentage point

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A859HTM4WMVWUSERvw81r6w


China virus spreads to health workers; six patients deadChina’s mysterious respiratory virus has caused six deaths and infected a number of medical workers, a sign the outbreak has entered a new phase with the illness spreading from person to person.Health-care workers contracting the new illness indicates that it is more easily transmitted than previously thought, bringing the disease -- part of the coronavirus family -- to a higher risk level, reminiscent of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, pandemic in Asia 17 years ago that killed 8

Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/AxQacv9YMQ6SCs6sTVUUSog


Health officials in China say 9 dead from newly identified coronavirusChinese health officials say that while the new virus doesn't appear to be as virulent as the one that caused a SARS pandemic 17 years ago, it is still "highly infectious."

Read in NPR: https://apple.news/ABRlDRKhqQriJC1Cf1gf7og


New Cancer Treatment Could Be on the Horizon After Accidental DiscoveryJanuary 21, 2020 Scientists have discovered a new cell in the immune system that can kill many types of cancer, which they hope could one day be used to create a "one size fits all" treatment for the disease. In mice experiments and in lab dishes, the team showed that a new type of what are known as T-cells could detect a range of cancerous cells, while differentiating them from healthy cells. A T-cell is a type of white blood cell in the immune system, which both helps to fight off infections

Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/A8ebgc2rYRcWVGTN_IGlsCA


Drinking deaths double in 2 decades with faster rate for womenStudy finds a 10.1 percent rise in the prevalence of drinking and a 23.3 percent increase in binge drinking among women.

Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/At9kg01VTSAuRafDDEtK3yA


Weight loss and fad diets: why keto diet, Paleo diet and Atkins diet don’t work and may be bad for your healthAsk your neighbourhood gym owner and they’ll tell you: February is the month of giving up, the time when weight rooms, freshly filled in the new year, begin to empty back out. As our desire to drop those extra holiday pounds turns to desperation, we turn…

Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ArDBJg0qbTiGp3nPgVrAXCw


Opinion: Dr. Nicole Saphier: Skipping breakfast could be the greatest thing you do in 2020After a thorough academic literature search and thoughtful consideration, I decided to give intermittent fasting a try. I was hooked almost immediately.

Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/ARi-81e8lSzSu1uw8sD8KHg


Generic drugs for multiple sclerosis haven't lowered costs for patientsA generic version of Copaxone, one of the most popular drugs to treat multiple sclerosis, didn't do much to lower costs for patients, NPR reports.

Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AK3MoezjASbejsNn7sdNDFA


Patients Want To Die At Home, But Home Hospice Care Can Be Tough On FamiliesThe for-profit hospice industry has grown, allowing more Americans to die at home. But few family members realize that "hospice care" still means they'll do most of the physical and emotional work.

Read in NPR: https://apple.news/AcFVlqaHIQY6TjsEHsp3A_w


USA/CANADA


Trump tells world leaders at Davos to 'put their own citizens first'
President Donald Trump spoke at the Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland about his "America First" agenda and encouraged other nations to adopt a similar nation-focused approach to economics and political relations around the world.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A3-FshrR0Q_-xBSgXt-DBHg


Trump: Negative interest rates are something he 'could get used to very quickly'
President Trump touted at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the use of negative interest rates to bolster economic growth.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/Al3lJ5DPpTCmQe81znbeY5A


White House advisor Larry Kudlow says economic growth will top 3% this year
Kudlow, President Donald Trump's top economic advisor, said Tuesday that GDP growth in the U.S. should hit at least 3% in 2020.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ASqZ-1_ubTD-en2NUSr_unA

Mnuchin tells WSJ that phase 2 of China trade deal may not remove all tariffs
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal that the next step in trade negotiations with China may not lift tariffs.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AmEZWoEqZR2Ox_TKonVaK0g


Recessions Are Good
"Recession" is a dirty word in the modern economy and most investors live in fear of them. While painful, economic recessions can be empirically shown to promote worker productivity and help positively transform the economy. Whenever the U.S. economy slows, the Federal Reserve quickly gives it a shot of recession-blocking QE which only promotes inefficient organization of labor. Jerome Powell is wondering why productivity is not rising and has given many potential explanations, all excluding his

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AUeObzL4KPQyllYQ-1zpz9g


Housing BOOM! 2
Housing is a very important long leading indicator, and it reflects both the consumer and producer sides of the economy. Total housing starts were 1.608 million units annualized, the highest number since the end of 2006. We also got December industrial production on Jan. 19 morning, down -0.3%.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/ARF8kCML-OYaNo3CgBLOHZA



EMERGING MARKETS
 
 
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend ETF: 4.7% Yield And Upside On Improving Macro OutlookDEM invests in emerging markets stocks that are profitable with high dividend yields. Fund has favorably outperformed its benchmark in recent years, along with presenting impressive relative risk metrics. We see upside in emerging markets stocks in 2020 supported by rebounding global growth expectations.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AJiiHXsN-N3m7zvijEJzygg
 
 
Hong Kong leads losses among major markets following Moody's downgradeIn a ratings downgrade from Moody's on Monday, the agency changed its outlook for Hong Kong to stable from negative.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AEidRVE-4THSbit7Ja84T-Q
 
 
GLOBAL MARKETS-China virus sends shiver through markets as risks mount* European shares fall, MSCI All-Country World Index down 0.4%

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AEHbfx7JjQOSCcT7K7Luw8w
 
 
JP Morgan announces new division to fund at least $100 billion in emerging worldJ.P. Morgan hopes to turn development finance into a trading method.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ALun2uBK7Q3ShWipXKkJgTA
 
 
 
Residents outraged over warehouse of unused aid in Puerto RicoPuerto Rican residents, after suffering through a series of earthquakes over the last two weeks, are outraged after the discovery of piles of unused supplies from 2017’s Hurricane Maria.

Read in NBC News: https://apple.news/AiKoAk3A4SMSdp4j_-P6xEQ
 
 
Puerto Rico protesters urge governor to resign over unused aid dating back to Hurricane MariaHundreds of protesters rallied outside Puerto Rico's Capitol building and the governor's coastal mansion Monday evening to demand the U.S. territory's leader resign over unused aid, as earthquakes continue to rock the island, AP reports.

Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AtXucCzJUTAqeWzxpV8Mk8Q
 
 
MIDDLE EAST
 
 
Baghdad protest turns deadly as youths block highwayIraqi riot police opened fire Tuesday amid clashes with anti-government protesters on a central Baghdad highway, killing one person and wounding over a dozen people, officials said, the latest since violence erupted again last week between demonstrators and security forces.

Read in FRANCE 24 - English: https://apple.news/AGgI5yFNuOXG55E5L3--glA
 
 
At least 10 killed in two days of violent protests across Iraq
At least 10 people have been killed in the last two days of violent protests across Iraq, the country's High Commission for Human Rights announced. According to the commission, demonstrators were killed in the capital Baghdad, Diyala, Basra and Karbala, in addition to 138 who were wounded. "The Commission teams have also documented the presence of some demonstrations who have blocked main roads connecting the governorates, burned tires, continued closure of official departments and educational

Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/AFQpiFw0KMAiMdV1YfMpc2w
 
 
Iraq doesn't want to be a long-term battleground between the US and Iran: CEOIraq doesn't want to be caught in a "tug of war" between the United States and Iran, Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, told CNBC.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/ABRfGYXn7Ru-coj2vU2A9Vw
 
 
Exclusive: BP pulls out of Iraq's Kirkuk field as expansion plans stallBP has pulled out of Iraq's giant Kirkuk oilfield after its $100 million exploration contract expired with no agreement on the field's expansion, dealing a fresh blow to Iraq's hopes to increase its oil output, three sources told Reuters.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AFishXTMKT9Wku-XpoEat7w
 
 
Protester killed as Iraq police struggle to stem unrest
Iraqi police fought running street battles with anti-government demonstrators on Tuesday, firing tear and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youths pressing for an overhaul of a political system they see as deeply corrupt.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ARmAoMwcOTiGt-QzEQ_Fajw
 
 
Aramco IPO proceeds to fund Saudi industry, including defence - finance minister* Nearly $30 bln from share sale to be spent over several years

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AdsL81OB1SnK8fB5ejq6GUA
 
 
Iran Conflict Could Shift To Cyberspace, Experts WarnAfter the U.S. killed Iran's top military leader, government officials and security experts say Iran could retaliate with cyber attacks ranging from destroying data to defacing websites.

Read in NPR: https://apple.news/AAwQRkl3uQgu55A5QckGD2g
 
 
Iran Appoints Female Ambassador to DenmarkIran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed Afsaneh Nadipour as the country’s new ambassador of the Islamic Republic to Denmark.

Read in IFP News: https://apple.news/AkPZHFbncT3mj9Et2zCMudQ
 
 
Iranian VP in Turkey for Expansion of Sci-Tech TiesIran's Vice-President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari has arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara at the head of a high-tech delegation.

Read in IFP News: https://apple.news/Af-HAbsVHTT2X1Q81nUaNIw



AFRICA
 
 
Zimbabwe Bets On Currency Deal With China to Lift Trade
Zimbabwe has signed a currency swap deal with China, hoping to stabilise its economy and improve trade. Zimbabwe Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country was following in the steps of Japan, South Africa and Nigeria. Mr Ncube made the revelations at a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on a five-country Africa tour last week. "What this means is that there are those who will be investing in Zimbabwe from China. Those who require their proceeds to be remitted back to

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AF5feUjDsMYSM4PhxyilZTw


Africa: Zim to Host African Summit
Zimbabwe will next month host the 6th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (AFRSD), which is expected to prepare for the continent's participation at the 2020 UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to be held in July in New York. Next month's forum will be held in Victoria Falls, with at least 1 200 delegates expected to attend. Addressing a Press conference to announce the hosting of the forum, Acting Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Dr Sekai

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/A1EnEkO1ON1uYs3J41-dMFw


Zimbabwe: Telecel Bearing the Brunt of Zimbabwe Economic CrisisHarare Telecel Zimbabwe, the country's third largest mobile network operator, has refuted reports it is on the brink of collapse. It nonetheless conceded facing some challenges "like all other local organisations" amid reports workers had not been paid. Telecel stated a host of factors, both macro and micro economic, particularly limited funding for the company over a long period of time, in the face of challenging economic conditions in Zimbabwe were affecting its operations. Specifically,

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/A-Ak7N44zN76nu6bjbwU4PQ


Zimbabwe: Govt Issues Over 9 000 Passports to Forex Paying Zim Diaspora in One MonthAuthorities within the country's registry have issued over 9 000 new passports to Zimbabwean applicants based outside the country following a government decision to accept foreign currency from those in the diaspora. This, according to Registrar General Clemence Masango, has ignited similar demands by locals to be allowed to pay in foreign currency if this was a guarantee to the quick issuance of the much sought after document. Currently, locals pay Z$53 for a normal passport which should

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AKuq5erpRMkSId8lnymC49w


Zimbabwe: Chinese Embassy Upgrades Children's Home, School
China is not only concerned about government-to-government exchanges, but also eager to promote people-to-people exchanges and is committed to working with Zimbabwe in welfare projects that involve the disadvantaged. Speaking at a Hossana School upgrade project completion ceremony in Harare yesterday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe's wife Mrs Wang Wei, who is also a counsellor at the embassy, said the well-being of Zimbabweans was of concern to the Chinese Government, hence the upgrading of the

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/ABo7DOzh6OHKedaUFSvM93Q


Zimbabwe opposition leader vows street protests on the way
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader says he will roll out anti-government street protests this year

Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/A5TmB6skQTx6NzwK6Mxil6w


Zimbabwe's Largest Dam Below 40 Percent
Masvingo Water levels at Tugwi Mukosi, Zimbabwe's largest inland lake have drastically gone down, CAJ News Africa can reveal. The development threatens the sugar industry in the Lowveld if significant rains are not received in the next three months. Tugwi Mukosi has been supplying irrigation water to Triangle and Hippo Valley Estates over the past three years. It however did not receive much water the previous rainy season, characterised by low rainfall and its water level is now at a lowly 36.7

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AZy3UuuQPNruBENWSlOD6KA

In Zimbabwe, a backyard hydroponic farm beats drought to grow veg
In a backyard in Zimbabwe's capital, a 50-year-old mother of two is using hydroponics to grow vegetables for some of Harare's top restaurants, defying drought and an economic crisis that have left millions needing food aid.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A_Zl6Lu8MTRmmFB-xZ_dmAg


Zambia: Floods Threatening Zambia Food Security
Lusaka Heavy rain and floods are threatening the already fragile food security situation in Zambia. Floods come at a time Zambia is experiencing the worst drought since 1981. Gwembe and Siavonga districts in the south are among the hardest-hit by the recent rains. Mambwe and Lumezi districts in the east, as well as the country's capital, Lusaka, faced flash floods earlier in January. Before the floods, more than 2,3 million people were expected to be severely food insecure during the lean season

Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Ao9D_rYA9PyuUWJqIqYkLWA


ASIA


UPDATE 2-China's gold consumption falls on high prices, economic slowdown
* Gold consumption down 12.9% at 1,002.8 T in 2019 - association

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/ANdt6T9IPQUert_ZqRC2eUQ


Gold prices retreat as coronavirus threatens China buying
Gold futures on Tuesday trade lower, facing pressure as one of the commodity’s biggest buyers face a viral outbreak that could hurt buying of physical gold at a peak holiday period.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/Ajm2DtUwUQ7iv-AGOdgo-bA

Hong Kong leads losses among major markets following Moody's downgrade
In a ratings downgrade from Moody's on Monday, the agency changed its outlook for Hong Kong to stable from negative.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AEidRVE-4THSbit7Ja84T-Q


Stocks slide as coronavirus spreads in China
Stocks were lower as traders returned to work following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Read in Fox Business: https://apple.news/AnF1j1IFfTzO46CozT5D6qg


Hong Kong developers, real estate agencies put on alert as Wuhan virus threatens to inflict more retail losses after protests
Hong Kong developers and property agencies are beginning to step up efforts to defend against the Wuhan virus amid heightened concerns that the outbreak could have a long-lasting impact on home and retail sales. The Wuhan virus comes as the latest…

Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/ASDI6nsHWSIW9wxWfZdORCA

Insights Into The Tech Landscape In The US, China, And India From The Head Of A 50 Year Old VC
Startups do not die of starvation; they die of indigestion.

Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/AqGrCq7ldT2Sra5TYjUBWFw

Solid Majority Of China Executives Say Trade War Hurting Their Business
Poll shows trade war still a risk to corporate investment. Especially in China.

Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/Agqhvr7qVSzOMSUJvtOXgqw


EUROPE


Trump threatens Europe with fresh tariffs, deepening rift with longtime U.S. alliesDAVOS, Switzerland — President Trump renewed his threat to put hefty tariffs on European cars Tuesday at the World Economic Forum, promising hardball tactics if trade negotiations do not go his way. Just days after Trump scored wins with China, Mexico and Canada, the move highlighted how Trump is quickly pivoting to make Europe the next front in his protectionist trade war. As part of this push Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned Italy and Britain could face U.S. tariffs if they

Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/AvMrXmcHASset_eyZiJP3gw


Not so pessimistic about European growth, ABN Amro CEO saysKees van Dijkhuizen, CEO of ABN Amro, discusses the European economy.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A-q7R4TMMRuO9d3vPMWHW_Q


U.K. employment grows by 208,000 as weekly earnings growth stays at 3.2%U.K. employment grew by 208,000 in the three months to November as the unemployment rate stayed at 3.8%, the Office for National Statistics reported Tuesday. Average weekly earnings stayed at 3.2%, and the claimant count for December edged up to 3.5% from 3.4%. The British pound rose after the publication of the data, with sterling rising to $1.3028 versus Monday's close of $1.3009.

Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A79M3qc3uRQSUXKhUTOAV7A

Businesses say they are still in the dark about post-Brexit trade with the EUBritish businesses say a lack information about the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU is still preventing them from planning for the future.

Read in Sky News: https://apple.news/AiapBJ5nCS6Wodz2OKdbRhg

Brexit Party MEP complains about not having say on EU law after BrexitA Brexit Party MEP has prompted derision after complaining that Britain will have no representation at EU level after it leaves.

Read in The Independent: https://apple.news/AUXRuu9PDSxyEUIO4rRQQ8Q


How Boris Johnson could 'put down a firm line' in EU trade talksThe U.K. is gearing up for crucial trade talks with the EU after it leaves the bloc on January 31 and time is short to strike a deal.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/Ae2xjilyMTHeLVAaTthS31Q


Britain's EU Journey #2: When De Gaulle said 'non' twiceBritain officially leaves the European Union on Jan. 31 after a debilitating political period that has bitterly divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum

Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/Aaw5DGmpsSZ-ecD5oRoEC-g
 
d
 
CBI, ISX,Dinar Guru:
 
CBI Update:
 
 
The CBI for Thursday 1/23/20 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction  total sales amount  260,067,841.
There are no news and announcements.
ISX Update:
 
No update yet. Click on the link above for the latest update.
 
Value Traded:
 
Shares Traded:
 
ISX ended in Green
 
Dinar Guru:dd
 
 
 
1-22-2020   Intel Guru Frank26  ...I believe that the appointment/ announcement  of the Prime Minister now has a lot to do with when they will announce the new exchange rate.  Male-Female.  GOI-CBI.  Separate but getting together now.  It's time for them to go on their honeymoon and produce something...
1-22-2020   Newshound Guru Adam Montana   Article quote:  "Iraqi President Barham Salih tells President Donald Trump “These are challenging times, and United States has been a partner to #Iraq and in the war against ISIS” and stresses common interests in the region."  There is a bit of talk about the USofA interfering, influencing, or otherwise controlling Iraq. This holds some truth... My opinion is that Trump may not be directly responsible for Iraq's RV, but Iraq is being pushed to move away from Iran, and that is a good thing. Articles like these are pretty solid evidence that Iraq wishes to stay on our good side, and all that nonsense about Iraq "wanting US troops out immediately" was just that: nonsense.  
 
1-22-2020   Newshound Guru Adam Montana   When I bought Iraqi dinar for the first time, I will admit that I was not nearly as knowledgeable about it as I am today.  Over the years, I have continued to learn about it, educating myself and sharing that education, and I am more confident than ever that this will end with a good profit.  The year 2020 continues to shape up as a GREAT year for it, too! ...My friends, this situation is unfolding before our eyes... I have a strong feeling that the Dinar news is going to get much more exciting, very soon.
1-22-2020   Intel Guru Bruce   ...I believe it’s coming very very shortly...There are things happening that are moving us closer and closer towards what we are looking for which is a combination – notification from 401,163 emails on the Wells Fargo server for the tier 4B – that’s us – the internet group as well as notification that I should receive to put out the toll free number...We are looking very strong for this to occur between tomorrow and the rest of the week...and I would not be surprised if we do get...notification and the ability to go in for our exchanges as early as tomorrow (Wednesday)... We’ll see how that goes...

1-22-2020   Intel Guru MarkZ    Iraq does not have a new rate published yet…but they are still keyed up and expecting one at any time …My contacts in Redemption Centers are still on call and expecting to be working a long weekend…So imo we are still in a great place…

1-22-2020   Newshound Guru Jeff    ...a lot of BS is coming out right now.  They're doing that to mislead us because we're getting closer to the finish line.  On Monday they came out saying that they nominated a prime minister and then today Salih says he withdrew it because political bloc's did not agree.  Now Salih is going to Davos, Switzerland to meet with Trump.  So after that Salih says he's going too appoint or nominate a new P.M.  So we're waiting now on Thursday until we get a new P.M.  We'll have to see how that goes.  Lots of BS in the news coming out right now so it's hard and challenging to really focus on the news but that's all by design...
 
1-22-2020 Newshound Guru Kaperoni If the dinar is ever going to go up in value it will be as a result of Iraq implementing laws for investment and investors coming to participate in the rebuilding. Only then can the dinar begin to appreciate as a result...d
 
 
 
Elmer:
 
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Artmeister:
 
Not in today
 
Catnip:
 

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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website)

At the time this report was submitted, there are no new articles posted on PM Mahdi's website.

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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.

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ARTICLE 3

Saleh from Davos: The Sistani reference made Iraq cross into safety and the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty is the key to stability in the region

1/22/2020 21:03
[Follow-up]

The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, assured the meeting in the Davos Forum that the early elections are an appropriate opportunity to end the crisis in Iraq, while commenting on the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraqi territory.

"The demonstrators, most of whom are Iraqi youth, have been demonstrating in the streets for nearly four months, putting their lives on the line to demand change, they have deep desires and demands for fair economic opportunities and a homeland, and to hear Their voices are answered, "remindingly," as the escalation of the regional conflict threatens our sovereignty, and we are in the eye of the storm. "

"I have confidence that Iraq can rise to these challenges, rather than fall prey to them. We can still emerge towards a better, stronger, more coherent and prosperous country," he said.

Saleh recalled his speech in New York to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year "set a vision of hope and prosperity for the future of Iraq and the Middle East. While we recognize the fragility of stability and security that was so painstakingly achieved at the time, we had much to hope for In its investigation, the ISIS scourge has been defeated in Iraq, thanks to the great sacrifices of the Iraqi forces from the Iraqi army, the PMF, the Peshmerga and other units, and with the great support of the international community.

"My vision was then, and still is, for Iraq - which is located in the heart of the Middle East - to be a force for stability and a bridge for more economic integration in the region."
Regarding the situation in the region between Saleh, "the escalating tensions between Iran, the Gulf states and the United States during the past month reminded us that our ambitions remain subject to political conflicts outside our control and unwanted foreign interference," explaining, "We seek good relations with everyone, and we have no interest in being drawn." To conflicts that are not among our options and workmanship. If our neighbors and allies remain at odds, our sovereignty is not respected, and our lands are used as a battlefield, we cannot hope to achieve our agenda of change. "

"Iraq condemns the gratitude of the international coalition led by the United States, especially for the military and economic support it provided, and continues to provide, in the war against ISIS. This military alliance of the US-led coalition was effective in allowing the Iraqi forces to win this existential battle," he said. "But Iran also played a pivotal role in the war against ISIS, and we share ancient geographical ties, water resources, economics, and religion with the Islamic Republic," he said.

He continued his speech, "As the relations and interests of Iraq are inextricably linked to its Arab depth, and it goes without saying that Turkey, our northern neighbor, has implications for our interests. The political geography of Iraq is very interesting, and it is a challenge and vitality," stressing, "it is not in our interest to choose Alliance with one at the expense of others as long as he respects our sovereignty and independence. "

"But no country should seek to dictate Iraq to whom we must have relations with and how. Our policies and our diplomatic and economic ties must be driven by our national interests, not the interests of others, and even the interests of our allies. The sovereignty and stability of Iraq must That it is the common interest of our neighbors and our international partners. We must not be penalized for protecting our sovereign interests or seeking to advance our military independence. "

He continued, "The recent call of the Iraqi parliament to withdraw the American forces from our country is not a sign of ambiguity or hostility. It is a reaction to what many Iraqis see as violations of their country's sovereignty. This issue will be resolved through dialogue at its core that must be the sovereignty and stability of Iraq."

"I still believe that Iraq can be a catalyst for positive change. It is not only that the country has been, since the era of Mesopotamia, the cradle of human civilization and a melting pot of different faiths, sects and races," he added, adding that "a few countries faced the horrors of war and repression". Violence, chemical attacks, mass graves, sanctions and sectarian and ethnic bloodshed as my country has faced, but people yearn for peace and stability more. "

He pointed out that "these bitter experiences taught us that despite our differences, there is more that binds us together than divides us. The demonstrators represent another sign of this, as they demonstrate their patriotism and their commitment to Iraq daily in the streets of Baghdad."

He pointed out that "there is a need for regional frameworks for security, economic and commercial cooperation that provide a means for political dialogue and resolving disputes between enemies. We must seek to find our solutions to our own problems. This is what Iraqi youth are calling for in peaceful protests in the streets of Baghdad and other cities, which started For nearly four months. "

Regarding violence against demonstrators, the President of the Republic said that it is "devastating and painful that the violence committed by outlaws led to the deaths of more than 600 peaceful innocent demonstrators, most of them young men born in the 1990s and beyond, as well as many security men," condemning "these" Crimes are in the strongest terms, and their perpetrators will be dealt with according to the law. Justice and security are the foundation of the state and society - the nation, and peaceful protest is a fundamental right. "

"The Iraqi youth protest for a better life, a homeland, more jobs, better services, and an end to corruption that has paralyzed our country for a long time. The same thing I want with them. They want Iraqi patriotism to be comprehensive, not divided according to For societal identity, "he added," they want a democratic political system that reflects their collective identity, restores their dignity, and wants free and fair elections. "

However, Saleh added, "This will not be an easy process and cannot be achieved overnight. We need to restore the confidence of the Iraqis in their government and reconsider our laws and constitution to see how it can be done to renew and strengthen ties between Iraqi leaders and our people, which allows for the first time to fully represent the latter." .

"We also need to create conditions for sustainable economic growth and job creation for our rapidly growing youth population," he added, stressing that "youth unemployment is already rampant, and will only get worse if we do not provide our young people with the education and skills they need to succeed."

Saleh noted that "the Iraqi state cannot do this on its own, the public sector is already confused and we need to strengthen our private sector that is still emerging, and I look forward to those gathered here today to play their role by bringing in foreign investment and skills to Iraq, and we need to become a country In which Iraqis and foreigners have the confidence to invest in the long term, and where the private sector feels the influence and influence and as such, we must create the legal and regulatory foundations to protect investors and liberalize markets. "

Saleh stressed, "Corruption must be eliminated once and for all, and good governance and the rule of law must be established in practice, rather than just words and rhetoric that are repeated endlessly and repeatedly."

On the infrastructure, Saleh explained, "We need to rebuild and modernize our infrastructure to create the foundations for economic growth. Still, rebuilding and restoring the areas destroyed in the war against ISIS is a priority and we need new ports, highway networks, railways, airports, industrial cities and dams, and new projects." For land reclamation and irrigation, and to support the training of our young generation to be a productive citizen of the vibrant twenty-first century economy. "

The President of the Republic noted that "Iraq cannot do any of this on its own. Both the capital investments and the necessary expertise will be huge. Once again, Iraq looks to the international financial institutions, donor countries, sovereign wealth funds and the international private sector - in other words, all of you - that you are our partners. ".

And reminding him again, "These are difficult times for Iraq and the region," Saleh said, "We have benefited greatly during these difficult times from the wisdom and guidance of Najaf, especially His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who confirmed his leadership in our darkest critical days, which helped to bring Iraq to more beaches. Safer, and I'm sure I'm speaking for you all when I say I'm praying for his speedy recovery from my last surgery. Indeed, God blessed us with the authority of Najaf, which was an anchor of moderation, tolerance, and reforms - indeed it was to assert Iraqi sovereignty. "

The President of the Republic concluded his speech by saying, "We Iraqis know that the future lies in our hands; but we are also grateful for the help of our partners, from east and west, and we know that their commitment to us is vital to our success."
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ARTICLE 4

Al-Halbousi and Al-Maliki stress the necessity of expediting the selection of a acceptable prime minister

1/22/2020 21:16 • 43 times read
[Baghdad-where]

Today, Wednesday, Speaker of Parliament Muhammad Al-Halbousi discussed with the head of the State of Law coalition Nuri al-Maliki the formation of the government.

A statement of Al-Halbousi’s office stated that the [Ain] agency received a copy of it, that the meeting “discussed the developments of the political and security conditions witnessed in the country, the file of forming the government cabinet, and emphasizing the need to expedite the selection of a prime minister who is acceptable and conforms to the aspirations of the Iraqi people.”
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ARTICLE 5

(Your shoulder) may reveal the possibility of a chronic disease!

1/22/2020 23:02 • 31 times read
[Follow-up]

A medical study called for caution about the signs associated with high blood sugar levels, noting that type 2 diabetes is the direct result of not producing enough insulin or not producing it at all in the body.

According to the study, insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar levels, which increase the risk of irreversible complications if they are irregular, such as heart disease.

According to the study, caution should be taken regarding signs associated with high blood sugar levels, in order to receive appropriate treatment to prevent risks.

One of the warning signs includes: shoulder rigidity, also known as adhesive capsulitis, that occurs when the ligaments around the shoulder joint become swollen and severe.

As Diabetes.co.uk explains, inflammation of this tissue can make normal healing difficult, and hinder normal daily activities, such as unscrewing the shirt buttons.

Research has shown that people with diabetes are almost twice as likely to suffer from frozen shoulder.

This is due to the occurrence of collagen effects in the shoulder, which connects the bones in the joint, says Dr. Richard Bernstein, a leader in diabetes.

Collagen can become sticky if sugar molecules are bound, which limits movement and shoulder stiffness. This process is known as glycosylation.

Diabetes also revealed that diabetes has been associated with musculoskeletal problems for a long time, with the possibility that a persistent high blood sugar level may increase the risk of complications such as frozen shoulder.

In the short term, the frozen shoulder treatment focuses on controlling pain and helping to restore some movement. Shoulder exercises are usually recommended to prevent the shoulder from being stiff, and it may be advisable to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers to relieve pain.

Long-term treatment involves lifestyle changes, to control high blood sugar levels.
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