WOTS Friday 1/10/19
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1192.3000 | 1191.9000 | 1192.3000 | | 09:56 |
| USD/VND | | | 23152.2000 | 23140.3200 | 23152.2000 | | 10:15 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.9524 | 6.9451 | 6.9453 | | 11:47 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3034 | 0.3030 | 0.3031 | | 11:15 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3123 | 1.3013 | 1.3092 | | 15:05 |
| USD/IRR | | | 42097.5000 | 42097.5000 | 42097.5000 | | 00:00 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13892.0000 | 13831.0000 | 13870.0000 | | 15:04 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Pompeo assures Abdel Mahdi: We will do whatever it takes to protect the American and Iraqi people
10-01-2020 12:19 AM
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi Thursday evening that his country will do whatever it takes to protect the American and Iraqi people.
A statement by US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagos said that Pompeo confirmed, during his contact with Abdul-Mahdi, Washington's condemnation of Iran's launching ballistic missiles at two sites inside Iraq, embracing American and international coalition forces to fight ISIS.
The statement added that Pompeo stressed that the United States would do whatever was necessary "to protect the Americans and the Iraqis and defend the common interests" of the two countries. d
A missile attack against an American base in Iraq Thursday evening
AFP / Ra / H A 09/01/2020 22:56:51
Baghdad, January 9 (Petra) - Balad Air Base north of the capital, Baghdad, was attacked by a missile Thursday evening.
And an Iraqi security source said, that the Balad base, which is taken by the American forces, to train the Iraqi units 40 km north of the capital, Baghdad, was attacked by a Katyusha missile.
He added that the missile, whose responsibility was not claimed, landed in the vicinity of the air base without causing casualties.
Iraq and Norway are looking to avoid escalation and resort to dialogue to emerge from the crisis
10/1/2019 Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press:
On Friday, Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim received a phone call from Ene Eriksen Soredy, the Norwegian Foreign Minister.
The ministry said in a statement received by "Al-Ghadbars", that "the two sides discussed the most prominent developments in the region, the importance of calm, avoiding escalation, and resorting to dialogue to get out of the crisis."
Minister Al-Hakim affirmed that the government places protection of Iraq's national interests and sovereign rights in its priorities, praising the depth of bilateral relations between Baghdad and Oslo, and the level of cooperation achieved between the two countries.
Denmark announces the withdrawal of most of its forces from Iraq
January 10, 2020 11:39 AM
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Danish Prime Minister Mit Frederiksen has announced the withdrawal of the majority of the Danish forces stationed in Iraq.
"We have a clear conviction of the importance of the efforts of the international coalition against (ISIS) to improve the security situation in Iraq in relation to terrorism," Frederiksen said, according to the Danish newspaper (Copenhagen Post) on its website Thursday.
The Danish Prime Minister added: "The safety of our soldiers is our top priority ... We have decided to withdraw a group of our soldiers from Iraq, and it is important to stress that this is a temporary measure."
The Danish newspaper stated that in the wake of the missile attacks launched by Iran on the American base of Al-Asad in Iraq, 100 to 133 Danish forces will be withdrawn from there, until the situation between Washington and Tehran stabilizes, with 30 to 40 Danish soldiers remaining. over there.
Project to expel Iran from Iraq
Friday 10 January 2020
Here is a funny situation that deserves blogging and laughter. As Iran affirmed in a message to the United Nations last Wednesday, "its full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq." This came in the wake of its launch of 22 ballistic missiles at two military bases where US soldiers are stationed.
In the news that the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Majeed Takht Rawanji, said in a letter to both the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and the UN Security Council, that his country affirmed "its full respect for the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq."
The source of wit is that this is like saying to a man after you beat him and insulted him in front of the public that you respect him and appreciate him, as he is sure that he will not believe you and he will not believe you whoever witnessed the incident or heard about it, so how do you respect him and insult him and beat him ?!
The Iranian regime penetrated Iraq and remained dominant in its decision and still controls it and installs those who want to install it in its government, and for this reason Iraq was not given any consideration when it decided to respond to the assassination of Soleimani and considered that as long as he was killed in Iraq, he has the right to do everything there without permission His family under the pretext of revenge. The missiles fired at the two American bases in Iraq were fired, and then the Iranian regime complimented Iraq by telling him that he had done what he did. The Iranian regime considers Iraq a permissible land and that it has every right to dispose of it as it pleases.
What is more painful is that the Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced, earlier on Wednesday, that it would "summon the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, to protest what it considered" a violation of Iraqi sovereignty after the Iranian missile attack. "As if this act was the only Iranian violation of Iraqi sovereignty!
This situation the Iraqis should change and put an end to Iranian interference in their country, otherwise the Iranian regime will continue to violate it and will continue to operate as if Iraq is part of Iran. Certainly, the statement of his delegate to the United Nations that "Iran affirms its full respect for the independence and sovereignty of Iraq and ...." is of no value because it is contrary to reality and the truth, because the Iranian regime is practicing in Iraq what will make future generations wonder about what Iraqis have done today to defend their homeland And the Iranian regime expelled him and they will blame them.
Freeing Iraq from Persian interference is an obligation and duty on every Iraqi, indeed every Arab, and all jealous of the Arab nation, and the liberation of Iraqis who are obsessed with the Iranian regime and its slogans and who believe that he is the guardian of the Arab Shiites and the path of paradise for them is very important, so what can be done today to achieve this may be difficult or impossible to do Tomorrow, because whenever the Iranian regime penetrates into Iraq, it becomes difficult for the Iraqis to get rid of it and it became impossible until this system sent a message like the one that its delegate sent to the United Nations and the Security Council, and of course it is impossible to inform the Iraqi government of any future operation in Iraq. And this country will be considered the Arab inherent part of it and will announce it to the world without shame and say «Iraq's capital Mo».
The liberation of the Iraqis from the Iranian regime and the liberation of their countries from it is an issue that should not be tolerated, and the Arab countries must do everything in their hands to make Iraq free, and everyone should consider the recent events in Iraq, Iran and the region as an opportunity to achieve this. To deter the Iranian regime, expel it from Iraq and prevent it from interfering in its policy.
The truth that the Iraqis should know well is that the Iranian regime does not respect the sovereignty and independence of Iraq and does not care about the integrity of its lands.
In the news that the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Majeed Takht Rawanji, said in a letter to both the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and the UN Security Council, that his country affirmed "its full respect for the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq."
The source of wit is that this is like saying to a man after you beat him and insulted him in front of the public that you respect him and appreciate him, as he is sure that he will not believe you and he will not believe you whoever witnessed the incident or heard about it, so how do you respect him and insult him and beat him ?!
The Iranian regime penetrated Iraq and remained dominant in its decision and still controls it and installs those who want to install it in its government, and for this reason Iraq was not given any consideration when it decided to respond to the assassination of Soleimani and considered that as long as he was killed in Iraq, he has the right to do everything there without permission His family under the pretext of revenge. The missiles fired at the two American bases in Iraq were fired, and then the Iranian regime complimented Iraq by telling him that he had done what he did. The Iranian regime considers Iraq a permissible land and that it has every right to dispose of it as it pleases.
What is more painful is that the Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced, earlier on Wednesday, that it would "summon the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, to protest what it considered" a violation of Iraqi sovereignty after the Iranian missile attack. "As if this act was the only Iranian violation of Iraqi sovereignty!
This situation the Iraqis should change and put an end to Iranian interference in their country, otherwise the Iranian regime will continue to violate it and will continue to operate as if Iraq is part of Iran. Certainly, the statement of his delegate to the United Nations that "Iran affirms its full respect for the independence and sovereignty of Iraq and ...." is of no value because it is contrary to reality and the truth, because the Iranian regime is practicing in Iraq what will make future generations wonder about what Iraqis have done today to defend their homeland And the Iranian regime expelled him and they will blame them.
Freeing Iraq from Persian interference is an obligation and duty on every Iraqi, indeed every Arab, and all jealous of the Arab nation, and the liberation of Iraqis who are obsessed with the Iranian regime and its slogans and who believe that he is the guardian of the Arab Shiites and the path of paradise for them is very important, so what can be done today to achieve this may be difficult or impossible to do Tomorrow, because whenever the Iranian regime penetrates into Iraq, it becomes difficult for the Iraqis to get rid of it and it became impossible until this system sent a message like the one that its delegate sent to the United Nations and the Security Council, and of course it is impossible to inform the Iraqi government of any future operation in Iraq. And this country will be considered the Arab inherent part of it and will announce it to the world without shame and say «Iraq's capital Mo».
The liberation of the Iraqis from the Iranian regime and the liberation of their countries from it is an issue that should not be tolerated, and the Arab countries must do everything in their hands to make Iraq free, and everyone should consider the recent events in Iraq, Iran and the region as an opportunity to achieve this. To deter the Iranian regime, expel it from Iraq and prevent it from interfering in its policy.
The truth that the Iraqis should know well is that the Iranian regime does not respect the sovereignty and independence of Iraq and does not care about the integrity of its lands.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Iraq informs the Iranian embassy of its refusal to bomb military headquarters on its soil
10/01/2019
The American official said, in statements reported by Reuters that the American army is studying possible defensive amendments, after Iran has shown its readiness to attack in Iraq.
The US official noted that Washington previously believed that Iran would not likely launch a missile attack on Iraqi soil.
"We expected that Iran’s retaliation for the killing of Qasim Soleimani will not be in Iraq, and it will most likely attack American sites in a country other than Iraq, because it concerns Tehran as one of its influential allies," said the senior US defense official, who declined to be identified.
The American army is studying defensive adjustments for its forces in Iraq
10/1/2019
Iran targets the American base of al-Assad in Iraq Photography: others
A US official said Thursday evening that the US military is studying defensive adjustments for its forces after the Iranian missile attacks on two American bases in Iraq.
The American official said, in statements reported by Reuters that the American army is studying possible defensive amendments, after Iran has shown its readiness to attack in Iraq.
The US official noted that Washington previously believed that Iran would not likely launch a missile attack on Iraqi soil.
"We expected that Iran’s retaliation for the killing of Qasim Soleimani will not be in Iraq, and it will most likely attack American sites in a country other than Iraq, because it concerns Tehran as one of its influential allies," said the senior US defense official, who declined to be identified.
Al-Halbousi on their Eid: The national position calls for unlimited support for the Iraqi police
10-01-2020 12:42 PM
Baghdad / news
Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi confirmed Thursday that the national position calls for unlimited support for the Iraqi police.
Al Halbousi said in a statement that Al-Akhbariya received a copy of it. “On the occasion of its ninety-eighth anniversary, I extend my congratulations and blessings to the Iraqi police, who have proven for many decades their patriotism and service to the people, and their relentless pursuit to establish social security.”
"Through the role of the Iraqi police, to the effort of confrontation, challenge and fighting in the confrontation with terrorism in the liberation years, it presented many martyrs and wounded, and carried out exceptional humanitarian tasks in assisting the displaced. It was and still is a source of pride and pride for all Iraqis, and the security man remained the title of patriotism and reassurance. By his continuous cooperation with the citizen, his communication with society, his protection of peaceful demonstrators, and his preservation of state institutions from sabotage and tampering. "
And that "the national position calls for unlimited support for the Iraqi police, which confirmed its competencies and professionalism by providing all kinds of support from sustaining training and equipping; to keep pace with the requirements of the stage, and to enhance the lifting of capabilities, and to upgrade its status to secure a strong and stable Iraq."
He concluded his statement by saying, "Mercy to the martyrs of the Interior, wellness for the wounded, may God preserve Iraq, and the glory of the dear homeland."
Ukraine is examining several hypotheses of the incident, including a terrorist act ... and Tehran talks about a problem it faced
US officials believe the Ukrainian plane crashed with an Iranian missile
Publish date: 10/01/2020
Yesterday, the Iranian authorities revealed that the Ukrainian plane that crashed near Tehran, with 176 people on board, turned to return to the airport shortly after take off after encountering a "problem", and that fire broke out, before it fell, while Ukrainian experts joined the investigation and Kiev confirmed that it does not exclude A missile strike or terrorist act as the causes of the accident, at a time when US officials suggested that the plane fell due to an Iranian, Russian-made, anti-aircraft missile.
The American newspaper "Newsweek" quoted officials in the "Pentagon" that the Ukrainian plane, which crashed in Iran, was shot down by an Iranian anti-aircraft missile system, and considered the accident "accidental." The two officials said, "We are likely to shoot down the Russian-made Ross M-1 surface-to-air missile system." The American statement came after Tehran had previously announced its refusal to hand the black boxes of the stricken plane to the American authorities, and at a time of tension between Washington and Tehran after Tehran directed missile attacks a few days ago towards American bases in Iraq.
For its part, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization published the results of its preliminary investigations into the accident yesterday, and indicated that the Ukrainian plane took off at 2,40 GMT from Khomeini Airport in Tehran, heading to Boryspil Airport in Kiev. It disappeared from radar screens two minutes after its flight when it reached an altitude of eight thousand feet. The report pointed out that "the pilot did not send any message about abnormal conditions," and that "according to eyewitnesses, a plane fire was seen, which increased in intensity." "The plane, which was initially heading west to exit the airport area, turned to the right after it encountered a problem and was heading to return to the airport," when it crashed over a park in the city of Shahriar.
The organization confirmed that it listened to the statements of witnesses on the ground and others who were on board a plane flying over the Ukrainian plane when the accident occurred.
Tehran announced that it had handed over the results of its preliminary investigations to a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine. The majority of the victims were from Iran or from Iranians residing in Canada. Body bags were lined on the floor, while personal belongings, including bags and clothes, were strewn among the debris. Al-Haddad announced yesterday, in Ukraine, according to its foreign affairs, that the plane was carrying 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and three Britons. There were 11 Ukrainians on board, nine of them crew members.
Around 45 aviation experts and a Ukrainian security official arrived in Tehran to participate in the investigation, including reading the data on the two black boxes found at the disaster site. A security official said investigators were looking into seven possible hypotheses about the accident.
The Minister of National Security Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, stated that the current hypotheses include technical malfunctions, a planned operation, a collision with another body in the air, a missile from Iran's defense system, an engine explosion caused by a technical failure, and an explosion on board the aircraft as a result of "terrorist act". Danilov, he has no reason yet to believe that the plane had been hit by a missile.
The head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, explained that the Ukrainians can participate in the investigation, but he remedial, "We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans." Two days before a technical examination.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for an "in-depth investigation" into the deadliest disaster affecting Canadians since the attack on an Air India Boeing 747 in 1985 that killed 268 Canadians. (Agencies
Ukraine is examining several hypotheses of the incident, including a terrorist act ... and Tehran talks about a problem it faced
US officials believe the Ukrainian plane crashed with an Iranian missile
Publish date: 10/01/2020
Listen
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Yesterday, the Iranian authorities revealed that the Ukrainian plane that crashed near Tehran, with 176 people on board, turned to return to the airport shortly after take off after encountering a "problem", and that fire broke out, before it fell, while Ukrainian experts joined the investigation and Kiev confirmed that it does not exclude A missile strike or terrorist act as the causes of the accident, at a time when US officials suggested that the plane fell due to an Iranian, Russian-made, anti-aircraft missile.
The American newspaper "Newsweek" quoted officials in the "Pentagon" that the Ukrainian plane, which crashed in Iran, was shot down by an Iranian anti-aircraft missile system, and considered the accident "accidental." The two officials said, "We are likely to shoot down the Russian-made Ross M-1 surface-to-air missile system." The American statement came after Tehran had previously announced its refusal to hand the black boxes of the stricken plane to the American authorities, and at a time of tension between Washington and Tehran after Tehran directed missile attacks a few days ago towards American bases in Iraq.
For its part, the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization published the results of its preliminary investigations into the accident yesterday, and indicated that the Ukrainian plane took off at 2,40 GMT from Khomeini Airport in Tehran, heading to Boryspil Airport in Kiev. It disappeared from radar screens two minutes after its flight when it reached an altitude of eight thousand feet. The report pointed out that "the pilot did not send any message about abnormal conditions," and that "according to eyewitnesses, a plane fire was seen, which increased in intensity." "The plane, which was initially heading west to exit the airport area, turned to the right after it encountered a problem and was heading to return to the airport," when it crashed over a park in the city of Shahriar.
The organization confirmed that it listened to the statements of witnesses on the ground and others who were on board a plane flying over the Ukrainian plane when the accident occurred.
Tehran announced that it had handed over the results of its preliminary investigations to a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, Sweden and Ukraine. The majority of the victims were from Iran or from Iranians residing in Canada. Body bags were lined on the floor, while personal belongings, including bags and clothes, were strewn among the debris. Al-Haddad announced yesterday, in Ukraine, according to its foreign affairs, that the plane was carrying 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans and three Britons. There were 11 Ukrainians on board, nine of them crew members.
Around 45 aviation experts and a Ukrainian security official arrived in Tehran to participate in the investigation, including reading the data on the two black boxes found at the disaster site. A security official said investigators were looking into seven possible hypotheses about the accident.
The Minister of National Security Council of Ukraine, Oleksiy Danilov, stated that the current hypotheses include technical malfunctions, a planned operation, a collision with another body in the air, a missile from Iran's defense system, an engine explosion caused by a technical failure, and an explosion on board the aircraft as a result of "terrorist act". Danilov, he has no reason yet to believe that the plane had been hit by a missile.
The head of the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, explained that the Ukrainians can participate in the investigation, but he remedial, "We will not give the black boxes to the manufacturer (Boeing) and the Americans." Two days before a technical examination.
Saudi officials confirm the kingdom's support for Iraq to get out of the current crisis
During a previous meeting of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Iraqi President Barham Salih
January 10, 2020 11:23 AM
RIYADH - Mubasher: Saudi officials affirmed the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Iraq, stand by it and join hands with its sons to keep it away from the slides of fighting and war in a way that supports the stability of the country .
The support of the officials came through tweets on their official accounts on the "Twitter" website, published by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs .
The first tweets of the Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said : " Iraq is a brotherly Arab country; it is the most urgent thing today for its wise sons to join forces to spare the war, and not be a battlefield that is the biggest loser in it ."
The Foreign Minister stressed that the Kingdom will always stand as it is with all efforts to achieve security and stability for Iraq and enable it to achieve the aspirations of its people .
For his part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, said that the Kingdom is looking at the situation in Iraq with interest and care, and is working to keep it away from the slides of fighting and war .
Al-Jubeir added: "And let his sons live with the development, prosperity and security he deserves, and the kingdom will stand by Iraq to bypass everything that threatens its security, stability and belonging to its Arab identity ."
In the same vein, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said that the Saudi leadership has always stood with brotherly Iraq and its people, and will do everything in its power to spare it the danger of war and conflict between external parties, and that its people live in prosperity after what they suffered from The horrors of the past .
Prince Khalid bin Salman added : " Every person who loves Iraq today wants him to avoid the turmoil and all that negatively affects his security and stability, and to mobilize his people to strengthen his role in his Arab depth, and to attain the position that befits the potentials and energies that God has endowed ."
And Iraq was exposed during the past days to difficult political circumstances, led by the search for a new head of government to lead after the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, but the matter became more difficult after it turned into an arena for settling accounts between America by assassinating the Iranian official Qassem Soleimani and was followed by a response from Iran to attack Military bases in Iraq; which prompted Speaker of Parliament Muhammad Al-Halbousi to take the necessary measures to protect the country's sovereignty .
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , had earlier, in a phone call, to Iraqi President Barham Saleh, during which he discussed developments in the region, stressing the Kingdom's keenness on the security and stability of brotherly Iraq, the importance of calm and defusing the crisis in the region, and taking all measures to reduce Tension in it .
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, on January 5, received a phone call from the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman , to discuss the difficult situations facing Iraq and the region, and views were exchanged on the expected repercussions and the importance of cooperation to mitigate its effects and avoid a comprehensive escalation .
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Kauaihn Economic Times:
Gold prices prices head 1% lower as Trump appears to back off war footing with Iran
Gold prices fell to intraday lows, falling sharply, on Wednesday after briefly bumping above $1,600 an ounce after an late-morning speech from President Donald Trump, appeared to calm fears about an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. February gold [S: GCG20] on Comex was down $12.80, or less than 0.8%, at $1,560.40 an ounce, but had hit a Wednesday low at $1,553.90, following Trump's speech, after hitting an intraday high at $1,613.30, according to FactSet data. Prices for the
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Gold pares gains to trade lower after briefly punching above $1,600 amid rising Mideast tensionsGold futures on Wednesday are off their highest intraday levels but are hanging around their best levels since 2013 after briefly bursting through $1,600, following an Iranian retaliatory strike against U.S. miliary bases in Iraq late Tuesday.
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Gold has been 2020's star assetU.S. equities have been both resilient and rangebound following the killing of Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani, but gold has seen a major boost, jumping to its highest level in close to seven years and continuing to climb.
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/
Rattled Investors Pushed Gold to a Seven-Year High. They May Not Be Finished.Gold prices hit a level not seen in seven years late on Tuesday, after Iran targeted U.S. troops in Iraq with missiles. The climate is perfect for gold to shine, say analysts.
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Oil up, stocks down after Iran missile attack on US troopsBrent crude futures, spiked by more than $3 per barrel in London before retreating as stock markets in London and Frankfurt opened lower before recovering some of its losses.
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Crude oil reverses into the red, surrendering overnight spikeOil prices have turned negative, erasing initial gains of more than 4% in response to Iran's rocket attack last night on U.S. forces in Iraq; WTI -1.2% to $61.95/bbl, Brent -0.7% to $67.79/bbl. Following the initial spike, oil retreated as it became clear no energy infrastructure was targeted and no U.S. casualties were reported; Pres. Trump tweeted that "All is well... So far, so good!" "The reason the oil price came down is because Trump sent out a tweet," James Eginton of Tribeca Investment
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Oil prices surrender boost from US-Iran tensionOil prices pared their overnight gains after an Iranian missile attack against U.S. forces left no casualties.
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Bullish On Palladium; Platinum Near-Term Positive But Potential Downside In 2020There is a strong demand for palladium from the automobile industry. Palladium's fundamental shortage should support its prices overall. Palladium price expects temporary corrections due to risk-averse factors. Platinum is the key commodity for automobile and jewellery. Gold is treated as a great indicator for platinum and palladium investors.
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6 empowering money moves to help you build financial momentumIf you’re not feeling confident about your finances, it’s OK—these simple actions can help you get there.
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Bank of England’s Carney says central banks are low on ammunitionBank of England Gov. Mark Carney is worried central banks don’t have enough tools to fight a sharp downturn.
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Bank Of England Chief: Global Economy Is Heading Towards A ‘Liquidity Trap’Mark Carney, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, said central banks are low on ammunition to combat the next recession.
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Dutch banking giant ING is set to spin out another fintechThis story was delivered to Insider Intelligence Fintech Pro subscribers earlier this morning. To get this story plus others to your inbox each day, hours before they're published on Business Insider, click here. Dutch banking giant ING is set to spin out Katana, an analytics platform that helps portfolio managers make faster and sharper investment decisions, reports Fintech Finance. Katana, which is one of 25 initiatives ING is working on across its innovation labs in Amsterdam, London, and
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/A_
One Key Factor For Banks in 2020Revenue growth will be a struggle as interest rates stay low. But the banks that keep operating costs in check can most strongly grow profit and share prices, analysts say. For the banks in 2020, facing continued pressure on revenue as interest rates stay low, one differentiator will be key to growing the top lines and share prices. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (RYF) is up almost 25% in the past year, largely keeping pace with the S&P 500's gain, with some of the largest U.S.
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Credit Suisse Is Moving In The Right Direction
Credit Suisse has recently held an investor day, showing its positive developments in its business restructuring in the past few years. Its strategy of reducing exposure to capital markets and pushing for growth in wealth management seems sensible and is not expected to change in the future. Credit Suisse’s improved business and financial profile doesn’t seem to be reflected in its discounted valuation.
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S&P 500 futures turn narrowly higher after Iran attackS&P 500 futures turned narrowly higher Wednesday, following heavy losses earlier when Iran launched missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq. The lack of American casualties and Iran's foreign minister stating that was the extent of the country's retaliation for the killing of top general Qassem Soleimani has helped drive the reversal.
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Treasury yields off session lows as traders shrug off Iran retaliationTreasury yields are off their lows on Wednesday as the earlier panic from an Iranian missile strike on U.S. military bases in Iraq subsides.
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World Markets UpdateAll eight indexes on our world watch list posted losses through January 6, 2020. The top performer is China's Shanghai with a negligible loss of 0.06% and in second is our own S&P 500 with a loss of 0.36%. In third is London's FTSE with a loss of 0.38%. Coming in last is India's BSE SENSEX with a loss of 2.28%.
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5 Issues For Investors To Watch In JanuaryI suspect that the Fed will continue to be the dominant factor for markets, which should provide support for stocks despite concerns about Iran-related turmoil. While US stocks were the standout performer for calendar year 2019, emerging market stocks outperformed the US in the fourth quarter. I, for one, am excited about emerging markets equities, especially Chinese equities, and will be following them closely.
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How To Combat Market Uncertainty While Maintaining Your Equity ExposureGoing forward, investors are likely to see a lower return environment, on average, for both equities and fixed income. A simple 60% stock/40% bond portfolio might not be the most appropriate vehicle in such a challenging market environment. The combined exposure of the WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund can, in our view, be employed as a way to add more fixed-income diversification to a straight equity portfolio.
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Closed-End Fund Muni Market Update - December | Yields Up To 4.85% Tax FreeMunis continue to be a strong sector but have seen NAV gains stagnate in the last month as it entered a seasonally weaker part of the year. Muni CEFs have done extraordinarily well thanks to the wide discounts they started at in January. Those discounts are now relatively tight. We issued a new Top Conviction Fund for our Muni Core List. Please read the concluding thoughts section.
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Why markets are oddly subdued after Iran's attack on US bases in Iraq: 'You call that a knife?'Oil and gold surged and stocks fell initially as Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at US bases in Iraq. But markets are now more subdued. "So we know the Iranian response at last - this could actually reduce uncertainty unless we see escalation," says one analyst. "It'll be a fragile truce," a fund manager told Bloomberg. Watch oil trade live here. Watch gold trade live here. Visit Business Insider for more stories. Oil and gold surged and stocks fell as Iran fired more than a dozen missiles
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Back In The Green: Stocks Climb Following Dramatic Plunge, Rebound On IranMarkets are likely to be on edge for a while here, so investors might want to keep their positions a bit smaller in case of intraday volatility.
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The Dow Is Hanging on Because There’s More to the Market Than Mideast TensionsEarly Wednesday morning, it looked like U.S. stocks might avoid damage from Tuesday’s Iranian missile attacks on bases in Iraq where U.S. military personnel are stationed.
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Top 5 Things to Watch on Thursday Jan. 9Economy Jan 09, 2020 08:36 GMT Investing.com - Crisis, what crisis? Markets look to have turned a new page after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump overnight seemed to point to an end to the rising U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open on Wall Street, continuing Wednesday’s gains which saw the Nasdaq notch a record close. Oil prices remain firm after a surprise build in weekly crude supplies, but gold has fallen back sharply from its elevated levels. Here’s
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Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch for Jan. 9Stock Markets Jan 08, 2020 22:03 GMT Investing.com - Here are 3 things that could rock the markets tomorrow. 1. Job Cuts and Claims Due Employment data will continue to draw attention tomorrow as Friday’s December payrolls report approaches. At 7:30 AM ET (12:30 GMT) outplacement firm Challenger reports its December job cuts figures. Layoffs came in at about 44,600 in November. At 8:30 AM ET the Labor Department will report weekly initial jobless claims. Claims for first time unemployment are
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As trade tension recedes, Trump’s re-election bid will set the battleground for US dollar bulls and bearsThis could prove a challenging year for currency pickers, with possibilities ranging between the good, the bad and the ugly. On the bright side, the US-China trade war should come to a close fairly soon, ending most of the uncertainty which has dogged the…
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Forex - Dollar Climbs as Safe-Havens Dive on Trump's RemarksForex Jan 08, 2020 19:03 GMT Invesing.com – The U.S. dollar climbed Wednesday as risk appetite bounced back after President Donald Trump signaled de-escalation in conflict with Iran despite the Islamic Republic launching several attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.28% to 96.75. In response to the attacks from Iran, Trump said the U.S. "will immediately impose additional punishing
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Binance Adds Near-Instant UK Pound Payments in Latest Fiat ExpansionThe Malta-based exchange has added new direct fiat funding options, including Faster Payments for U.K. pounds-bearing customers, as well as euros and Australian dollars.
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Could the rampaging Australian dollar cause rates to fall?One of the surprises that struck late last year was a resurgence in the value of the Australian dollar. After dropping below the US70c in May last year, many analysts were thinking it would stay below that area – hopefully well below – as part of Australia’s slow progress back towards full employment and rising wages and economic growth. It wasn’t to be and the Aussie briefly has now briefly popped its head above the US70c mark and is staying around that mark as the ceasefire in the US/China
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Binance Crypto Exchange Adds Support for Australian Dollars and Thai BahtMajor cryptocurrency exchange Binance added support for Australian dollars (AUD) and Thai baht. Binance announced support for the national currencies in separate releases on Jan. 7. Thai digital asset exchange Satang Corporation will process Thai baht transfers, while Australian dollar transfers will be facilitated by Banxa, a company specialized in internationally compliant fiat-to-crypto gateways. Satang’s fiat processing service is integrated into Binance’s trading platform by means of a
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Hong Kong’s equity punters drive up cost of money as demand for local currency increases amid fervour for initial public offeringsHong Kong's stock punters have returned to the city's market for initial public offerings, putting so much money into the fundraising by two mainland Chinese companies that they drove up the city's cost of money, which sent the local currency to a recent…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AV5DLD_
Progress On Lung Cancer Drives Historic Drop In U.S. Cancer Death RateThe U.S. cancer death rate dropped more than 2% between 2016 and 2017, the biggest single-year drop ever, according to the American Cancer Society. Better treatment for lung cancer is a factor.
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Lifestyle changes may combat a dementia that strikes people in their 40s and 50sA group of dementias which strike between ages 40 and 65 and rob a person's ability to control their impulses may be slowed by an active physical and mental lifestyle, says a new study.
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In Largest Study on Subject, Scientists Discover Genetic Links to AnxietyJanuary 08, 2020 In what they termed the "largest [genome-wide association study] of anxiety traits to date," a team of scientists from two universities and two veterans healthcare offices have identified six genetic variants linked to the development of anxiety disorders. To find these genetic markers, researchers examined genetic and health data derived from 200,000 veterans of the United States Armed Forces, which was compiled in the Million Veteran Program, a national research program funded
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The One Anti-Inflammatory Vitamin That Will Keep Your Metabolism Going All Day, According To A Doctor
When you’re trying to lose weight, every single thing you put into your body is important to your overall results. Most people only think about the things they are eating and drinking, but there are actually a few other factors you should be thinking about: vitamins. Vitamins can play a huge role in your diet because they can help deliver important tools that your body needs to maintain wellness and burn fat. The best type of vitamins for this are anti-inflammatories because they can detox your
Read in SHEfinds: https://apple.news/AH3qziN5-
Wuhan ‘pneumonia’: Hong Kong health chief under pressure to seek more information from mainland authorities amid silence on latest patient numbersHong Kong’s health minister on Wednesday came under pressure to seek more details on the mystery Wuhan pneumonia outbreak from the mainland Chinese government, as lawmakers expressed concerns that authorities there had not released updates on patient…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/A5wQe-
Wellness Trends For 2020It’s a new year, a new decade and a new chance to become your best self. In previous decades, the mind-body connection wasn’t something seen as commonplace in society. But now, it’s entirely different. In 2020, wellness will be seen as something accessible to everyone.
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Virus Spread by Shrews Linked to Human Deaths from Mysterious Brain InfectionsBorna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes a bizarre and deadly neurological infection in horses, sheep and other domesticated mammals in parts of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria. Borna disease was named after a city in eastern Germany where it once killed numerous horses in the late 19th century. Infected animals have been known to engage in strange behaviors, such as smashing their heads into things, as well as “pipe smoking”—an informal term for when animals are eating hay and
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Researchers discover a new auto-inflammatory disease called CRIA syndrome
Mutations in the RIPK1 gene responsible for CRIA syndromeCredit: Darryl Leja, NHGRI Over the last 20 years, three families have been unknowingly linked to one another by an unknown illness. Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and other organizations have now identified the cause of the illness, a new disease called CRIA...
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Cancer death rate posts biggest one-year drop everThe cancer death rate in 2017 posted the largest single-year drop ever recorded, as continued declines in smoking and new treatments reduced the lung cancer mortality rate, according to a new report issued Wednesday by the American Cancer Society.
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Death by alcohol: More people are dying from drinking too muchWhile men account for most of the deaths, women are catching up.
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The huge service side of the U.S. economy sped up at the end of 2019, ISM findsThe huge service side of the U.S. economy sped up at the end of 2019, coinciding with solid holiday sales and reduced trade tensions with China. The Institute for Supply Management’s survey of service-oriented companies such as banks retailers and restaurants rose to a four-month high of 55% in December.
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Private sector adds the most jobs in eight monthsPrivate-sector employment picked up in December, as businesses added 202,000 jobs, according to ADP data released Wednesday.
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Why aging Americans will be a boon for the economy
The contribution to the U.S. economy of 117 million Americans over age 50 is gigantic and growing.
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U.S. Fed at odds with bank regulators on community lending standardsA top official with the U.S. Federal Reserve said Wednesday that bank regulators should pursue a more nuanced approach to updating community lending standards for banks.
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Trump says “Iran appears to be standing down” after missile attack, vows new sanctionsThe president said "no Americans were harmed" in an Iranian missile attack on bases in Iraq.
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Africa: Conflict Is Still Africa's Biggest Challenge in 2020For the African Union, 2020 is supposed to be a landmark year. Its 'silencing the guns' initiative is aimed at 'ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence, violent conflicts and preventing genocide in the continent by 2020.' While no one can argue with that laudable goal, the continental body and its member states will have to work miracles to achieve it by the end of this year - especially when the trend seems to be heading in the other direction. Patricia Danzi, Regional Director
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Africa: 2020 - a Year Full of DangerRome Let's face what lies ahead with open eyes: 2020 is going to be a very tough year for the world, and developing countries in particular. The infant decade has already begun with the harbingers of climate disaster as thousands fled to beaches in Australia from raging bush fires, and the Middle East braced for more conflict after a U.S. air strike in Baghdad killed Iran's top general. But even as the world needs a concerted and decisive response to its challenges, we risk more of the
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UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020: ‘Partners for prosperity’On the next 20th of January, the UK Department for International Development together with the Department for International Trade and Foreign & Commonwealth Office, will be hosting this year’s Africa Investment Summit in London. At a time when international trade is changing dramatically due to consequences of the US-China situation, the summit is welcome as a very positive initiative providing a senior stage for opportunities arising from BREXIT. The UK has a strong history of trading with
Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/A8kjDner_
Zimbabwe: Churches Warn of Civil Unrest If Govt Does Not Address Economic ChallengesTHE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has warned of an uprising in the country if President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government hang on to power without addressing social and economic challenges the country is currently facing. In a Monday statement entitled, "Three possible Models of Transition in Zimbabwe," ZCC secretary general Reverend Kenneth Mtata warned government that chances of an all-out chaos in the country were high if the status quo was maintained. "Maintaining the status quo is
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Zimbabwe: Senior Doctors Vow to Press On With Strike As Govt Stops Their SalariesSenior public hospital doctors Tuesday vowed to press on with their strike action even after government has withdrawn their salaries and with their junior colleagues returning to work. The senior health workers downed tools late November last year in solidarity with junior doctors who had gone for almost three months on strike with government failing to attend to meet their demands. While a significant number of junior doctors has started reporting for duty, the seniors insist they will only
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Zimbabwe: Civil Servants, Govt in Crunch Wage Meeting FridayCivil servants are set to meet Public Service Minister Paul Mavima for a crunch meeting over salaries as government employees say they are no longer able to report for work due to incapacitation. Unions affiliated to the APEX Council, the main negotiating arm for civil servants, met Tuesday in Harare ahead of the Friday meeting. APEX Council vice secretary Gibson Mushangu said after the meeting that they noted government had not shifted its position concerning civil servants' salaries and
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Zimbabwe: No One to Be Turned Away From Hospitals for Failing to Pay - GovtGovernment hospitals and clinics will not turn away any patients for failing to pay services, Health Ministry secretary Agnes Mahomva has said. Mahomva was responding to a public and stakeholders outcry following concerns the recent hike in hospital charges could disadvantage a lot of people who cannot afford the payments. "The fee list that is circulating that the public is very concerned about is an internal tool that was for provincial medical directors, our CEOs for central hospitals so that
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East Africa: Rising Debt to Dampen EAC Growth(Photo: Pixabay) East Africa's economic landscape is replete with contradictions: While it is cited as being ahead in economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa with its GDP projected to expand by 6.1 per cent against a continental average of 3.6 per cent in 2020, the region is swimming in tough economic times. Across the region, analysts caution that economic growth is largely superficial since it is being driven by public infrastructure investments as opposed to being private sector-driven. "Rising
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South Africans in Iran, Iraq Have Not Yet Requested Assistance, Says DircoNo South Africans have contacted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) for assistance in Iraq and Iran as tensions in the region simmer after a US air strike that killed an Iranian general in Iraq last week. Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Guards' Quds Force foreign operations arm, was assassinated on Friday with others in a drone strike near Baghdad international airport. The spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, Lunga
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Hong Kong budget deficit will not top 3 per cent of GDP, says finance chief Paul Chan, as city buffeted by US-China trade war and anti-government protestsThe hole in Hong Kong’s public finances for this year will not exceed 3 per cent of GDP, the treasury minister said on Wednesday, with government spending set to exceed revenue for the first time in 15 years. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po estimated…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/Ao6UWOtTuS_
Hong Kong’s equity punters drive up cost of money as demand for local currency increases amid fervour for initial public offeringsHong Kong's stock punters have returned to the city's market for initial public offerings, putting so much money into the fundraising by two mainland Chinese companies that they drove up the city's cost of money, which sent the local currency to a recent…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AV5DLD_
Beijing talks its way past Hong Kong in English proficiency, but Shanghai tops China rankings for sixth year in a rowProfessionals in Shanghai and Beijing are more proficient in English than their Hong Kong counterparts, according to a global study of listening and reading skills in the language in countries where it is not a mother tongue. Shanghai was the best…
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Can China be the voice of reason as US, Iran trade missile attacks?Beijing is a frequent stop on the travel itinerary of Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who has made at least four visits in the past 12 months, reflecting China’s role as Tehran’s biggest trading partner as the Middle East state faces…
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Finance, gaming and part time jobs top list of online scams in China, with live streaming a lucrative new hunting ground, says reportThe three most popular categories of fraud in China last year were finance, gaming and part-time jobs, with live streaming emerging as a lucrative new hunting ground for scammers, according to a study by an internet security company. Financial fraud saw…
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Would UK follow Trump into a war with Iran?
Boris Johnson received news of the first major foreign policy challenge of his premiership while on holiday in the Caribbean. His initial response to the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on the order of US President Donald Trump was…
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Mark Carney warns against accepting EU financial rules after Brexit
Mark Carney has warned the City of London must not be forced to accept financial rules from the European Union after Brexit.
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Johnson’s Aim of Full Brexit Deal in 2020 ‘Impossible,’ EU Says
The European Union is on course for a clash with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned it will be “impossible” to get a full deal before his year-end deadline.
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ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
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10 things you need to know today: January 9, 2020
COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold prices prices head 1% lower as Trump appears to back off war footing with Iran
Gold prices fell to intraday lows, falling sharply, on Wednesday after briefly bumping above $1,600 an ounce after an late-morning speech from President Donald Trump, appeared to calm fears about an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. February gold [S: GCG20] on Comex was down $12.80, or less than 0.8%, at $1,560.40 an ounce, but had hit a Wednesday low at $1,553.90, following Trump's speech, after hitting an intraday high at $1,613.30, according to FactSet data. Prices for the
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Gold pares gains to trade lower after briefly punching above $1,600 amid rising Mideast tensionsGold futures on Wednesday are off their highest intraday levels but are hanging around their best levels since 2013 after briefly bursting through $1,600, following an Iranian retaliatory strike against U.S. miliary bases in Iraq late Tuesday.
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Gold has been 2020's star assetU.S. equities have been both resilient and rangebound following the killing of Iran Gen. Qasem Soleimani, but gold has seen a major boost, jumping to its highest level in close to seven years and continuing to climb.
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/
Rattled Investors Pushed Gold to a Seven-Year High. They May Not Be Finished.Gold prices hit a level not seen in seven years late on Tuesday, after Iran targeted U.S. troops in Iraq with missiles. The climate is perfect for gold to shine, say analysts.
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Oil up, stocks down after Iran missile attack on US troopsBrent crude futures, spiked by more than $3 per barrel in London before retreating as stock markets in London and Frankfurt opened lower before recovering some of its losses.
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Crude oil reverses into the red, surrendering overnight spikeOil prices have turned negative, erasing initial gains of more than 4% in response to Iran's rocket attack last night on U.S. forces in Iraq; WTI -1.2% to $61.95/bbl, Brent -0.7% to $67.79/bbl. Following the initial spike, oil retreated as it became clear no energy infrastructure was targeted and no U.S. casualties were reported; Pres. Trump tweeted that "All is well... So far, so good!" "The reason the oil price came down is because Trump sent out a tweet," James Eginton of Tribeca Investment
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OIL: Prepare For Oil To Shine In 2020OIL is currently poised to profit with strong roll yield opportunities available in the commodities it trades. OPEC cuts are presently deepening, which means that the market will likely become more backward as well as prices will likely rise. Crude production is slowing which will further the bull’s case through 2020 until production recovers.
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OIL: Prepare For Oil To Shine In 2020OIL is currently poised to profit with strong roll yield opportunities available in the commodities it trades. OPEC cuts are presently deepening, which means that the market will likely become more backward as well as prices will likely rise. Crude production is slowing which will further the bull’s case through 2020 until production recovers.
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Oil prices surrender boost from US-Iran tensionOil prices pared their overnight gains after an Iranian missile attack against U.S. forces left no casualties.
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Bullish On Palladium; Platinum Near-Term Positive But Potential Downside In 2020There is a strong demand for palladium from the automobile industry. Palladium's fundamental shortage should support its prices overall. Palladium price expects temporary corrections due to risk-averse factors. Platinum is the key commodity for automobile and jewellery. Gold is treated as a great indicator for platinum and palladium investors.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AupaRJ-
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
6 empowering money moves to help you build financial momentumIf you’re not feeling confident about your finances, it’s OK—these simple actions can help you get there.
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Bank of England’s Carney says central banks are low on ammunitionBank of England Gov. Mark Carney is worried central banks don’t have enough tools to fight a sharp downturn.
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Bank Of England Chief: Global Economy Is Heading Towards A ‘Liquidity Trap’Mark Carney, the outgoing governor of the Bank of England, said central banks are low on ammunition to combat the next recession.
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Dutch banking giant ING is set to spin out another fintechThis story was delivered to Insider Intelligence Fintech Pro subscribers earlier this morning. To get this story plus others to your inbox each day, hours before they're published on Business Insider, click here. Dutch banking giant ING is set to spin out Katana, an analytics platform that helps portfolio managers make faster and sharper investment decisions, reports Fintech Finance. Katana, which is one of 25 initiatives ING is working on across its innovation labs in Amsterdam, London, and
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/A_
One Key Factor For Banks in 2020Revenue growth will be a struggle as interest rates stay low. But the banks that keep operating costs in check can most strongly grow profit and share prices, analysts say. For the banks in 2020, facing continued pressure on revenue as interest rates stay low, one differentiator will be key to growing the top lines and share prices. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (RYF) is up almost 25% in the past year, largely keeping pace with the S&P 500's gain, with some of the largest U.S.
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Credit Suisse Is Moving In The Right Direction
Credit Suisse has recently held an investor day, showing its positive developments in its business restructuring in the past few years. Its strategy of reducing exposure to capital markets and pushing for growth in wealth management seems sensible and is not expected to change in the future. Credit Suisse’s improved business and financial profile doesn’t seem to be reflected in its discounted valuation.
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TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS
S&P 500 futures turn narrowly higher after Iran attackS&P 500 futures turned narrowly higher Wednesday, following heavy losses earlier when Iran launched missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq. The lack of American casualties and Iran's foreign minister stating that was the extent of the country's retaliation for the killing of top general Qassem Soleimani has helped drive the reversal.
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Treasury yields off session lows as traders shrug off Iran retaliationTreasury yields are off their lows on Wednesday as the earlier panic from an Iranian missile strike on U.S. military bases in Iraq subsides.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AmDgo0AXVS-
World Markets UpdateAll eight indexes on our world watch list posted losses through January 6, 2020. The top performer is China's Shanghai with a negligible loss of 0.06% and in second is our own S&P 500 with a loss of 0.36%. In third is London's FTSE with a loss of 0.38%. Coming in last is India's BSE SENSEX with a loss of 2.28%.
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5 Issues For Investors To Watch In JanuaryI suspect that the Fed will continue to be the dominant factor for markets, which should provide support for stocks despite concerns about Iran-related turmoil. While US stocks were the standout performer for calendar year 2019, emerging market stocks outperformed the US in the fourth quarter. I, for one, am excited about emerging markets equities, especially Chinese equities, and will be following them closely.
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How To Combat Market Uncertainty While Maintaining Your Equity ExposureGoing forward, investors are likely to see a lower return environment, on average, for both equities and fixed income. A simple 60% stock/40% bond portfolio might not be the most appropriate vehicle in such a challenging market environment. The combined exposure of the WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund can, in our view, be employed as a way to add more fixed-income diversification to a straight equity portfolio.
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Closed-End Fund Muni Market Update - December | Yields Up To 4.85% Tax FreeMunis continue to be a strong sector but have seen NAV gains stagnate in the last month as it entered a seasonally weaker part of the year. Muni CEFs have done extraordinarily well thanks to the wide discounts they started at in January. Those discounts are now relatively tight. We issued a new Top Conviction Fund for our Muni Core List. Please read the concluding thoughts section.
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Why markets are oddly subdued after Iran's attack on US bases in Iraq: 'You call that a knife?'Oil and gold surged and stocks fell initially as Iran fired more than a dozen missiles at US bases in Iraq. But markets are now more subdued. "So we know the Iranian response at last - this could actually reduce uncertainty unless we see escalation," says one analyst. "It'll be a fragile truce," a fund manager told Bloomberg. Watch oil trade live here. Watch gold trade live here. Visit Business Insider for more stories. Oil and gold surged and stocks fell as Iran fired more than a dozen missiles
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Back In The Green: Stocks Climb Following Dramatic Plunge, Rebound On IranMarkets are likely to be on edge for a while here, so investors might want to keep their positions a bit smaller in case of intraday volatility.
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
The Dow Is Hanging on Because There’s More to the Market Than Mideast TensionsEarly Wednesday morning, it looked like U.S. stocks might avoid damage from Tuesday’s Iranian missile attacks on bases in Iraq where U.S. military personnel are stationed.
Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/
Top 5 Things to Watch on Thursday Jan. 9Economy Jan 09, 2020 08:36 GMT Investing.com - Crisis, what crisis? Markets look to have turned a new page after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump overnight seemed to point to an end to the rising U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. stock futures are pointing to a higher open on Wall Street, continuing Wednesday’s gains which saw the Nasdaq notch a record close. Oil prices remain firm after a surprise build in weekly crude supplies, but gold has fallen back sharply from its elevated levels. Here’s
Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch for Jan. 9Stock Markets Jan 08, 2020 22:03 GMT Investing.com - Here are 3 things that could rock the markets tomorrow. 1. Job Cuts and Claims Due Employment data will continue to draw attention tomorrow as Friday’s December payrolls report approaches. At 7:30 AM ET (12:30 GMT) outplacement firm Challenger reports its December job cuts figures. Layoffs came in at about 44,600 in November. At 8:30 AM ET the Labor Department will report weekly initial jobless claims. Claims for first time unemployment are
Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AvI_
CRYPTO / DIGITAL CURRENCIES
Bitcoin May Follow Gold With Significant Price BreakoutBitcoin looks set to take a page out of gold's book and confirm a price breakout on the weekly chart.
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Bitcoin Traders Welcome Geopolitical Tensions, Oil Traders are SkepticalOil traders may be unconvinced from the asset rallying on the back of geopolitical tensions but the opposite is happening for bitcoin as new capital flows in. Bitcoin Rallies Are Real Today’s 10% pump of bitcoin from intraday low to a 7 week high of over $8,400 happened as news broke of Iranian retaliation for last week’s US airstrike. Since the recent US-led military action began in the Middle East late last week, bitcoin has surged 16%. This is no coincidence. As usual, bitcoin has
Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/
Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/
Bitcoin Price Rockets to $8,450 as Iran Attacks U.S. Bases in IraqOn Tuesday Bitcoin price continued the rally of the previous day by retaking $8,000 then pushing above the 200-day moving average for the first time since November 2019. The strong upside move also brought the digital asset above the long-term descending channel which formed on Jun. 25 and outside of today’s channel breach, Bitcoin had been pinned beneath the trendline since Oct. 26 when Chinese President Xi Jinping called for China to fast track the development and integration of blockchain
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AU-AkPBu_
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AU-AkPBu_
Crypto Custody, ExplainedWhere next for crypto custody? Financial institutions, regulators and investors are continuing to grapple with the issue of crypto custody. Hearing stories from those who are plugged into these discussions can offer valuable clarity to what lies ahead. The Crypto Finance Conference in the Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz, which is being held Jan. 15–17, is the perfect forum for lively debate and intelligence about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the industry in the 2020s.
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/A5S-
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/A5S-
‘Cryptocultists’ May Stop Bitcoin Bull Market — Trader Who Called $20KBitcoin (BTC) returning to a bull market depends on whether “cryptocultists” have already exited the market, veteran trader Peter Brandt has warned. In a tweet on Jan. 8, Brandt, who has become a regular Bitcoin pundit in recent years, confirmed he was eyeing current price activity to determine the likely next move. Brandt: Bitcoin needs “cryptocultist shakeout” BTC/USD gained 5.5% in the 24 hours to press time, retaking $8,000 in a move many previously considered highly unlikely. Whether
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Report: Cryptocurrencies Show Signs of Maturing But Remain Too RiskyBitcoin (BTC) presented historically low volatility this year, argues the Dec. 2019 SFOX report released on Jan. 8. Coupled with a lower correlation with altcoins, there are emerging signs that the market could start to behave in a more predictable way. However, the cryptocurrency asset class remains disproportionately risky compared to the stock market. In its final monthly report for 2019, the analytics firm SFOX analyzed the yearly performance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Compared
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
As trade tension recedes, Trump’s re-election bid will set the battleground for US dollar bulls and bearsThis could prove a challenging year for currency pickers, with possibilities ranging between the good, the bad and the ugly. On the bright side, the US-China trade war should come to a close fairly soon, ending most of the uncertainty which has dogged the…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
Forex - Dollar Climbs as Safe-Havens Dive on Trump's RemarksForex Jan 08, 2020 19:03 GMT Invesing.com – The U.S. dollar climbed Wednesday as risk appetite bounced back after President Donald Trump signaled de-escalation in conflict with Iran despite the Islamic Republic launching several attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, rose by 0.28% to 96.75. In response to the attacks from Iran, Trump said the U.S. "will immediately impose additional punishing
Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Binance Adds Near-Instant UK Pound Payments in Latest Fiat ExpansionThe Malta-based exchange has added new direct fiat funding options, including Faster Payments for U.K. pounds-bearing customers, as well as euros and Australian dollars.
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Could the rampaging Australian dollar cause rates to fall?One of the surprises that struck late last year was a resurgence in the value of the Australian dollar. After dropping below the US70c in May last year, many analysts were thinking it would stay below that area – hopefully well below – as part of Australia’s slow progress back towards full employment and rising wages and economic growth. It wasn’t to be and the Aussie briefly has now briefly popped its head above the US70c mark and is staying around that mark as the ceasefire in the US/China
Read in Small Caps: https://apple.news/
Binance Crypto Exchange Adds Support for Australian Dollars and Thai BahtMajor cryptocurrency exchange Binance added support for Australian dollars (AUD) and Thai baht. Binance announced support for the national currencies in separate releases on Jan. 7. Thai digital asset exchange Satang Corporation will process Thai baht transfers, while Australian dollar transfers will be facilitated by Banxa, a company specialized in internationally compliant fiat-to-crypto gateways. Satang’s fiat processing service is integrated into Binance’s trading platform by means of a
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Hong Kong’s equity punters drive up cost of money as demand for local currency increases amid fervour for initial public offeringsHong Kong's stock punters have returned to the city's market for initial public offerings, putting so much money into the fundraising by two mainland Chinese companies that they drove up the city's cost of money, which sent the local currency to a recent…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AV5DLD_
HEALTH / SCIENCE
Progress On Lung Cancer Drives Historic Drop In U.S. Cancer Death RateThe U.S. cancer death rate dropped more than 2% between 2016 and 2017, the biggest single-year drop ever, according to the American Cancer Society. Better treatment for lung cancer is a factor.
Read in NPR: https://apple.news/
Lifestyle changes may combat a dementia that strikes people in their 40s and 50sA group of dementias which strike between ages 40 and 65 and rob a person's ability to control their impulses may be slowed by an active physical and mental lifestyle, says a new study.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/
In Largest Study on Subject, Scientists Discover Genetic Links to AnxietyJanuary 08, 2020 In what they termed the "largest [genome-wide association study] of anxiety traits to date," a team of scientists from two universities and two veterans healthcare offices have identified six genetic variants linked to the development of anxiety disorders. To find these genetic markers, researchers examined genetic and health data derived from 200,000 veterans of the United States Armed Forces, which was compiled in the Million Veteran Program, a national research program funded
Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/
The One Anti-Inflammatory Vitamin That Will Keep Your Metabolism Going All Day, According To A Doctor
When you’re trying to lose weight, every single thing you put into your body is important to your overall results. Most people only think about the things they are eating and drinking, but there are actually a few other factors you should be thinking about: vitamins. Vitamins can play a huge role in your diet because they can help deliver important tools that your body needs to maintain wellness and burn fat. The best type of vitamins for this are anti-inflammatories because they can detox your
Read in SHEfinds: https://apple.news/AH3qziN5-
Wuhan ‘pneumonia’: Hong Kong health chief under pressure to seek more information from mainland authorities amid silence on latest patient numbersHong Kong’s health minister on Wednesday came under pressure to seek more details on the mystery Wuhan pneumonia outbreak from the mainland Chinese government, as lawmakers expressed concerns that authorities there had not released updates on patient…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/A5wQe-
Wellness Trends For 2020It’s a new year, a new decade and a new chance to become your best self. In previous decades, the mind-body connection wasn’t something seen as commonplace in society. But now, it’s entirely different. In 2020, wellness will be seen as something accessible to everyone.
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Virus Spread by Shrews Linked to Human Deaths from Mysterious Brain InfectionsBorna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes a bizarre and deadly neurological infection in horses, sheep and other domesticated mammals in parts of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria. Borna disease was named after a city in eastern Germany where it once killed numerous horses in the late 19th century. Infected animals have been known to engage in strange behaviors, such as smashing their heads into things, as well as “pipe smoking”—an informal term for when animals are eating hay and
Read in Scientific American: https://apple.news/
Researchers discover a new auto-inflammatory disease called CRIA syndrome
Mutations in the RIPK1 gene responsible for CRIA syndromeCredit: Darryl Leja, NHGRI Over the last 20 years, three families have been unknowingly linked to one another by an unknown illness. Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and other organizations have now identified the cause of the illness, a new disease called CRIA...
Read in SCIENMAG: https://apple.news/
Cancer death rate posts biggest one-year drop everThe cancer death rate in 2017 posted the largest single-year drop ever recorded, as continued declines in smoking and new treatments reduced the lung cancer mortality rate, according to a new report issued Wednesday by the American Cancer Society.
Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/
Death by alcohol: More people are dying from drinking too muchWhile men account for most of the deaths, women are catching up.
Read in NBC News: https://apple.news/
USA / CANADA
The huge service side of the U.S. economy sped up at the end of 2019, ISM findsThe huge service side of the U.S. economy sped up at the end of 2019, coinciding with solid holiday sales and reduced trade tensions with China. The Institute for Supply Management’s survey of service-oriented companies such as banks retailers and restaurants rose to a four-month high of 55% in December.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Private sector adds the most jobs in eight monthsPrivate-sector employment picked up in December, as businesses added 202,000 jobs, according to ADP data released Wednesday.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Why aging Americans will be a boon for the economy
The contribution to the U.S. economy of 117 million Americans over age 50 is gigantic and growing.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
U.S. Fed at odds with bank regulators on community lending standardsA top official with the U.S. Federal Reserve said Wednesday that bank regulators should pursue a more nuanced approach to updating community lending standards for banks.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Trump says “Iran appears to be standing down” after missile attack, vows new sanctionsThe president said "no Americans were harmed" in an Iranian missile attack on bases in Iraq.
Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/
EMERGING MARKETS
Investors pump $30.7 bln into emerging market stocks and bonds in December - IIFPortfolio managers ploughed $30.7 billion into emerging market stocks and bonds in December as monetary easing by major central banks and progress in Sino-U.S. trade talks pushed investors to buy riskier assets, the Institute of International Finance said.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
5 Issues For Investors To Watch In JanuaryI suspect that the Fed will continue to be the dominant factor for markets, which should provide support for stocks despite concerns about Iran-related turmoil. While US stocks were the standout performer for calendar year 2019, emerging market stocks outperformed the US in the fourth quarter. I, for one, am excited about emerging markets equities, especially Chinese equities, and will be following them closely.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Bet on commodities and emerging markets in 2020, ETF pros sayCommodities like oil and gold and emerging markets including China should outperform in 2020, exchange-traded fund industry leaders say.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
The Hong Kong market could perform 'really well' in 2020: InvestorJun Bei Liu of Tribeca Investment Partners says the firm's view is that emerging markets in Asia should do "very well" relative to developed markets such as the U.S. in 2020. She also discusses investment strategies for the current environment.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A1QPpg9_
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A1QPpg9_
Axios Markets: Moving further apartGood morning. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. (Today's Smart Brevity count: 1,047 words, 4 minutes.)
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AXqeEGcV_
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AXqeEGcV_
BRIC Composite PMIs Q4 2019
Brazil's Composite PMI has fallen from 52.0 in 3Q 2019 to 51.5 in 4Q 2019. Russia Composite PMI has moved up markedly in 4Q 2019, thanks to a booming reading for Services PMI. China Composite PMI stood at 52.6 in 4Q 2019, up on 51.5 in 3Q 2019. India Composite PMI remained statistically unchanged in 3Q 2019 (52.1) and 4Q 2019 (52.0).
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Brazil's Composite PMI has fallen from 52.0 in 3Q 2019 to 51.5 in 4Q 2019. Russia Composite PMI has moved up markedly in 4Q 2019, thanks to a booming reading for Services PMI. China Composite PMI stood at 52.6 in 4Q 2019, up on 51.5 in 3Q 2019. India Composite PMI remained statistically unchanged in 3Q 2019 (52.1) and 4Q 2019 (52.0).
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Most of Puerto Rico without power as aftershocks continueThe Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority said it restored power for about a third of its 1.5 million customers by Wednesday morning following a series of earthquakes.
Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AqXIj8_
Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AqXIj8_
Exclusive: Brazil prosecutor aims to charge Vale within days over mining waste dam disasterA Brazilian state prosecutor expects to bring criminal charges "in the next few days" against miner Vale over a mining waste dam collapse that killed at least 259 people, even as the prosecutor's federal counterpart continues to investigate the case.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
MIDDLE EAST
China, US face off in Middle East and AfricaAs host to some of the world’s most dynamic economies and largest entrepôts, the region has also become increasingly interdependent with the Chinese economy
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Soleimani killing: Iran warns US against further retaliationIran has fired dozens of missiles at two Iraqi military bases which host US forces. It follows the killing by the US of top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani. Iran wants US forces to permanently leave the Gulf region, and it says there will be a harsh response to any further US retaliation. Al Jazeera's Rob Matheson reports.
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr says crisis over, after Trump & Iran speak
Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has declared the “crisis” between the US and Iran over, following statements from the two countries’ leaders in the wake of Tuesday’s Iranian strikes on US bases in Iraq.
Trump Says 'All Is Well' After Iran Launched Missiles at Bases in Iraq Hosting U.S. Forces
"So far, so good!" the president wrote on Twitter Tuesday
Read in People: https://apple.news/
"So far, so good!" the president wrote on Twitter Tuesday
Read in People: https://apple.news/
Some administration officials believe Iran intentionally missed areas with AmericansThere is a growing belief among some Trump administration officials that Iran's missiles intentionally missed areas populated by Americans when they targeted two Iraqi bases housing US troops early Wednesday local time, multiple administration officials said.
Read in CNN Politics: https://apple.news/
Read in CNN Politics: https://apple.news/
Iran's strikes seem intended to avoid US deaths. Here's why that might be the caseIran's missile strikes against bases in Iraq housing American troops early Wednesday were not an act designed to kill the most Americans possible. There are a number of reasons why that might be the case.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/
AFRICA
Africa: Conflict Is Still Africa's Biggest Challenge in 2020For the African Union, 2020 is supposed to be a landmark year. Its 'silencing the guns' initiative is aimed at 'ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence, violent conflicts and preventing genocide in the continent by 2020.' While no one can argue with that laudable goal, the continental body and its member states will have to work miracles to achieve it by the end of this year - especially when the trend seems to be heading in the other direction. Patricia Danzi, Regional Director
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Africa: 2020 - a Year Full of DangerRome Let's face what lies ahead with open eyes: 2020 is going to be a very tough year for the world, and developing countries in particular. The infant decade has already begun with the harbingers of climate disaster as thousands fled to beaches in Australia from raging bush fires, and the Middle East braced for more conflict after a U.S. air strike in Baghdad killed Iran's top general. But even as the world needs a concerted and decisive response to its challenges, we risk more of the
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020: ‘Partners for prosperity’On the next 20th of January, the UK Department for International Development together with the Department for International Trade and Foreign & Commonwealth Office, will be hosting this year’s Africa Investment Summit in London. At a time when international trade is changing dramatically due to consequences of the US-China situation, the summit is welcome as a very positive initiative providing a senior stage for opportunities arising from BREXIT. The UK has a strong history of trading with
Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/A8kjDner_
Zimbabwe: Churches Warn of Civil Unrest If Govt Does Not Address Economic ChallengesTHE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has warned of an uprising in the country if President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government hang on to power without addressing social and economic challenges the country is currently facing. In a Monday statement entitled, "Three possible Models of Transition in Zimbabwe," ZCC secretary general Reverend Kenneth Mtata warned government that chances of an all-out chaos in the country were high if the status quo was maintained. "Maintaining the status quo is
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: Senior Doctors Vow to Press On With Strike As Govt Stops Their SalariesSenior public hospital doctors Tuesday vowed to press on with their strike action even after government has withdrawn their salaries and with their junior colleagues returning to work. The senior health workers downed tools late November last year in solidarity with junior doctors who had gone for almost three months on strike with government failing to attend to meet their demands. While a significant number of junior doctors has started reporting for duty, the seniors insist they will only
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: Civil Servants, Govt in Crunch Wage Meeting FridayCivil servants are set to meet Public Service Minister Paul Mavima for a crunch meeting over salaries as government employees say they are no longer able to report for work due to incapacitation. Unions affiliated to the APEX Council, the main negotiating arm for civil servants, met Tuesday in Harare ahead of the Friday meeting. APEX Council vice secretary Gibson Mushangu said after the meeting that they noted government had not shifted its position concerning civil servants' salaries and
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: No One to Be Turned Away From Hospitals for Failing to Pay - GovtGovernment hospitals and clinics will not turn away any patients for failing to pay services, Health Ministry secretary Agnes Mahomva has said. Mahomva was responding to a public and stakeholders outcry following concerns the recent hike in hospital charges could disadvantage a lot of people who cannot afford the payments. "The fee list that is circulating that the public is very concerned about is an internal tool that was for provincial medical directors, our CEOs for central hospitals so that
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
East Africa: Rising Debt to Dampen EAC Growth(Photo: Pixabay) East Africa's economic landscape is replete with contradictions: While it is cited as being ahead in economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa with its GDP projected to expand by 6.1 per cent against a continental average of 3.6 per cent in 2020, the region is swimming in tough economic times. Across the region, analysts caution that economic growth is largely superficial since it is being driven by public infrastructure investments as opposed to being private sector-driven. "Rising
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
South Africans in Iran, Iraq Have Not Yet Requested Assistance, Says DircoNo South Africans have contacted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) for assistance in Iraq and Iran as tensions in the region simmer after a US air strike that killed an Iranian general in Iraq last week. Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Guards' Quds Force foreign operations arm, was assassinated on Friday with others in a drone strike near Baghdad international airport. The spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, Lunga
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
ASIA
Hong Kong budget deficit will not top 3 per cent of GDP, says finance chief Paul Chan, as city buffeted by US-China trade war and anti-government protestsThe hole in Hong Kong’s public finances for this year will not exceed 3 per cent of GDP, the treasury minister said on Wednesday, with government spending set to exceed revenue for the first time in 15 years. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po estimated…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/Ao6UWOtTuS_
Hong Kong’s equity punters drive up cost of money as demand for local currency increases amid fervour for initial public offeringsHong Kong's stock punters have returned to the city's market for initial public offerings, putting so much money into the fundraising by two mainland Chinese companies that they drove up the city's cost of money, which sent the local currency to a recent…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AV5DLD_
Beijing talks its way past Hong Kong in English proficiency, but Shanghai tops China rankings for sixth year in a rowProfessionals in Shanghai and Beijing are more proficient in English than their Hong Kong counterparts, according to a global study of listening and reading skills in the language in countries where it is not a mother tongue. Shanghai was the best…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/Av7aTfnj_
Can China be the voice of reason as US, Iran trade missile attacks?Beijing is a frequent stop on the travel itinerary of Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who has made at least four visits in the past 12 months, reflecting China’s role as Tehran’s biggest trading partner as the Middle East state faces…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
Finance, gaming and part time jobs top list of online scams in China, with live streaming a lucrative new hunting ground, says reportThe three most popular categories of fraud in China last year were finance, gaming and part-time jobs, with live streaming emerging as a lucrative new hunting ground for scammers, according to a study by an internet security company. Financial fraud saw…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
EUROPE
Would UK follow Trump into a war with Iran?
Boris Johnson received news of the first major foreign policy challenge of his premiership while on holiday in the Caribbean. His initial response to the assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani on the order of US President Donald Trump was…
Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
Britain moves closer to leaving EU as MPs scrutinise Brexit dealBritain moved a step closer to leaving the European Union on Tuesday when Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought his Brexit deal back to parliament, with MPs finally set to approve it after years of division and delay. Having scooped a parliamentary majority in the December 12 election, Johnson now faces little threat of defeat, deadlock or delay. Opening the debate, Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said the Withdrawal Agreement Bill "delivers on the overwhelming mandate given to us by the British
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
Mark Carney warns against accepting EU financial rules after Brexit
Mark Carney has warned the City of London must not be forced to accept financial rules from the European Union after Brexit.
Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/AP_
Johnson’s Aim of Full Brexit Deal in 2020 ‘Impossible,’ EU Says
The European Union is on course for a clash with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned it will be “impossible” to get a full deal before his year-end deadline.
Read in Bloomberg: https://apple.news/
CBI, ISX, Dinar Guru::
CBI Update:
Closed on Friday and Saturday
Closed Friday and Saturday
Shares Traded:
Value Traded:
ISX ended in Green
Dinar Guru:dd
1-9-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: "IRANIAN DOMINANCE OF IRAQ HAVE BEEN PROVEN TRUE" I have been telling everyone for years that the Iranian influence would have to be challenged and it is the problem of corruption in Iraq as to why our investment in the dinar is not going anywhere. So now we are seeing it all playing out. This is the bad news but the good news is it is now being challenged (the timing of it) and this had to occur to get to it (got to go through it to get to it) . Look at the bright side – it could be even worse as we could be waiting yet another decade for this challenge to even take place but it is happening right now. The Trump administration is getting it done and now is the time...
1-9-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ Things really seem to be heating up on the banking side of things. I am hearing all Redemption Centers are in place and ready. I am very hopeful that this is not going to be another false alarm. This time things feel very different to me.
1-9-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Walkingstick the CBI has told us that all banks in Iraq are going to receive the 50,000 and the 100,000 freshly printed bills...The reason for it is because the CBI is now lessening the amount of 10k and 25k notes in the inventory of Iraqi banks. They want to get more of the three zeros...the CBI is sending 50k and 100k notes only to be used from bank to a bank. Each bank is getting a different specific amount. Each bank must send to the CBI in return either 4 - 25K notes or 10 - 10K notes. We [walkingstick's firm] have not received them yet. Some banks have. We believe we will be next. They are only to be used from bank to bank not for circulation. The 50k and 100K are not to be introduced to the citizens. They are to introduce the small category notes when told on their schedule. This is being used to remove the three zeros notes from the banks not to draw them in - that was already done...
1-9-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Like it or not, the United States just influenced the timing and chances of a near future revalue on the Iraqi currency...but I don't believe the current events have altered the destination at all. In fact, the attack on Iranian terrorist Suleimani ...is likely in favor of a quicker path to an RV. ...it is going to be a bumpy ride, but it won't last forever. When it's over, I believe we will be in a far more favorable position to see the Iraqi currency skyrocket. Yes, I said that word: Skyrocket...we are indeed in the middle of a very tense and hectic time...buckle up, hang tight, and be ready. [post 2 of 2]
1-9-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana What an end to 2019, and what a start to 2020! 2019 ended in Iraq with a flurry of activity. The Prime Minister resigned, the Iraqi President threatened to do the same. There were major protests, huge shifts in the landscape, and a lot of uncertainty. ...This is exactly the type of situation where big things happen, but the world is so busy watching the "news" that it just slips under the radar. The uncertainty continues with the current situation regarding Iraq, largely because of the situation with their neighbor Iran. ...this is a fluid situation - things change fast... [post 1 of 2...stay tuned]
1-9-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ Things really seem to be heating up on the banking side of things. I am hearing all Redemption Centers are in place and ready. I am very hopeful that this is not going to be another false alarm. This time things feel very different to me.
1-9-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Walkingstick the CBI has told us that all banks in Iraq are going to receive the 50,000 and the 100,000 freshly printed bills...The reason for it is because the CBI is now lessening the amount of 10k and 25k notes in the inventory of Iraqi banks. They want to get more of the three zeros...the CBI is sending 50k and 100k notes only to be used from bank to a bank. Each bank is getting a different specific amount. Each bank must send to the CBI in return either 4 - 25K notes or 10 - 10K notes. We [walkingstick's firm] have not received them yet. Some banks have. We believe we will be next. They are only to be used from bank to bank not for circulation. The 50k and 100K are not to be introduced to the citizens. They are to introduce the small category notes when told on their schedule. This is being used to remove the three zeros notes from the banks not to draw them in - that was already done...
1-9-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana Like it or not, the United States just influenced the timing and chances of a near future revalue on the Iraqi currency...but I don't believe the current events have altered the destination at all. In fact, the attack on Iranian terrorist Suleimani ...is likely in favor of a quicker path to an RV. ...it is going to be a bumpy ride, but it won't last forever. When it's over, I believe we will be in a far more favorable position to see the Iraqi currency skyrocket. Yes, I said that word: Skyrocket...we are indeed in the middle of a very tense and hectic time...buckle up, hang tight, and be ready. [post 2 of 2]
1-9-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana What an end to 2019, and what a start to 2020! 2019 ended in Iraq with a flurry of activity. The Prime Minister resigned, the Iraqi President threatened to do the same. There were major protests, huge shifts in the landscape, and a lot of uncertainty. ...This is exactly the type of situation where big things happen, but the world is so busy watching the "news" that it just slips under the radar. The uncertainty continues with the current situation regarding Iraq, largely because of the situation with their neighbor Iran. ...this is a fluid situation - things change fast... [post 1 of 2...stay tuned]
1-8-2020 Dinar Guru Breaking News President Trump had a press conference earlier today about the Iran situation in Iraq [above video]. Trump said he doesn't want any more suffering in the region and is hopeful for a peaceful relationship with Iran. He wants Iran and the Iranian people to become prosperous and peaceful members of the world and calls on the biggest nations of the world to help support that mission. Stay tuned as the gurus chime in on this breaking situation. The latest guru posts will continue below....
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
***************
ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi receives the European Union ambassador to Iraq
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi received, today, Thursday, the Ambassador of the European Union in Iraq, Mr. Martin Houth, and during the meeting, they discussed the relations between Iraq and the European Union and consulted on the current situation in the region and ways to defuse the current crisis, and the position of Iraq on the presence of foreign forces.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the European Union playing its role in calming and adopting initiatives that avoid the region and the world tension and the dangers of armed conflicts on global peace and security.
Mr. Prime Minister clarified the position of the government and the parliament in requesting the withdrawal of foreign forces and its positive impact on the security, stability and sovereignty of Iraq, noting that Iraq has always endeavored to establish the best relations with all and to preserve the security and stability of the region.
For his part, the Ambassador of the European Union expressed his understanding of the position of Iraq, calling for the need to achieve calm and not escalate international positions in this circumstance and joint work to ward off potential risks due to any escalation in the crisis between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.
Media office of the Prime Minister
January 9-2020
****************
ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
The Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Adel Abdul-Mahdi, congratulates the Iraqi police for its 89th founding day
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
We extend our highest congratulations and blessings to all members of the Iraqi police by the ninety-eighth anniversary of its founding.
The federal and local police have stood
Her standing, witnessed by the participation of their brothers in the armed forces, stood against the terrorist gangs and mixed their blood with the blood of their brothers, the martyrs and the wounded in the battles of victory. Services for the Iraqi people.
The development of the police force is one of the goals of this government, and we have given the police formations and ranks special attention to enable them to carry out their duties and to be a bright civilized face of the state and to play their best role in providing security, law enforcement, imposing its prestige, fighting crime and corruption, and using modern technology to complete and accelerate documents and transcend red tape. .
A salute to the souls of the martyrs and wounded of the police and the Ministry of Interior and their generous families in all governorates of Iraq.
I renew my congratulations to the Iraqi police and all employees of the Ministry of the Interior on their dearest birthday, asking God Almighty, that we can all serve our people and achieve their aspirations.
Adel Abdul-Mahdi
Prime Minister
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
January 9, 2020
***************
ARTICLE 1-C (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi receives the Turkish Foreign Minister
The Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi, received, today, Thursday, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr. Mevlod Cawushoglu.
Mr.oglu conveyed the greetings of the Turkish leadership to the Prime Minister and its support for Iraq’s security, stability and national sovereignty, indicating that the Turkish President directed him to visit Baghdad with the aim of affirming Turkey’s support for Iraq and to stand with him the government and people. He stressed that Turkey appreciates the position of the Iraqi government seeking to distance the Iraqi arena from international conflicts and its concern to preserve peace and stability and spare the countries of the region the dangers of wars, and the importance of the two countries' cooperation in this field.
The Prime Minister welcomed the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister, expressing his pride in the existing cooperative relations between the two countries, indicating that the security of the region and preserving its interests is the responsibility of all its countries, and that the Iraqi government is committed to its position and its consistent policy to establish balanced relations in a manner that preserves the country's interests and national sovereignty, and with neighboring countries and their regional surroundings. International and not to engage in the policy of the axes, and stressed that achieving peace and calm is in the interest of all.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and the developments of the crisis between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.
Media office of the Prime Minister
January 9-2020
*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقيةVerified account @IraqiGovt 1-9-2020 around 9:30 am Eastern
PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi reaffirmed that the @IraqiGovt is committed to building partnerships with its regional and international allies based on respect for Iraq’s sovereignty, mutual understanding and common interests.
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ARTICLE 3
Saleh receives Oglu and assures him of the importance of joint action to spare Iraq and the region conflicts and wars
9/2020 15:52
[Baghdad-where]
Today, Thursday, President of the Republic Barham Salih received at the Peace Palace in Baghdad, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoglu and his accompanying delegation.
The President of the Republic stressed during the meeting, according to a presidential statement, "the importance of joint action and coordination to spare Iraq and the region conflicts and wars, and rejected the principle of proxy war, and that Iraq should not be the starting point for any aggression against any neighboring country."
He stressed "the necessity to unify efforts aimed at all parties to address the current crises, restraint and calm in order for the peoples of the region to enjoy stability, security and prosperity.
For his part, the Turkish Foreign Minister affirmed his country's support for the sovereignty and stability of Iraq, pointing to the need to reduce escalating tension and dependency on constructive dialogue to deal with the sensitive situations that the region is currently going through.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey, in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly peoples.
Regional and international developments, and common issues between the two countries were also discussed.
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ARTICLE 4
Al-Hakim "We reject the attacks inside our lands ... I don't want Iraq to be a battleground for external forces."
1/9/2020 17:03
[Baghdad-where]
Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim confirmed, Thursday, that Iraq rejects attacks inside its territory, pointing out that any escalation in the region helps the return of terrorists.
Al-Hakim said in a press conference held in Baghdad with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoوlu, today, and followed by Alsumaria News, that "Iraq rejects the attacks inside its territories," noting that it was stressed to the Narki side "the necessity of removing Iraq from the politics of the axes, and also that any An escalation in the region will boost the terrorists. "
Al-Hakim added, "The talks included the recent events in Iraq and the region," noting that "Iraq stresses respect for its sovereignty from all sides, and that any escalation in the region helps the return of terrorists."
Earlier today, Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoوغlu arrived in the capital, Baghdad, and met upon his arrival, the resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and a number of officials to discuss the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, and the attacks on Iraqi lands due to that conflict.
Al-Hakim added, "The talks included the recent events in Iraq and the region," noting that "Iraq stresses respect for its sovereignty from all sides, and that any escalation in the region helps the return of terrorists."
Earlier today, Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoوغlu arrived in the capital, Baghdad, and met upon his arrival, the resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and a number of officials to discuss the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, and the attacks on Iraqi lands due to that conflict.
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ARTICLE 5
EgyptAir "will resume flights to Baghdad next Saturday
9/1/2020 21:55
[Baghdad-where]
EgyptAir announced on its Twitter account, on Thursday, the resumption of flights to Baghdad, starting next Saturday.
The Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that "Egypt Air" resumed its flights to Baghdad, after it suspended it for three days due to the tense security situation after the killing of the Iranian Quds Force Commander, General Qassem Soleimani, in a US raid near Baghdad Airport.
The company said in a statement that "after assessing and following up on the security situation," EgyptAir decided to resume its flights to Baghdad, adding that "the security situation developments will be followed-up in coordination with all concerned authorities to take the necessary decisions to preserve the safety of passengers and aircraft."
The company also called on "travelers on two-way Baghdad flights to review and amend their reservations."
EgyptAir had suspended its flights for three days, "until the security situation stabilizes" in the capital, Baghdad
The company said in a statement that "after assessing and following up on the security situation," EgyptAir decided to resume its flights to Baghdad, adding that "the security situation developments will be followed-up in coordination with all concerned authorities to take the necessary decisions to preserve the safety of passengers and aircraft."
The company also called on "travelers on two-way Baghdad flights to review and amend their reservations."
EgyptAir had suspended its flights for three days, "until the security situation stabilizes" in the capital, Baghdad
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