WOTS Friday 1/24/19
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1192.6000 | 1191.1000 | 1192.6000 | | 15:08 |
| USD/VND | | | 23147.4900 | 23143.7800 | 23147.4400 | | 16:00 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.9355 | 6.9355 | 6.9355 | | 17:00 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3034 | 0.3034 | 0.3034 | | 17:42 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3123 | 1.3115 | 1.3123 | | 17:50 |
| USD/IRR | | | 42097.5000 | 42097.5000 | 42097.5000 | | 00:00 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13629.0000 | 13608.0000 | 13626.0000 | | 17:49 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Trump meets with Iraqi president for 1st time since Soleimani strike
Fox News Flash top headlines for Jan. 24 are here.
President Trump on Thursday met with Iraqi President Barham Salih on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, their first face-to-face meeting since a US drone strike killed an Iranian general on Iraqi soil and has strained ties between Washington and Baghdad.
Trump hinted at possible sanctions during the bilateral meeting between the two leaders.
“We'll see what happens, because we have to do things on our terms,” he told reporters.
Salih said Iraq and the US share common goals, including the fight against extremism, regional stability and an independent Iraq. Trump interjected, saying that the US is also involved with Iraqi oil industry.
The meeting was the first between the two leaders since the Jan. 3 killing of Iran Quds Gen. Qassem Soleimani near Baghdad's airport. The attack enraged Iranian officials and provoked a retaliatory missile strike from Tehran at Iraqi military bases where American and Coalition troops were housed.
US 'LIKELY' TO DEPLOY ANTI-MISSILE SYSTEM TO PROTECT AMERICAN TROOPS IN IRAQ
US President Donald Trump, right, attends a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday. Trump's two-day stay in Davos is a test of his ability to balance anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
US President Donald Trump, right, attends a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday. Trump's two-day stay in Davos is a test of his ability to balance anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Iraqi lawmakers were also displeased about the airstrike and voted to expel US troops from the country in a non-binding resolution.
“We're down to 5,000 [service members]. So we're down to a very low number - historically low. And we'll see what happens, "Trump said when asked if he planned to withdraw American troops from Iraq.
American military forces in Iraq typically assist Iraqi security forces in their fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
VETERAN SUICIDE RATES REMAIN ALARMINGLY HIGH DESPITE YEARS OF REFORM
Should US call Iraqi bluff and pull troops out of country?
Video
Should US call Iraqi bluff and pull troops out of country?
Video
The bilateral meeting came amid threats from the Iraqi militia group Kataeb Hezbollah, backed by Iran, which warned Salih to avoid meeting Trump or not to return to Baghdad, statements posted online indicated. The group also threatened lawmakers for voting against the resolution to expel American troops.
Thursday's meeting comes as resentment continues to grow over inaction by lawmakers to address the slaying of Iraqi anti-government protestors . Eight people were wounded Thursday when security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters on a Baghdad highway.
The Organizing Committee for Tomorrow's Demonstrations issues 11-point instructions
Editing Date: 1/1/23/23 23:37 • 58 times read
[Baghdad-where]
The organizing committee of tomorrow's demonstrations issued 11-point special instructions.
The organizing committee of tomorrow's demonstrations issued 11-point special instructions.
According to the committee’s statement, the instructions were as follows:
1 - Adhere to the time of attendance at eight in the morning and not withdraw until the order of the organizational committees is issued
2- The Iraqi flag is raised only on the platforms and in the hands of the demonstrating brothers. It is not permissible to raise any other flag or a picture of a symbol or a martyr.
3- Not carrying arms of all kinds, and whoever works otherwise bears all legal and regulatory consequences.
4- Not to wear military clothes, hats, (yell), masks, or a face mask (his kidney), indicating affiliation with any faction or destination, whether it bears a logo or without it.
5- Wearing shrouds, if possible, of all the protesting brothers.
6- Unifying chants, provided that their content is to bring out foreign forces and demand complete independence and not to use chants indicating partisan affiliations.
7- Not to be exposed to and preserving private and public properties.
8- The security forces and the organizational committees are solely responsible for providing full protection to the demonstration, and there is absolutely no possibility of collision or friction with them, and avoiding chaos and violence.
9- Allowing and assisting the media to carry out its work without harassment by the protection personnel.
10- Not to carry cameras for photography for those who are not authorized to be in the central media and the Organizing Committee.
11- We ask everyone to abide by the instructions and orders issued by the organizing committee.
The leader of the Sadrist movement, Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr, called for a "millionth demonstration", which will be set on Friday, to demand the departure of the American forces from the country.
"The location of the demonstrations will be at the intersection of Baghdad University, near Jadiriya," said Salah al-Ubaidi, a spokesman for Sadr.
1 - Adhere to the time of attendance at eight in the morning and not withdraw until the order of the organizational committees is issued
2- The Iraqi flag is raised only on the platforms and in the hands of the demonstrating brothers. It is not permissible to raise any other flag or a picture of a symbol or a martyr.
3- Not carrying arms of all kinds, and whoever works otherwise bears all legal and regulatory consequences.
4- Not to wear military clothes, hats, (yell), masks, or a face mask (his kidney), indicating affiliation with any faction or destination, whether it bears a logo or without it.
5- Wearing shrouds, if possible, of all the protesting brothers.
6- Unifying chants, provided that their content is to bring out foreign forces and demand complete independence and not to use chants indicating partisan affiliations.
7- Not to be exposed to and preserving private and public properties.
8- The security forces and the organizational committees are solely responsible for providing full protection to the demonstration, and there is absolutely no possibility of collision or friction with them, and avoiding chaos and violence.
9- Allowing and assisting the media to carry out its work without harassment by the protection personnel.
10- Not to carry cameras for photography for those who are not authorized to be in the central media and the Organizing Committee.
11- We ask everyone to abide by the instructions and orders issued by the organizing committee.
The leader of the Sadrist movement, Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr, called for a "millionth demonstration", which will be set on Friday, to demand the departure of the American forces from the country.
"The location of the demonstrations will be at the intersection of Baghdad University, near Jadiriya," said Salah al-Ubaidi, a spokesman for Sadr.
Abdul-Mahdi chairs a special meeting on the Iraqi-Chinese agreement projects
Friday, January 24, 2020
Baghdad / NNC- Today, Thursday, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi chaired a special meeting for the Iraqi-Chinese agreement projects in various parts of Iraq and to follow up on implementation policies and complete the presentation of the most feasible projects related to infrastructure development in the fields of roads, transportation, energy, housing, petrochemicals, etc., and priorities were discussed for the projects Producing and developing the economy, supporting the private sector and operating the workforce.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Planning, a number of undersecretaries and advisors to the Prime Minister.
Information Office of the Prime Minister US official: No talks about the future of our forces in Iraq
24-01-2020
AMOUN - A senior American official announced Thursday that the discussions with Baghdad about the future of the American forces that the Iraqi parliament has called for their departure have not started yet, adding that it would not be possible for the soldiers to stay indefinitely without ending their interest in fighting jihadists.
Since the United States killed the Iranian general, Qasim Soleimani, and the leader of the popular crowd, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in a raid near Baghdad airport on January 3, "operations in Iraq" against ISIS have stopped, according to the US special envoy to the international coalition, James Jeffrey.
"We are focusing on protecting our forces," which are threatened by Iranian reprisals, he added during a press conference in Washington.
In the wake of Soleimani’s death, the Iraqi parliament voted on a resolution demanding the departure of US and foreign forces. After that, resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi asked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to send a delegation to discuss a "safe withdrawal of forces from Iraq."
"There has not yet been a real dialogue," Geoffrey said, before repeating the US position, "We don't think we should withdraw."
"We are ready to discuss with the Iraqi government our comprehensive strategic relations," he added.
He indicated that this includes financial and economic aid, security, equipment for Iraqi forces, and diplomatic relations. "We look at that as a whole."
The diplomat said the coalition had not observed "an increase in violence in Iraq by ISIS during this period." However, he added, "If this is prolonged (...) there is a danger that our efforts against ISIS will be undermined." (AFP) *
Iraq .. Others are calling on the security forces to secure a million on Friday
Last update: Friday, 24 January 2020
Leader of Muqtada al-Sadr's other coalition
The deputy of the Parliamentary Bloc of Sa`aroon, Saad Ma`a al-Halfi, called on the leaders responsible for the security file to secure the millions of demonstrations scheduled to take place in the capital, Baghdad, on Friday, which were called by the leader of the Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr.
The bloc clarified that the demonstrations would be peaceful, unified, condemning the American presence. Al-Halfi called on the “security leaders to exert all possible efforts and harness the available capabilities to secure this demonstration and secure the demonstrators in Tahrir Square, while Muqtada al-Sadr instructed the blue hats owners to protect the Friday demonstrations.
Iranian scheme
Iranian scheme
On the other hand, security sources warned of a plan that would be implemented by the pro-Iranian militias to end the demonstrations in Iraq by attacking Tahrir Square and controlling the Turkish restaurant in conjunction with the millionaire demonstration, and then carrying out another attack in the rest of the Iraqi provinces.
For its part, Amnesty International said that it had collected testimonies and verified the videos, showing extreme violence against protesters in Iraq. She added in a tweet on Twitter that the past 48 hours have seen the death of at least twelve Iraqis, and Amnesty International has clarified that the death toll since the start of the Iraq protests in October last year exceeded 600.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Political analyst: The October demonstrations demanding the elimination of corruption have not received a portion of the attention of the Friday demonstrations
Dhi Qar demonstrators attack the Foreign Minister after meeting Jamil Al-Shammari: He sat with our children’s killer
01/24/2020 Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press:
Dozens of demonstrators, Dhi Qar Governorate, attacked, on Thursday, Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim after his last lecture at the Military Defense University.
A number of demonstrators said in an interview with "Al-Ghad Press", that "the foreign minister must be referred to the competent courts on the charge of sitting with criminals wanted for the judiciary."
The protester, Ali Hussein, told Al-Ghad Press, that "Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim must offer an official apology to the families of the martyrs in Dhi Qar Governorate, because he sat with our child's killer after completing a lecture at the Military Defense University."
And the demonstrator, Muhammad Ali, told Al-Ghad Press, that "the foreign minister committed a serious act and a clear provocation to the families of the wounded and martyrs when he appeared with a picture with the criminal Jamil al-Shammari, the murderer of the people of the province," noting that "the minister must be referred by the competent courts for the charge of sitting With wanted people to eliminate and try to cover them up. "
Activists shared the image of the minister and al-Shammari, while attorney Muhammad Salim al-Darraji wrote a tweet on the matter, saying, “Mr. President of the Supreme Judicial Council !! The Prosecutor !! A murderer wanders through the officials (and means Jamil al-Shammari) and a child who loves the country has an indictment attached to his chest !! Is justice and law enforcement ?? ".
A statement appeared on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim, confirming that the minister had given a lecture at the Military Defense University, and he was next to the wanted judiciary, Jamil al-Shammari as president of the university.
Parliamentary human rights warn against politicizing the judiciary and affirming: It will lead to the collapse of the state
01/24/2020 Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press:
Representative Yousra Rajab, a member of the Parliamentary Commission on Human Rights, demanded today, Thursday, the Iraqi judiciary to perform its duty to protect the constitution and human rights and protect its performance and independence, away from political pressure and interference.
In a statement received by Al-Ghad Press, Representative Rajab said that "while we congratulate the judiciary on its day and pay tribute to the role of the judiciary in implementing the law, holding accountable those who violate the law, protecting the interests of citizens and their rights in its courts, limiting the phenomenon of clan rocks and protecting people from resorting to some force Instead of the law to obtain their rights and hold perpetrators accountable in accordance with Article 4 terrorism, I call on the Iraqi judiciary to continue its work in protecting human rights and the constitution, holding corrupt people accountable and implementing judicial decisions without submitting to any political or partisan pressure. "
Rajab stressed that "the Iraqi judiciary can confront and solve all the problems that the Iraqis suffer from according to the law and the constitution," noting that "the law put rights on everyone and hold those who violate or violate these rights accountable under any title."
Rajab pointed out that "the existence of the state and the protection of its prestige is linked to the existence of the law and an independent and fair judiciary," stressing that "the strength of the state and the functioning of its institutions professionally demonstrate the strength and independence of the judiciary."
And she warned that "negligence or weakness of the judiciary will lead to the collapse of the state and flagrant violations of human rights and the loss of democratic gains after the year 2003," pointing out that "the Iraqi judiciary bears responsibility for any violation of human rights or the constitution and the law and those responsible must be held accountable by the Supreme Judicial Council and the selection Brave elements, judges, and independent professionals have the right to guarantee the implementation of the law and prevent it from being violated or violated.
Iraqi "Hezbollah Brigades" denies to RT its locations of unknown air strikes
Publication date: 24.01.2020
The Iraqi "Hezbollah Brigades" denied to RT, media reports that its sites, on Thursday, had been subjected to "unknown" air strikes.
"We were not subjected to any bombing, and what the media reported is untrue," an official in the "Hezbollah Brigades" said in an interview with RT.
And some Arab media have previously reported that sites of the "Hizballah" of the "Popular Mobilization" of Iraq were subjected to an air strike on the borders with Syria.
In a dangerous escalation of the situation in Iraq, the United States bombed, on the evening of December 29, 2019, locations of the Iraqi "Hezbollah Brigades" in Anbar province, and near the border with Syria, in response to the attacks that targeted American forces in Iraqi bases and Washington accused Iran and its allies of being behind them.
This operation killed about 25 fighters and wounded more than 50 others, followed by massive demonstrations on December 31 in front of the Washington embassy in Baghdad that turned into riots, and 3 days later the United States carried out another attack that killed the commander of the "Quds Force" of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Qassem Soleimani, who held him responsible for those events, and the deputy leader of the "Popular Mobilization", Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, to respond to Iran, on January 8, with missile strikes on American targets in two bases in Iraq."
Political analyst: The October demonstrations demanding the elimination of corruption have not received a portion of the attention of the Friday demonstrations
24-01-2020
Political analyst Raad Hashem was surprised by the state’s interest in and equipment for the demonstrations today, compared to the October demonstrations that started last October.
Hashem said in a tweet on his Twitter account: "The state apparatus is using all its capabilities and capabilities to secure the protection of the million-dollar demonstration, which is composed of partisan mixtures and armed factions."
He added: "Attention that did not receive part of it, the October demonstrations demanding the elimination of corruption, double standards!"
Targeting an Iraqi Hezbollah headquarters at the borders of Iraq and Syria
24 January 2020
Source: Dubai - Arab.net
Sources told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that an unknown plane was targeting the headquarters of the Iraqi Hezbollah, near the border with Syria. The Al-Hadath correspondent stated that the aircraft targeted Hezbollah headquarters in the Al-Qaem border region with Syria with at least 3 strikes. He added that it was reported that a field commander of the party's militia had been targeted in the air strike.
Kauaihn Economic Times:
Gold Prices Steady; Fears of China Virus Epidemic RemainCommodities Jan 23, 2020 05:15 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Gold prices were steady on Thursday in Asia as fears over the spread of China’s coronavirus remained. Gold Futures gained 0.2% to 1,559.80 by 12:34 AM ET (04:34 GMT). The new flu-like virus has so far claimed 17 lives and infected hundreds, according to data released by China’s government. On Thursday, China announced that it is closing transportation networks in Wuhan, the city at the center of the outbreak, and urge citizens not to
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Exposure To Gold And Silver Via The Sprott Physical Gold And Silver Trust
Gold and silver posted double-digit percentage gains in 2019. CEF followed the metals. An ATM program with Cantor Fitzgerald. Many ways to invest in gold and silver. Benefits of CEF - geopolitical diversification and allocation.
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Gold edges lower as worries over China virus ebb
Gold futures trade slightly lower, lacking support as global equities point higher and worries fade about an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus in China.
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Oil lower on forecast for surplus in crude supplies
Oil futures were under pressure Wednesday, with fears of an oversupply of crude outweighing a disruption to Libyan production.
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Oil Prices Slump Amid Rising Crude InventoriesCommodities Jan 23, 2020 04:41 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Oil prices slumped on Thursday in Asia after the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that crude inventories rose last week. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures lost 1.6% to $55.84 by 11:30 PM ET (03:30 GMT). International Brent Oil Futures dropped 1.3% to $62.37. Oil inventories gained by 1.6 million for the week ended Jan. 17, according to the weekly report published by the API. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) will report
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Rhodium prices roar to 11-year high
The price of rhodium, a metal used in fine jewelry and car parts, has skyrocketed over the last few months. It has jumped by more than 50% in just the first three weeks of January, reaching a price more than six times that of gold and the highest since late 2008, FactSet data show.
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The Repo Market Continues To Fester, Fed Considers Overhaul - Nathan McDonald (17/01/2020)
Another sinister situation has continued to unfold behind the scenes, taking a backseat to the immediate threat at our doorstep. I'm speaking of the ongoing crisis in the repo markets. If you thought this complete and utter mess was magically fixed by the Federal Reserve dumping bucketloads of money on top of it, you were horribly mistaken. The only thing keeping the contagion from spreading throughout the entirety of the markets is the fact that the Federal Reserve continues to play the role of
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How Can Blockchain Improve Data Storage?
Cloud servers are able to keep a full record of our lives, storing literally everything from personal photos and videos from our smartphones to work documents. At first glance, this solution makes our lives easier, but some unexpected threats can be found under a shell of comfort and extensive customer care. Although centralized data storage has its own benefits — higher speed and availability, quick throughput and low latency — it all comes at a cost. Big cloud storage companies such as Google
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Japanese Ex-Central Banker: Libra Spurred Us to Take CBDCs Seriously
The former head of payments and settlements at the Bank of Japan (BOJ) says Facebook’s Libra galvanized central banks globally to look seriously into digital currency issuance. A Jan. 22 Reuters report cited remarks by Hiromi Yamaoka, who reportedly oversaw the BOJ’s research into digital currencies as part of his erstwhile role and continues to communicate closely with international central bank policymakers. He is presently a board member at IT consultancy firm Future Corp. The private-public
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Dimon says the only financial market bubble is in sovereign debt
"Right now people think central banks around the world can do whatever they want. They can't," J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said.
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If You Still Own Actively Managed Stock Funds, Get Ready for Some Bad NewsJust 29% of active stock funds beat the indexes last year—one more reason investors should stick with index funds.
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Fragile Stability In Capital Markets Even As SARS Comparisons Grow
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Treasury yields tick higher as stocks shrug off coronavirus worriesU.S. Treasury yields edg up Wednesday with stocks likely to shake off fears around the coronavirus’s spread to other countries from China, which helped to pull equity indexes down from records on Tuesday on concerns about a possible pandemic slowing global economic growth
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S&P 500, Nasdaq aim for record on IBM earnings, fading China virus fearsThe S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were set for record highs on Wednesday, as investors took heart from China's efforts to contain a virus outbreak and a strong forecast from IBM.
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Bull Market Without End, AmenWho or what can stop this market beast from gaining strength yet again this year?
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A ‘Ponzi Market’ Is Developing in Corporate Bonds. Here’s What That Means.As long as the credit-expansion machine continues pumping out liquidity, the stability it creates will keep investors comfortable taking on risk in corporate bonds, despite their declining quality, a strategist warns.
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'Death Cross,' growth abroad threaten U.S. dollarStorm clouds are gathering over the U.S. dollar, threatening a two-year rally in the currency that has squeezed corporate profits and angered President Donald Trump.
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The Dollar Remains the Dominant Currency with 88 per cent of all Forex Transactions in 2019 - LearnBonds.comAs the world’s dominant currency, the US dollar maintained its leading role in forex trading last year. The US dollar was on the side of [...] The post The Dollar Remains the Dominant Currency with 88 per cent of all Forex Transactions in 2019 appeared first on LearnBonds.com.
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Forex - Dollar Edges Higher; Loonie Downside Risk as BoC MeetsForex Jan 22, 2020 09:03 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar edged higher Wednesday as traders took a calmer view of the emergence of the pneumonia-like virus in China, but its gains were minimal and caution was still abundant. At 04:10 ET (0910 GMT), the US Dollar Index Futures, which tracks the greenback against a basket of other currencies, was up 0.1% at 97.42. The yen dropped 0.1% against the dollar, with USD/JPY trading at 109.97. EUR/USD traded 0.1% at 1.1079 and GBP/USD at 1.3043, down
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USD/CAD Poised To Breakout With BOC On Tap | Action Forex
Heading into tomorrow’s Bank of Canada interest rate decision, traders are not expecting much in terms of tweaks to monetary policy. In fact, the market-implied odds of a rate cut are near zero, so any market reaction is more likely to hinge on the central bank’s forecasts for GDP and inflation over the coming year. […] The post USD/CAD Poised To Breakout With BOC On Tap appeared first on Action Forex.
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EUR/NZD: Short-Term Upside PotentialEUR/NZD has fallen over the past few weeks and months, yet volume profile analysis would indicate the market's assessment of fair value at prices around 1.74. Current spot prices around the 1.68 mark would indcate that there is significant short-term upside risk, as the market revises it downward adjustment. While the ECB's monetary policy remains very expansionary, the RBNZ has more opportunities for easing (for example, it could cut rates from +1.00% to +0.75% to match Australia) and
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Urgent warning as fake Australian money is released for Lunar New YearThe 'joss paper' and Chinese Training Notes are printed so they resemble Australian bank notes and are used as part of Hell Bank Money and Lunar New Year ceremonies.
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Axios Vitals: Uncle Sam's medical debt collection — New vaping industry bill — Coronavirus hits the U.S.Good morning. In case you were under a rock all day yesterday, the Supreme Court said it won't fast-track a lawsuit that aims to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act.
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Oncolytics Biotech: A Small But Very Promising Cancer Player In 2020Oncolytics Biotech’s pelareorep is all set to revolutionize the immuno-oncology space. Collaborations with multiple big pharma players adds credibility to the company’s technology platform. Investors should pay attention to certain risks.
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Americans exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water 'dramatically underestimated': reportTap water in the United States is contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer, liver damage, low birth weight and other health problems at a higher rate than previously thought, according to a new report.
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Are probiotics a waste of money?A physician and naturopath weigh in about these supplements — a $43 billion industry.
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Two Excedrin products are temporarily discontinued, company saysPharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline says it has temporarily discontinued two types of Excedrin items as a precautionary measure.
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At Davos, Kudlow touts huge wage gains among blue-collar workers: 'Booster rocket to this economy'
Overall, wages have accelerated this year by an average of 3.6 percent, as unemployment has held steady at 3.5 percent.
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5 Trends To Watch This Earnings Season
Earnings season kicks off this week in the real estate sector. More than 150 REITs and 100 housing industry components will report 4Q19 earnings over the next six weeks. REITs delivered their second-best year of the past decade in 2019 with total returns of nearly 30%, boosted by 'Goldilocks' economic conditions of low interest rates and solid economic growth. Outside of the struggling retail REIT sectors, growth metrics have inflected higher for REITs over the past year after bottoming in 2017.
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Opinion: As wage growth picks up, the Fed needs to be careful about overreacting
The risk of focusing on wage growth sets up the Federal Reserve to make the same mistake as it did with the unemployment rate.
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Trudeau Wants USMCA Deal Ratified Quickly, Opposition Says Not so Fast
"We are going to make sure we move forward in the right way."
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Zimbabwe: Zim to Continue Engaging U.S.
Zimbabwe will continue to re-engage the United States (US) despite challenges affecting the resumption of normal relations between the two countries, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday. He was speaking after a courtesy call from US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Brian Nichols. Relations between the two countries have been strained in the past two decades after the US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, protesting the implementation of land reform and a general desire by Washington to effect
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe Bets On Currency Deal With China to Lift Trade
Zimbabwe has signed a currency swap deal with China, hoping to stabilise its economy and improve trade. Zimbabwe Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country was following in the steps of Japan, South Africa and Nigeria. Mr Ncube made the revelations at a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on a five-country Africa tour last week. "What this means is that there are those who will be investing in Zimbabwe from China. Those who require their proceeds to be remitted back to
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Zimbabwe: Opposition Appeals for Help to Ease Humanitarian Crisis
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said Tuesday that his Movement for Democratic Change party will hold mass demonstrations to force the government to address the country’s political and economic problems. He also appealed to the international community to ease a deepening humanitarian crisis. After Zimbabwe’s main opposition party threatened a lawsuit, the police gave in and lifted a ban on this rally Tuesday in Mbare, one of Harare’s poorest townships. At the rally, MDC leader
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AFq-
Zimbabwe: Striking Zim Doctors Warm Up to Masiyiwa Cash Token
ZIMBABWE'S unsettled junior doctors have finally accepted to be part of Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa training fellowship offer in which the mobile telecoms mogul last year set up a $100 million fund which sought to grant $5 000 each to 2 000 junior and senior doctors employed by government on top of what they are earning from their employer. The medical practitioners last September embarked on a four-month strike that brought services in the country's major hospital to a standstill. They were
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe to adopt smart agriculture
Government says it is engaging agriculture sector stakeholders to promote and implement a comprehensive transformation which will allow farmers to migrate from conventional farming methods to smart agriculture to improve their yields. The transformation will also see the increase in the production of export quality crops as well as adoption of broad pest control mechanisms in the wake of climate change. In an interview with NewsDay on the sidelines of a cocktail meeting for agriculture
Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/A3h-
Zimbabwe: Zim's UK-Africa Summit Snub Reminder of Open for Business Fallacy - Chamisa
Zimbabwe was snubbed for the United Kingdom-Africa Summit which kicked off today because the country is not open for business, opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said. Addressing party leadership and supporters who gathered at Stodart open grounds to listen to his Agenda 2020 address, Chamisa mocked the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime saying it had failed to attract business with the rest of the world due to policy inconsistencies and uncertainties. "No country wants to do business
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AIG-
Libya: U.S. Calls for Resumption of Oil Production
The U.S. embassy in Libya has called for oil production in the country to resume, after forces of rebel leader Khalifa Haftar shut down several major oil fields and pipelines. Haftar’s army halted most oil output ahead of Sunday’s international peace conference on Libya in Berlin. Libya’s National Oil Corporation said the halt will cost the country an estimated $55 million per day. The U.S. embassy said Tuesday it is “deeply concerned” the shutdown will worsen Libya’s humanitarian emergency. Oil
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AXquWSU-
Malawi: Mutharika Clinches Energy Deal in UK for Malawi
Malawi's efforts to eradicate power challenges continue to bear fruits following the signing of an energy deal by government with a UK company on Tuesday in London. President Mutharika luring the British investors to invest in Malawi in energy sector and its done deal Done deal: Mutharika gets UK energy company to invest in Malawi Ministers part of President;s delegation to UK: From left to right, Foreign Minister Francis Kusaila, Local Government minister Ben Phiri and Minister of Trade and
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AJd005AZTP_
China’s coronavirus outbreak couldn’t have come at a worse time: Lunar New Year
The outbreak of a mysterious virus in China has infected hundreds and killed nine. The exact source has yet to be determined, human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, and Chinese health authorities say the virus has mutated and will likely spread further. Now add to that China's busiest travel season, as hundreds of millions are expected...
Read in Quartz: https://apple.news/
Years after SARS, a more confident China faces a new virus
Nearly two decades after the disastrously handled SARS epidemic, China’s more open response to a new virus signals its growing confidence and greater awareness of the pitfalls of censorship, even though the government remains as authoritarian as ever
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US-China deal offers a 'pathway to peace,' IMF chief says
The signing of a "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China offers a "pathway to peace" which improves the outlook for the global economy, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
HSBC lags as finance cleans up on Asian energy
As much of the financial sector backs away from funding coal power, HSBC not only stays in the game, it is hypocritical about its role
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Japan-US treaty blocks progress in dispute with Moscow
The final nail in the coffin of Shinzo Abe’s hope for one foreign policy gain has been hammered
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
South Korea posts lowest growth in a decade
Trade tensions between the United States and China and the sluggish semiconductor market to blame
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Donald Trump accuses the EU of making it 'IMPOSSIBLE' to tradeDonald Trump today claimed the EU makes it 'impossible' to trade as he praised Boris Johnson and said the UK is in a 'good position' to get a strong post-Brexit deal from the bloc.
Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/
UK government under renewed pressure to provide an EU Green CardThe UK House of Lords has backed calls for “physical” proof of status for EU citizens after the UK leaves the EU on 31 January. The amendment, backed by a Liberal Democrat peer, would give EU nationals the right to receive a residence document instead of the government’s plan to provide only digital proof. It would also grant them an automatic right to stay, instead of having to apply. The Lords, in a vote on Monday, passed the amendment, during the passage of the Withdrawal Bill, by 270 votes
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Brexit has reversed a decades-long drop in the size of the UK’s civil serviceThe UK government has for years steadily reduced the number of civil servants on its payrolls. But after its ranks sunk to their lowest level in the post-war period, those numbers have ticked up every quarter since Brits voted in June 2016 to leave the EU. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/
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Priority status for EU fossil fuel projects raises green hacklesEuropean lawmakers on Wednesday approved the European Union's list of priority energy projects that are eligible for up to 30 billion euros ($33.5 billion) in funding, ignoring objections over its inclusion of fossil fuel schemes.
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ECONOMIC TIMES / CHATTER
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Today in history 23 2020
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Good Morning from CNN
10 Things to Know for TodayGet ready for Thursday, January 23rd with a few things to know about the day’s news from The Associated Press
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Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
‘Taxpayers are leaving millions of dollars off their returns.’ Why Americans repeatedly overlook this lucrative tax credit
This credit prevents millions from slipping into poverty, yet a new study finds many people are not aware of its existence.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A_
This credit prevents millions from slipping into poverty, yet a new study finds many people are not aware of its existence.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A_
Wayne T. Essex Essex and Associates Inc.
Taxpayer Advocate finds problems with tax refund delays and taxpayer service
The Internal Revenue Service's new anti-fraud filters are unnecessarily flagging millions of tax returns and delaying legitimate tax refunds for weeks or months, according to a new report from the acting National Taxpayer Advocate's office.
Bridget Roberts, who took over the job last year from Nina Olson, the longtime head of the IRS's Taxpayer Advocate Service, released her first annual report to Congress Wednesday, where she focused on inadequate taxpayer service..
The report noted that during the 2019 filing season, the IRS used a new refund fraud filter known as "Filter X" that ultimately flagged and stopped the processing of nearly 1.1 million tax returns.
More than half of those refunds were eventually paid. But the false positive rate for other non-identity theft refund fraud filters was a whopping 71 percent. That means 71 out of every 100 tax refunds stopped by the IRS's fraud filters were ultimately determined to be legitimate.
During fiscal year 2019, the acting National Taxpayer Advocate's report found the IRS received approximately 100 million telephone calls, but the agency's customer service representatives answered only 29 percent of the calls.
The IRS frequently focuses its enforcement efforts against taxpayers with the least ability to pay, but taxpayers often can't reach the IRS to make it aware of their hardships.
U.S. lawmakers, in December 2019, significantly changed rules relating to retirement following the the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the SECURE Act). It was passed into law as part of a much broader package of legislation. The legislation has many moving parts, and some pros and cons, but who benefits? Here are four groups who the new law may help.
If You're Retiring Later, Or Not At All
We know that life expectancy is increasing. Starting in 2020, the law now reflects that reality. Previously if you were over 70 1/2 you couldn't add to your retirement savings in an IRA. In 2020 you'll be able to do that. The age at which you need to take withdrawals from a retirement account RMDs, or required minimum distributions, just increased to age 72. Both give you a little more financial flexibility if you're still working in your later years, or planning too.
If You Work Part Time
If you're working over 500 hours a year and a long-term employee, typically defined as working for a company for at least 3 years, you may now be eligible for a 401(k) plan to save for retirement when you weren't previously. The limit was previously 1,000 hours. This move should expand retirement savings options for part-time workers, or those splitting their time between different employers.
If You're Having A Baby
If you're having a baby, then cash can be tight. The law will allow for a withdrawal of up to $5,000 from a retirement account up to a year after a birth or adoption to help support the costs of having a new member of the family. Of course, the goal of retirement saving is to save, rather than use the money before retirement. This is to say that just because this withdrawal is now possible does not make it a good idea for everyone. Still, this change makes it a little easier to manage the costs of kids.
If You're Using A 529 Plan
If you're using a 529 plan, then the costs you can cover just became a little broader. The costs associated with apprenticeships are now generally covered. You can also now use a 529 to pay off up to $10,000 of student debt.
Not A Complete List
Of course, legislation and taxes are complex. This isn't a complete list and even in the situations above you should check, with a tax expert, the implementation timelines and make sure you qualify.
COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold Prices Steady; Fears of China Virus Epidemic RemainCommodities Jan 23, 2020 05:15 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Gold prices were steady on Thursday in Asia as fears over the spread of China’s coronavirus remained. Gold Futures gained 0.2% to 1,559.80 by 12:34 AM ET (04:34 GMT). The new flu-like virus has so far claimed 17 lives and infected hundreds, according to data released by China’s government. On Thursday, China announced that it is closing transportation networks in Wuhan, the city at the center of the outbreak, and urge citizens not to
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Exposure To Gold And Silver Via The Sprott Physical Gold And Silver Trust
Gold and silver posted double-digit percentage gains in 2019. CEF followed the metals. An ATM program with Cantor Fitzgerald. Many ways to invest in gold and silver. Benefits of CEF - geopolitical diversification and allocation.
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Gold edges lower as worries over China virus ebb
Gold futures trade slightly lower, lacking support as global equities point higher and worries fade about an outbreak of a potentially deadly virus in China.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Oil lower on forecast for surplus in crude supplies
Oil futures were under pressure Wednesday, with fears of an oversupply of crude outweighing a disruption to Libyan production.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Oil Prices Slump Amid Rising Crude InventoriesCommodities Jan 23, 2020 04:41 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - Oil prices slumped on Thursday in Asia after the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that crude inventories rose last week. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures lost 1.6% to $55.84 by 11:30 PM ET (03:30 GMT). International Brent Oil Futures dropped 1.3% to $62.37. Oil inventories gained by 1.6 million for the week ended Jan. 17, according to the weekly report published by the API. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) will report
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Rhodium prices roar to 11-year high
The price of rhodium, a metal used in fine jewelry and car parts, has skyrocketed over the last few months. It has jumped by more than 50% in just the first three weeks of January, reaching a price more than six times that of gold and the highest since late 2008, FactSet data show.
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/A3qu5sftUR_
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
The Repo Market Continues To Fester, Fed Considers Overhaul - Nathan McDonald (17/01/2020)
Another sinister situation has continued to unfold behind the scenes, taking a backseat to the immediate threat at our doorstep. I'm speaking of the ongoing crisis in the repo markets. If you thought this complete and utter mess was magically fixed by the Federal Reserve dumping bucketloads of money on top of it, you were horribly mistaken. The only thing keeping the contagion from spreading throughout the entirety of the markets is the fact that the Federal Reserve continues to play the role of
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AH3W_
Commercial Banking And The Consumer: Bank Of America In The Lead
Brian Moynihan, BofA CEO, would like to double the bank's share in the consumer market, a market now very profitable, which will be even more so with advances in informationtechnology. Other large banks are also trying to increase their market share causing regulators and analysts concern about big bank dominance of the whole commercial banking sector. Investors should be very aware of these efforts because of the effect that they will have on the structure of the full banking sector and number
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DAVOS-VTB Group's Orcel says Russian rates could drop up to 75 bps in 2020
Russian interest rates could drop by up to 75 basis points by the end of 2020, VTB Group Deputy Chief Executive Riccardo Orcel said on Tuesday, as long as inflation holds steady.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Commercial Banking And The Consumer: Bank Of America In The Lead
Brian Moynihan, BofA CEO, would like to double the bank's share in the consumer market, a market now very profitable, which will be even more so with advances in informationtechnology. Other large banks are also trying to increase their market share causing regulators and analysts concern about big bank dominance of the whole commercial banking sector. Investors should be very aware of these efforts because of the effect that they will have on the structure of the full banking sector and number
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
DAVOS-VTB Group's Orcel says Russian rates could drop up to 75 bps in 2020
Russian interest rates could drop by up to 75 basis points by the end of 2020, VTB Group Deputy Chief Executive Riccardo Orcel said on Tuesday, as long as inflation holds steady.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
How Can Blockchain Improve Data Storage?
Cloud servers are able to keep a full record of our lives, storing literally everything from personal photos and videos from our smartphones to work documents. At first glance, this solution makes our lives easier, but some unexpected threats can be found under a shell of comfort and extensive customer care. Although centralized data storage has its own benefits — higher speed and availability, quick throughput and low latency — it all comes at a cost. Big cloud storage companies such as Google
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Japanese Ex-Central Banker: Libra Spurred Us to Take CBDCs Seriously
The former head of payments and settlements at the Bank of Japan (BOJ) says Facebook’s Libra galvanized central banks globally to look seriously into digital currency issuance. A Jan. 22 Reuters report cited remarks by Hiromi Yamaoka, who reportedly oversaw the BOJ’s research into digital currencies as part of his erstwhile role and continues to communicate closely with international central bank policymakers. He is presently a board member at IT consultancy firm Future Corp. The private-public
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Dimon says the only financial market bubble is in sovereign debt
"Right now people think central banks around the world can do whatever they want. They can't," J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said.
Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/
TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS
If You Still Own Actively Managed Stock Funds, Get Ready for Some Bad NewsJust 29% of active stock funds beat the indexes last year—one more reason investors should stick with index funds.
Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/
Fragile Stability In Capital Markets Even As SARS Comparisons Grow
Nearly all the major markets in the Asia-Pacific regions rose, including a more than 1% gain in Hong Kong and South Korea. European shares are posting small gains near midday. US shares are trading firmer, and the S&P 500 appears poised to set a new record high today. While most of the major currencies are little changed, the Scandis are firmer, and the Swiss franc is notably the weakest. Emerging market currencies are narrowly mixed, with the JP Morgan Emerging Market Currency Index lower for
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Treasury yields tick higher as stocks shrug off coronavirus worriesU.S. Treasury yields edg up Wednesday with stocks likely to shake off fears around the coronavirus’s spread to other countries from China, which helped to pull equity indexes down from records on Tuesday on concerns about a possible pandemic slowing global economic growth
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/A5acvpk_
S&P 500, Nasdaq aim for record on IBM earnings, fading China virus fearsThe S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were set for record highs on Wednesday, as investors took heart from China's efforts to contain a virus outbreak and a strong forecast from IBM.
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Bull Market Without End, AmenWho or what can stop this market beast from gaining strength yet again this year?
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
A ‘Ponzi Market’ Is Developing in Corporate Bonds. Here’s What That Means.As long as the credit-expansion machine continues pumping out liquidity, the stability it creates will keep investors comfortable taking on risk in corporate bonds, despite their declining quality, a strategist warns.
Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Thursday, 23rd January
Investing.com -- China put a second city in lockdown as the number of coronavirus cases continued to rise dramatically from a low base. Chinese stocks and crude oil tumbled, but Europe's recovered after an early wobble and U.S. markets are set to open flat. The European Central Bank is expected to launch a year-long review of its monetary policy strategy, and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), P&G and Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) are due to serve up earnings. Here's what to know about in financial markets on Thursday 23rd, January.
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch for Jan. 23Stock Markets Jan 23, 2020 01:03 GMT By Kim Khan Investing.com - Here are three things that could rock the markets tomorrow. 1. P&G and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) Weigh In Earnings tomorrow are a dichotomy, with the definitive legacy consumer products giant reporting before the bell and the definitive legacy tech company up after the close. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) will weigh in ahead of trading. Analysts, on average, expect P&G to earn $1.37 per share on sales of about $18.4 billion, according to
Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/ALtBx_
CRYPTO / DIGITAL CURRENCIES
Bitcoin Bulls Seek Stronger Move After Bounce to $8.8K Loses MomentumBitcoin continues to defend key support, but a sustained move above $8,750 is needed to revive the short-term bull case.
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Ray Dalio Calls for Investment Diversification, But Not in BitcoinRay Dalio, multi-billionaire and founder of investment firm Bridgewater Associates, said investors should not miss out on traditional markets, CNBC reported on Jan. 21. Dalio warned from holding Bitcoin, saying that it’s neither a medium of exchange nor a store of value. Dalio was interviewed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he advised investors to hold a global and diversified portfolio in this market, while increasing their stake in stock markets. While Dalio
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AEheWZcu_
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AEheWZcu_
Hong Kong and Thailand Pilot DLT-Based Project for Cross-Border Payments
Hong Kong and Thailand’s central banks have stepped closer to implementing a joint central bank digital currency (CBDC) for cross-border payments. On Jan. 22, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) officially announced the outcomes of a joint CBDC research project called Project Inthanon-LionRock. Alongside publishing a joint press release, the banks have issued a detailed 90-page report providing an exhaustive analysis of the potential risks and benefits of CBDCs
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Hong Kong and Thailand’s central banks have stepped closer to implementing a joint central bank digital currency (CBDC) for cross-border payments. On Jan. 22, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Bank of Thailand (BOT) officially announced the outcomes of a joint CBDC research project called Project Inthanon-LionRock. Alongside publishing a joint press release, the banks have issued a detailed 90-page report providing an exhaustive analysis of the potential risks and benefits of CBDCs
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Bitcoin Risk-Adjusted Returns Beat Gold, Stocks After Each HalvingBitcoin (BTC) outperforms major assets such as gold, real estate and stocks if an investor holds it for just four years, popular data confirms. Highlighting the success of Bitcoin as an investment tool on Jan. 22, veteran cryptographer Nick Szabo noted Bitcoin is so far unmatched compared to many other assets broadly considered profitable. Szabo: BTC hodlers “have low time preference” Szabo linked to a chart from statistics resource Woobull, which placed Bitcoin against United States stocks and
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AJcqzTBm_
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/AJcqzTBm_
Bitcoin Bulls Seek Stronger Move After Bounce to $8.8K Loses MomentumBitcoin continues to defend key support, but a sustained move above $8,750 is needed to revive the short-term bull case.
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Read in CoinDesk: https://apple.news/
Stark Bitcoin Warning Issued As ‘Greed’ Sharply RisesBitcoin has had a strong start to the year but it could be all about to go wrong for the cryptocurrency market...
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Is Bitcoin a Safe Haven for Your Money?In the summer of 2019, the 10-year minus 3-month yield curve inverted for the first time in 13 years. During the time of the inversion, Bitcoin’s price hit all-time highs for the year. The previous inversion in 2006 was followed shortly thereafter by the global economic crisis of 2008. On Jan. 3rd 2020, United States President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by drone strike. The Iranian government retaliated on Jan. 8th by launching missiles at two American
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Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
Chinese Experts Suggest Using Blockchain Tech in ‘Social Credit’ System
Chinese technology experts held a seminar titled "Blockchain technology helps China's new social credit system" on Jan. 14. English-language news outlet China.org.cn reported on Jan. 22 that over 20 experts from universities, research institutes and businesses attended the event. China’s social credit system is a citizen reputation system that the Chinese government is currently developing. Social credit regional trials began in 2009, while a national pilot started in 2014. Four years after the
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/A8xwMT-
Chinese technology experts held a seminar titled "Blockchain technology helps China's new social credit system" on Jan. 14. English-language news outlet China.org.cn reported on Jan. 22 that over 20 experts from universities, research institutes and businesses attended the event. China’s social credit system is a citizen reputation system that the Chinese government is currently developing. Social credit regional trials began in 2009, while a national pilot started in 2014. Four years after the
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/A8xwMT-
All Top Cryptos Rally, But Only Slightly, Averaging A Gain of...How the Fab Five Fared Since the previous day, the five most-watched cryptos (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple) provided their holders with a return of 0.71%. Leading the way was Ethereum, whose price is now around $169.36 USD, which yielded holders a return of 1.55% from the day prior. As for the worst-performing crypto out of the Big Five, yesterday that was Bitcoin Cash; it came in at up 0.07%, which drove its price to around $343.52 USD. Out of the five coins observed
Read in Coin Insider.: https://apple.news/AqHwJLyGtO_
Read in Coin Insider.: https://apple.news/AqHwJLyGtO_
Bitcoin And Ethereum Not As Correlated As Everyone Thinks
Many people expect Bitcoin and Ethereum price movements to be fairly closely aligned. Markets are either up or down, right? Not so, according to Three Arrows Capital CEO, Su Zhu, who has been looking at monthly trends on BTC and ETH over the past 36 months. Bitcoin And Ethereum Disagree 25% Of The Time In a tweet yesterday, Zhu compared monthly closes on BTC/USD and ETH/USD since Jan 2017. While some expect agreement in the market direction between the two almost all of the time, this is far
Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/
Many people expect Bitcoin and Ethereum price movements to be fairly closely aligned. Markets are either up or down, right? Not so, according to Three Arrows Capital CEO, Su Zhu, who has been looking at monthly trends on BTC and ETH over the past 36 months. Bitcoin And Ethereum Disagree 25% Of The Time In a tweet yesterday, Zhu compared monthly closes on BTC/USD and ETH/USD since Jan 2017. While some expect agreement in the market direction between the two almost all of the time, this is far
Read in Bitcoinist.net: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
'Death Cross,' growth abroad threaten U.S. dollarStorm clouds are gathering over the U.S. dollar, threatening a two-year rally in the currency that has squeezed corporate profits and angered President Donald Trump.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
The Dollar Remains the Dominant Currency with 88 per cent of all Forex Transactions in 2019 - LearnBonds.comAs the world’s dominant currency, the US dollar maintained its leading role in forex trading last year. The US dollar was on the side of [...] The post The Dollar Remains the Dominant Currency with 88 per cent of all Forex Transactions in 2019 appeared first on LearnBonds.com.
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Forex - Dollar Edges Higher; Loonie Downside Risk as BoC MeetsForex Jan 22, 2020 09:03 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar edged higher Wednesday as traders took a calmer view of the emergence of the pneumonia-like virus in China, but its gains were minimal and caution was still abundant. At 04:10 ET (0910 GMT), the US Dollar Index Futures, which tracks the greenback against a basket of other currencies, was up 0.1% at 97.42. The yen dropped 0.1% against the dollar, with USD/JPY trading at 109.97. EUR/USD traded 0.1% at 1.1079 and GBP/USD at 1.3043, down
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USD/CAD Poised To Breakout With BOC On Tap | Action Forex
Heading into tomorrow’s Bank of Canada interest rate decision, traders are not expecting much in terms of tweaks to monetary policy. In fact, the market-implied odds of a rate cut are near zero, so any market reaction is more likely to hinge on the central bank’s forecasts for GDP and inflation over the coming year. […] The post USD/CAD Poised To Breakout With BOC On Tap appeared first on Action Forex.
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Canadian Dollar Mixed Awaiting BoC and CPI, Dollar Firmer | Action ForexYen and Swiss Franc turn mildly softer today as risk aversions receded. Asian stocks recover generally even though upside is limited. Traders remain cautious on coronavirus outbreak in China, which has already spread to the US. Sterling, Euro and Dollar are currently the stronger ones. Canadian Dollar is mixed, awaiting BoC rate decision and Canadian […] The post Canadian Dollar Mixed Awaiting BoC and CPI, Dollar Firmer appeared first on Action Forex.
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The demise of the Bristol Pound shows the folly of local currencies - CapXThe Bristol Pound is on its last legs. The idea of creating a local currency for the Gloucestershire city emerged ‘around a table in a pub in early 2009’ but will soon come to an end unless its directors can find £100,000 to cover its running costs. Printing money is not an option this time. Bristol’s experiment is not the first local currency to hit the buffers. The Exeter Pound ceased operations in 2018. The Totnes Pound came to an end last September. The Stroud Pound, which was launched by
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Euro Could Be Set For A ReboundThe euro has started seeing upside against the greenback and British pound. The ECB has indicated a "strategic review" for the eurozone will take place on January 23. This may be an indication that the ECB will place less reliance on quantitative easing going forward. I take a bullish view on the euro at this time.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
EUR/NZD: Short-Term Upside PotentialEUR/NZD has fallen over the past few weeks and months, yet volume profile analysis would indicate the market's assessment of fair value at prices around 1.74. Current spot prices around the 1.68 mark would indcate that there is significant short-term upside risk, as the market revises it downward adjustment. While the ECB's monetary policy remains very expansionary, the RBNZ has more opportunities for easing (for example, it could cut rates from +1.00% to +0.75% to match Australia) and
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AJmdwOwgEN-
Urgent warning as fake Australian money is released for Lunar New YearThe 'joss paper' and Chinese Training Notes are printed so they resemble Australian bank notes and are used as part of Hell Bank Money and Lunar New Year ceremonies.
Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/
Forex - Yen Pushes Higher; Euro in Focus as ECB MeetsForex Jan 23, 2020 08:29 GMT Investing.com - The safe haven Japanese yen gained against the U.S. dollar Thursday on a sharp bout of risk aversion, as battles to contain the new pneumonia-like virus in China intensified, although volatility remained limited. By 03:30 ET (0830 GMT), the yen had climbed 0.2% against the dollar, with USD/JPY trading at 109.56. The Chinese yuan dropped 0.4% against the greenback, with USD/CNY trading at 6.9313. The US Dollar Index Futures, which tracks the greenback
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Forex - Yen Gains On Weak Export Data, Virus Fears; Yuan DropsForex Jan 23, 2020 06:19 GMT By Alex Ho Investing.com - The Japanese yen gained on Thursday in Asia gained on Thursday in Asia amid weak export figures and fears about the mysterious virus in China. The EUR/USD pair inched down 0.1% to 1.1082 as traders awaited the European Central Bank (ECB) policy meeting due later in the day. The meeting will be followed bya press conference with President Christine Lagarde. The USD/JPY pair lost 0.3% to 109.53 amid ongoing fears about the widening
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HEALTH / SCIENCE
Axios Vitals: Uncle Sam's medical debt collection — New vaping industry bill — Coronavirus hits the U.S.Good morning. In case you were under a rock all day yesterday, the Supreme Court said it won't fast-track a lawsuit that aims to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act.
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Oncolytics Biotech: A Small But Very Promising Cancer Player In 2020Oncolytics Biotech’s pelareorep is all set to revolutionize the immuno-oncology space. Collaborations with multiple big pharma players adds credibility to the company’s technology platform. Investors should pay attention to certain risks.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/AzceD_WWZM-
Americans exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water 'dramatically underestimated': reportTap water in the United States is contaminated with toxic fluorinated chemicals, some of which are known to cause cancer, liver damage, low birth weight and other health problems at a higher rate than previously thought, according to a new report.
Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/
Wuhan Pneumonia: What Are the Symptoms of China Coronavirus 2019-nCoV?January 22, 2020 Health officials in the U.S. have asked clinicians to be on the look out for patients with symptoms of a mystery virus from China, which has been identified in a man in Washington state. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the man had recently returned to Seattle from Wuhan, a central city in Hubei Province. This is where an outbreak of viral pneumonia started late last year. Since December 2019, almost 300 people in mainland China have fallen ill and
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Are probiotics a waste of money?A physician and naturopath weigh in about these supplements — a $43 billion industry.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AsN_
Two Excedrin products are temporarily discontinued, company saysPharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline says it has temporarily discontinued two types of Excedrin items as a precautionary measure.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/
USA/CANADA
Trump says Fed raising rates was a mistake: CNBC
The United States' economy would be growing at a pace near 4% if wasn't for the lingering effect of Federal Reserve rate hikes, President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday.
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The United States' economy would be growing at a pace near 4% if wasn't for the lingering effect of Federal Reserve rate hikes, President Donald Trump told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday.
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'Big mistake' — Trump blasts Fed for curbing growth and shackling stocks by hiking interest rates
President Trump slammed the Fed for raising interest rates in 2017 and 2018. He accused the Fed of hindering the economy and stock market in a CNBC interview. The economy would be growing faster and the stock market could be more than a third higher if the central bank hadn't hiked rates, Trump said. "Had we not done the big raise on interest, I think we would have been close to 4%," Trump said. "I could see 5,000 to 10,000 points more on the Dow. It was just a big mistake." Visit Business
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President Trump slammed the Fed for raising interest rates in 2017 and 2018. He accused the Fed of hindering the economy and stock market in a CNBC interview. The economy would be growing faster and the stock market could be more than a third higher if the central bank hadn't hiked rates, Trump said. "Had we not done the big raise on interest, I think we would have been close to 4%," Trump said. "I could see 5,000 to 10,000 points more on the Dow. It was just a big mistake." Visit Business
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At Davos, Kudlow touts huge wage gains among blue-collar workers: 'Booster rocket to this economy'
Overall, wages have accelerated this year by an average of 3.6 percent, as unemployment has held steady at 3.5 percent.
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5 Trends To Watch This Earnings Season
Earnings season kicks off this week in the real estate sector. More than 150 REITs and 100 housing industry components will report 4Q19 earnings over the next six weeks. REITs delivered their second-best year of the past decade in 2019 with total returns of nearly 30%, boosted by 'Goldilocks' economic conditions of low interest rates and solid economic growth. Outside of the struggling retail REIT sectors, growth metrics have inflected higher for REITs over the past year after bottoming in 2017.
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
Opinion: As wage growth picks up, the Fed needs to be careful about overreacting
The risk of focusing on wage growth sets up the Federal Reserve to make the same mistake as it did with the unemployment rate.
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Trudeau Wants USMCA Deal Ratified Quickly, Opposition Says Not so Fast
"We are going to make sure we move forward in the right way."
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EMERGING MARKETS
URTH: When Looking Outside U.S., Consider A Developed World ETFWith U.S. equity prices at historic levels, finding ways to diversify a portfolio is looking increasingly relevant. While I have been advocating building positions across the fixed-income space, non-U.S. equities have also been on my buy list. URTH offers investors exposure to both the U.S. equity market and companies headquartered in nine other developed markets. Optimism in U.S. equities is reaching historically high levels, and while that can be good in the short term, this often precedes a
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A_
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/A_
Axios Markets: The rise of RussiaGood morning! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. (Today's Smart Brevity count: 1,194 words, or 4.5 minutes.)
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Read in Axios: https://apple.news/
Riding China and India’s Growth With Financial-Services StocksThe fund has found solid bets in China and India, particularly in financial-services stocks.
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Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/
Here's why China won't overtake the US as the largest economy anytime soonWe've reached peak globalisation, says Capital Economics, and emerging economies like China will suffer. That means the widespread assumption that China will leapfrog the US for the title of the world's biggest economy is likely wrong. "If we're right, then the world in 2050 will look very different to what the consensus expects," the economists said. Visit Business Insider for more stories. We've reached peak globalization, says Capital Economics - "In fact, a period of de-globalisation is
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/
Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/
Spain declares national climate emergencyThis is a first step toward enacting ambitious climate measures that include reducing net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Venezuelans Are Reportedly Selling Airdropped Petro Tokens on LocalBitcoinsby Francisco Memoria | 22 Jan 2020 People in Venezuela are reportedly selling Petro tokens they received via a government airdrop via the peer-to-peer bitcoin trading platform LocalBitcoins. According to a Venezuelan Reddit user, “weeks ago” the country’s government airdropped 0.5 PTR to public workers and pensions, claiming to have reached a total of 6 million people with the oil-backed cryptocurrency airdrop. To receive the tokens, the Venezuelans had to login to a platform called “Patria”
Read in CryptoGlobe: https://apple.news/AvB_
Read in CryptoGlobe: https://apple.news/AvB_
MIDDLE EAST
Masked gunmen kill local commander of Iran's security forces
Iran's official news agency says that masked gunmen ambushed and killed the local commander of a paramilitary security force in a southwestern town
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Iran's official news agency says that masked gunmen ambushed and killed the local commander of a paramilitary security force in a southwestern town
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Egypt plans to build $500m multi-purpose terminal at Safaga portCairo – Mubasher: Egypt is looking to build a multi-purpose terminal for containers and non-containerised cargo at Safaga Maritime Port at an estimated cost of $500 million, the country’s transport minister Kamel El-Wazir said. Located six …
Read in Mubasher: https://apple.news/
Read in Mubasher: https://apple.news/
Libya: U.S. Calls for Resumption of Oil ProductionThe U.S. embassy in Libya has called for oil production in the country to resume, after forces of rebel leader Khalifa Haftar shut down several major oil fields and pipelines. Haftar’s army halted most oil output ahead of Sunday’s international peace conference on Libya in Berlin. Libya’s National Oil Corporation said the halt will cost the country an estimated $55 million per day. The U.S. embassy said Tuesday it is “deeply concerned” the shutdown will worsen Libya’s humanitarian emergency. Oil
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AXquWSU-
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AXquWSU-
IMF seen as option for Lebanon depending on terms: senior politicianAn International Monetary Fund program is an option for Lebanon depending on terms that should be bearable for the crisis-hit country and not trigger social unrest, a senior politician said on Wednesday as a new government took office.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
White House opposes annexing Jordan Valley before release of peace plan: report'The US made its stance clear and the Israeli government is aware of it completely'
Read in i24 News: https://apple.news/
Read in i24 News: https://apple.news/
Saudi crown prince behind Jeff Bezos hack: reportsThe heir to the Saudi throne is believed to have personally sent malware via the messaging application Whatsapp
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Read in Asia Times: https://apple.news/
Saudi Arabia denies Jeff Bezos phone hack, calls claim 'absurd'Saudi Arabia has denied that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' phone was hacked during a WhatsApp conversation with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling the claim "absurd."
Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/APsjF6j6_
Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/APsjF6j6_
AFRICA
Zimbabwe: Zim to Continue Engaging U.S.
Zimbabwe will continue to re-engage the United States (US) despite challenges affecting the resumption of normal relations between the two countries, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday. He was speaking after a courtesy call from US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Brian Nichols. Relations between the two countries have been strained in the past two decades after the US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, protesting the implementation of land reform and a general desire by Washington to effect
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Zimbabwe Bets On Currency Deal With China to Lift Trade
Zimbabwe has signed a currency swap deal with China, hoping to stabilise its economy and improve trade. Zimbabwe Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country was following in the steps of Japan, South Africa and Nigeria. Mr Ncube made the revelations at a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on a five-country Africa tour last week. "What this means is that there are those who will be investing in Zimbabwe from China. Those who require their proceeds to be remitted back to
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Zimbabwe: Opposition Appeals for Help to Ease Humanitarian Crisis
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa said Tuesday that his Movement for Democratic Change party will hold mass demonstrations to force the government to address the country’s political and economic problems. He also appealed to the international community to ease a deepening humanitarian crisis. After Zimbabwe’s main opposition party threatened a lawsuit, the police gave in and lifted a ban on this rally Tuesday in Mbare, one of Harare’s poorest townships. At the rally, MDC leader
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AFq-
Zimbabwe: Striking Zim Doctors Warm Up to Masiyiwa Cash Token
ZIMBABWE'S unsettled junior doctors have finally accepted to be part of Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa training fellowship offer in which the mobile telecoms mogul last year set up a $100 million fund which sought to grant $5 000 each to 2 000 junior and senior doctors employed by government on top of what they are earning from their employer. The medical practitioners last September embarked on a four-month strike that brought services in the country's major hospital to a standstill. They were
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe to adopt smart agriculture
Government says it is engaging agriculture sector stakeholders to promote and implement a comprehensive transformation which will allow farmers to migrate from conventional farming methods to smart agriculture to improve their yields. The transformation will also see the increase in the production of export quality crops as well as adoption of broad pest control mechanisms in the wake of climate change. In an interview with NewsDay on the sidelines of a cocktail meeting for agriculture
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Zimbabwe: Zim's UK-Africa Summit Snub Reminder of Open for Business Fallacy - Chamisa
Zimbabwe was snubbed for the United Kingdom-Africa Summit which kicked off today because the country is not open for business, opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said. Addressing party leadership and supporters who gathered at Stodart open grounds to listen to his Agenda 2020 address, Chamisa mocked the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime saying it had failed to attract business with the rest of the world due to policy inconsistencies and uncertainties. "No country wants to do business
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AIG-
Libya: U.S. Calls for Resumption of Oil Production
The U.S. embassy in Libya has called for oil production in the country to resume, after forces of rebel leader Khalifa Haftar shut down several major oil fields and pipelines. Haftar’s army halted most oil output ahead of Sunday’s international peace conference on Libya in Berlin. Libya’s National Oil Corporation said the halt will cost the country an estimated $55 million per day. The U.S. embassy said Tuesday it is “deeply concerned” the shutdown will worsen Libya’s humanitarian emergency. Oil
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AXquWSU-
Malawi: Mutharika Clinches Energy Deal in UK for Malawi
Malawi's efforts to eradicate power challenges continue to bear fruits following the signing of an energy deal by government with a UK company on Tuesday in London. President Mutharika luring the British investors to invest in Malawi in energy sector and its done deal Done deal: Mutharika gets UK energy company to invest in Malawi Ministers part of President;s delegation to UK: From left to right, Foreign Minister Francis Kusaila, Local Government minister Ben Phiri and Minister of Trade and
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/AJd005AZTP_
ASIA
China’s coronavirus outbreak couldn’t have come at a worse time: Lunar New Year
The outbreak of a mysterious virus in China has infected hundreds and killed nine. The exact source has yet to be determined, human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, and Chinese health authorities say the virus has mutated and will likely spread further. Now add to that China's busiest travel season, as hundreds of millions are expected...
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Years after SARS, a more confident China faces a new virus
Nearly two decades after the disastrously handled SARS epidemic, China’s more open response to a new virus signals its growing confidence and greater awareness of the pitfalls of censorship, even though the government remains as authoritarian as ever
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US-China deal offers a 'pathway to peace,' IMF chief says
The signing of a "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China offers a "pathway to peace" which improves the outlook for the global economy, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
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HSBC lags as finance cleans up on Asian energy
As much of the financial sector backs away from funding coal power, HSBC not only stays in the game, it is hypocritical about its role
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Japan-US treaty blocks progress in dispute with Moscow
The final nail in the coffin of Shinzo Abe’s hope for one foreign policy gain has been hammered
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South Korea posts lowest growth in a decade
Trade tensions between the United States and China and the sluggish semiconductor market to blame
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EUROPE
Donald Trump accuses the EU of making it 'IMPOSSIBLE' to tradeDonald Trump today claimed the EU makes it 'impossible' to trade as he praised Boris Johnson and said the UK is in a 'good position' to get a strong post-Brexit deal from the bloc.
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UK government under renewed pressure to provide an EU Green CardThe UK House of Lords has backed calls for “physical” proof of status for EU citizens after the UK leaves the EU on 31 January. The amendment, backed by a Liberal Democrat peer, would give EU nationals the right to receive a residence document instead of the government’s plan to provide only digital proof. It would also grant them an automatic right to stay, instead of having to apply. The Lords, in a vote on Monday, passed the amendment, during the passage of the Withdrawal Bill, by 270 votes
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Britain's EU Journey: When it signed up, 16 years lateBritain officially leaves the European Union on Jan. 31 after a debilitating political period that has bitterly divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum
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Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
Brexit has reversed a decades-long drop in the size of the UK’s civil serviceThe UK government has for years steadily reduced the number of civil servants on its payrolls. But after its ranks sunk to their lowest level in the post-war period, those numbers have ticked up every quarter since Brits voted in June 2016 to leave the EU. https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/
Read in Quartz: https://apple.news/
Priority status for EU fossil fuel projects raises green hacklesEuropean lawmakers on Wednesday approved the European Union's list of priority energy projects that are eligible for up to 30 billion euros ($33.5 billion) in funding, ignoring objections over its inclusion of fossil fuel schemes.
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CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
Closed on Friday and Saturday
Closed Friday and Saturday
Shares Traded:
Value Traded:
ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
http://www.dinarguru.com/
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Kaperoni ...guru MarkZ is telling his follows that his crew is at the redemption centers ready to go. LOL. There is no redemption centers...If the CBI decides to raise the value based on sound monetary policy, I'm sure we will learn about ways in which we can exchange our dinar through financial institutions or market makers (currency dealers). All this other stuff from the guru's is just nonsense.
1-23-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...Iraq does NOT yet have new prime minister...President Saleh simply announced he has a viable candidate and might nominate him once he arrives from Davos Forum at the end of the week...One rumor is that the citizens want Ali Abdul Amir Allawi and NOT Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi that the President of Iraq chose. This may come to be the final truth but for now Saleh picked Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi not Ali Abdul Amir Allawi. We just have to wait and watch what happens... I believe Ali Abdul Amir Allawi will eventually end up with the nomination.
1-23-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ My crew at redemption centers…part are in place today and part are working at other things…because they also work at wealth management…but they are still on a one hour standby. I have never seen everyone in place like this…I have never seen this many people in place and excited in the entire history of this thing...everyone is geared up, in place and ready…I am very excited at where we are today.
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Chattels Article quote: "If Iraq complies with the sanctions, it could paralyze their electricity sector, which relies heavily on Iranian imports. However, if the country ignores the sanctions after the exemption expires, they could be hit with secondary sanctions, including restricted access to crucial US accounts. Washington is considering blocking Iraq ’s access to a $35 billion US-based account where Baghdad holds its oil revenues, according to Agence France-Presse. This account contributes to 90% of the national budget." The foregoing is confirmation of our explanation of the currency account... [Reference Trump interview video 1-11-2020]
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ...it's looking more and more like one of the Allawi's will be appointed PM. My vote would be for the one that Maliki likes the least, but I don't get a vote in that.
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff The US has poured trillions of dollars into Iraq and shed blood for Iraq. It wasn't the World Bank or the IMF...I showed it to you through all of last year. This is linked to accounting periods...because Iraq came out telling you that the 2020 budget has to be implemented at the start of their fiscal year. They're telling you that this is linked to accounting periods...Iraq is probably transitioning back to their original fiscal year. April/March which is identical to how Kuwait is currently structured. That's why Kuwait changed their rate around the end of March to align their rate change with their fiscal year. You see Iraq is following suite based on their movements and the facts they have shown us... [Post 2 of 2]
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...one particular guru...is saying that the timing at which they put in the prime minister has everything to do with the timing of the rate change...that basically once they put in a prime minister that roughly within a month that's when the rate is gonna change. That's not the case... Both the demonstrations along with Iran and along with the Prime Minister is just all coincidence. Those scenarios have nothing to do with the timing of the rate change. That's been scheduled since early last year...Who's in charge of the rate change? Donald Trump... [Post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
1-23-2020 Intel Guru Frank26 ...President Trump is more deeply involved in monetary reform of the dinar in Iraq...what if he told the Central Bank of Iraq it's time for you to stop using the American dollar. Play fairly. Does that sound familiar? The way that you do that is stopping your auctions...IMO what Donald Trump did with the central bank of Iraq just recently was to give them a time-frame that specified a date with a "no later than " end date..
1-23-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat ...Iraq does NOT yet have new prime minister...President Saleh simply announced he has a viable candidate and might nominate him once he arrives from Davos Forum at the end of the week...One rumor is that the citizens want Ali Abdul Amir Allawi and NOT Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi that the President of Iraq chose. This may come to be the final truth but for now Saleh picked Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi not Ali Abdul Amir Allawi. We just have to wait and watch what happens... I believe Ali Abdul Amir Allawi will eventually end up with the nomination.
1-23-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ My crew at redemption centers…part are in place today and part are working at other things…because they also work at wealth management…but they are still on a one hour standby. I have never seen everyone in place like this…I have never seen this many people in place and excited in the entire history of this thing...everyone is geared up, in place and ready…I am very excited at where we are today.
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Chattels Article quote: "If Iraq complies with the sanctions, it could paralyze their electricity sector, which relies heavily on Iranian imports. However, if the country ignores the sanctions after the exemption expires, they could be hit with secondary sanctions, including restricted access to crucial US accounts. Washington is considering blocking Iraq ’s access to a $35 billion US-based account where Baghdad holds its oil revenues, according to Agence France-Presse. This account contributes to 90% of the national budget." The foregoing is confirmation of our explanation of the currency account... [Reference Trump interview video 1-11-2020]
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ...it's looking more and more like one of the Allawi's will be appointed PM. My vote would be for the one that Maliki likes the least, but I don't get a vote in that.
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff The US has poured trillions of dollars into Iraq and shed blood for Iraq. It wasn't the World Bank or the IMF...I showed it to you through all of last year. This is linked to accounting periods...because Iraq came out telling you that the 2020 budget has to be implemented at the start of their fiscal year. They're telling you that this is linked to accounting periods...Iraq is probably transitioning back to their original fiscal year. April/March which is identical to how Kuwait is currently structured. That's why Kuwait changed their rate around the end of March to align their rate change with their fiscal year. You see Iraq is following suite based on their movements and the facts they have shown us... [Post 2 of 2]
1-23-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...one particular guru...is saying that the timing at which they put in the prime minister has everything to do with the timing of the rate change...that basically once they put in a prime minister that roughly within a month that's when the rate is gonna change. That's not the case... Both the demonstrations along with Iran and along with the Prime Minister is just all coincidence. Those scenarios have nothing to do with the timing of the rate change. That's been scheduled since early last year...Who's in charge of the rate change? Donald Trump... [Post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
1-23-2020 Intel Guru Frank26 ...President Trump is more deeply involved in monetary reform of the dinar in Iraq...what if he told the Central Bank of Iraq it's time for you to stop using the American dollar. Play fairly. Does that sound familiar? The way that you do that is stopping your auctions...IMO what Donald Trump did with the central bank of Iraq just recently was to give them a time-frame that specified a date with a "no later than " end date..
1-22-2020 Intel Guru Frank26 ...I believe that the appointment/ announcement of the Prime Minister now has a lot to do with when they will announce the new exchange rate. Male-Female. GOI-CBI. Separate but getting together now. It's time for them to go on their honeymoon and produce something...
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)
The Cabinet approves recommendations to develop gas to support electrical energy and reduce dependence on the importer
Within the framework of the government's efforts to enhance energy self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imported gas, the Cabinet approved the Ministerial Energy’s recommendation (Paragraph 4 No. 8 of 2020) to approve the fifth licensing round contracts related to the development of border fields, areas, and gas fields in Diyala Governorate, which are It would produce more than 750 million standard cubic feet of gas within 36 months.
The Ministerial Council for Energy also formed a specialized committee to follow up on all gas projects associated with international and national companies to increase production levels and develop the pipeline network and ensure the necessary financing for government projects during the next twelve months as a first stage aimed at resolving the fuel shortage crisis required for power stations and ending gas burning and investment operations, up to Self-sufficiency.
The Ministerial Council of Energy has authorized the Ministry of Oil to secure alternative fuels for power stations to meet demand until the crisis eases and improves the performance of the energy system in all its sectors in general.
Media office of the Prime Minister
January 23 - 2020
***************
ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi chairs a special meeting on the projects of the Iraqi-Chinese agreement
Today, Thursday, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi chaired a special meeting for the Iraqi-Chinese agreement projects in various parts of Iraq and to follow up on implementation policies and complete the presentation of the most feasible projects related to infrastructure development in the fields of roads, transportation, energy, housing, petrochemicals, etc., and priorities were discussed for productive projects that It would develop the economy, support the private sector, and operate the workforce.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Planning, a number of undersecretaries and advisors to the Prime Minister.
Media office of the Prime Minister
January 23 - 2020
*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
1-24-2020 around 3 pm Eastern
President
holds
a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany
Angela Merkel during the #wef20
in Davos for talks on bilateral relations, safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty and
reducing tensions in the region.
*************
ARTICLE 3
Deputy for wisdom: the political blocs are determined to speed up the nomination of the Prime Minister and a decisive meeting tonight
1/1/23/23 23:10
[Baghdad-where]
The representative of the Parliamentary Bloc, Hassan Faddem, revealed an important dialogue tonight held by the political blocs on the candidate for the presidency of the next government.
He said in a press statement that he supported "there is no discount for the prime minister candidate agreed upon by the political blocs," revealing "the presence of a large and important dialogue that will be held this evening, whose results will lead to during the next two days."
"There is a convergence of views and insistence among the various political blocs on the need to expedite the nomination of the candidate for prime minister," he stressed.
He indicated, then, that "the issue of the largest bloc ended in the first sessio
"There is a convergence of views and insistence among the various political blocs on the need to expedite the nomination of the candidate for prime minister," he stressed.
He indicated, then, that "the issue of the largest bloc ended in the first sessio
*************
ARTICLE 4
Barzani in Davos .. Parliament's decision to remove foreign forces is inappropriate
1/23/23 23:51
[Follow-up]
The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, confirmed on Thursday that what is happening in Iraq directly affects the situation in the region, noting that what happened in the Iraqi parliament regarding the removal of foreign forces was an inappropriate decision.
Barzani said during his participation in a dialogue session at the Davos Economic Conference, today, Thursday, that "we will not be able in any way to distance ourselves from what is happening in Iraq, and what is happening in Baghdad directly affects the situation in the Kurdistan region."
He added, "The Iraqi people deserve a better life and situation, and through the demonstrations they have succeeded in conveying their demands to the authorities, and we must feel the responsibility."
On the parliament’s decision for foreign forces to leave Iraq, Barzani added, “What happened in the Iraqi parliament was inappropriate, two main components in Iraq [Sunnis and Kurds] who did not support the decision.”
He explained, that Iraq still needs international and American support, because the emergence of ISIS and terrorism again is a serious matter, and in our view, the elimination of terrorism cannot take place without the support of the international community and America, so it is important for the American forces to remain in Iraq.
*************
ARTICLE 5
Trump's envoy: We do not abide by a decision unless it comes from an Iraqi government elected by the people
1/23/2020 19:24
Baghdad
US President's Special Envoy, Donald Trump, for Syria and the International Alliance, James Jeffrey, explained Thursday the mechanism by which his government will deal legally, with the decision of the Iraqi parliament to remove foreign forces from Iraqi territory.
Jeffrey said, in a press conference, that "the decision of the Iraqi parliament is not binding on us and the agreement on our forces was with the Baghdad government," noting that "this is our legal reference for dealing with the Iraqi parliament, which demanded our removal."
He added: "The request of Parliament in this regard cannot be complied with unless the Iraqi government is elected by the Iraqi people."
The US President's envoy expressed his country's readiness to meet the Iraqi government and agree on the status of the American forces.
The US President's envoy expressed his country's readiness to meet the Iraqi government and agree on the status of the American forces.
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