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Nigeria's Dangote Refinery Plans to Expand to 1.4 Million Bpp
Aliko Dangote, the owner of Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery, said that it plans to double its current production capacity, which is 650,000 barrels per day, to 1.4million barrels per daily over the next three-year period. The 20 billion dollar refinery outside of Lagos began operations in January of 2024, and is aimed at ending imports of refined petroleum by Africa's largest crude oil producer. The new plant capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day would be enough to process all of Nigeria's crude oil production, which is currently around 1.5 million barrels per day. Dangote said to journalists that the funding for expansion would be derived from cash flow and proceeds from an upcoming listing on the local market, as well as "one or two strategic investor that we are carrying". He said, "This expansion... is about confidence in people and leadership in our country." Dangote said that the planned listing of refinery shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange would take place in the coming year. The demand for shares will determine the amount of shares listed. MacDonald Dzirutwe, Isaac Anyaogu and Andrew Heavens contributed to the reporting.
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Wall St Week ahead-Megacap earnings and Fed meeting to headline busy US market week
The U.S. Stock Rally faces a potentially significant week in order to maintain its momentum going into the year-end. This includes a flood corporate results, headlined by Megacap Companies and a possible interest rate reduction by the Federal Reserve following its two-day meeting. Investors may be concerned about the escalation of U.S.-China tensions in the next few days. Meanwhile, the U.S. shutdown continues to cause uncertainty. The S&P 500 posted a record-breaking closing high on the Friday after a 36% rise since the low of the year, in April. The benchmark index has risen over 15% in the past year. Chris Fasciano is the chief market strategist of Commonwealth Financial Network. He said that given the fact that the market has been on a rally for several months, without any significant declines, the equities market could continue to be choppy. Fasciano stated that "what we need to hear is corporate America talk positively about the economy and continue beating earnings." "When people get nervous, they do so when consumer confidence or business confidence is on the decline." The third-quarter earnings season has started well, despite the disappointments of companies like Texas Instruments and streaming service Netflix. According to LSEG IBES, the S&P 500 profit is estimated to be 10.4% higher than a year earlier, based on results reported by 143 companies. 87% of companies surpassed analysts' revenue and earnings expectations so far. The next week will be the busiest for the season with more than 170 companies reporting. Microsoft, Apple Alphabet Amazon Meta Platforms are five of the seven "Magnificent Seven" companies. These firms have huge market capitalizations, dominate equity indexes, and posted massive profit growth in the last couple of years. The Magnificent Seven's advantage over the rest index has narrowed, but they are still expected post better results in this period. According to data released this week by Tajinder Dhillon senior research analyst at LSEG, earnings for the group will rise 16.6% compared to an 8.1% increase for the rest index. Several of the largest companies in the world are also major players in the artificial-intelligence industry. This has driven the stock market's performance. Anthony Saglimbene is the chief market strategist of Ameriprise Financial. He said that these large tech reports will have the biggest impact between now and the year's end. The hurdle rate for these companies is high as they prepare to report earnings next week. Next week, other companies will report their results including oil giants Exxon & Chevron, payment firms Visa & Mastercard and drugmaker Eli Lilly. Fed policymakers are widely expected to reduce the current benchmark rate, which is 4%-4.25%, by another quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday. This view was reinforced by Friday's inflation data that were lower than anticipated. The markets will be more responsive to the Fed's Jerome Powell as they have already factored in that rate change into their asset prices. They are also expecting further cuts to rates at their next meeting, which is expected to take place in December. The Fed's rate-cutting strategy would have the biggest impact if it showed any signs of a deviation, said Dominic Pappalardo. Chief multi-assets strategist at Morningstar Wealth. The Fed may be hindered in its decision-making due to the lack of information provided by the federal government since the shutdown began on 1 October, including the delays in the release of employment data at a moment when there are growing concerns about the state of the labor markets. Art Hogan is the chief market strategist for B Riley Wealth. He said that an increasingly prolonged shutdown, which has already lasted more than average in previous shutdowns, also poses a greater risk to economic growth. Hogan stated that the longer the situation continues, the harder it will be for the market to ignore. Investors had also largely shrugged off trade-related risks over the past few months. However, renewed U.S. China rifts has brought tensions back to the forefront between the two world's largest economies. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, threatened to impose significantly higher tariffs against China on November 1 after Beijing implemented export controls for rare earths. Investors are watching the developments surrounding the upcoming meeting between Trump, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to see if tensions can be eased between the two nations. "If tariffs increase to the levels President Trump has threatened on China, you'd see a volatile and likely a negative reaction in the markets, especially if investors anticipate that this is going to last," Saglimbene stated.
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Cameroon arrests opposition figures before presidential elections
His campaign reported that authorities in Cameroon have detained 30 people linked to Issa tchiroma's presidential campaign. This has heightened tensions before Monday's results announcement. Anicet Ekane is the leader of the MANIDEM Party and Djeukam tchameni is a prominent member of the Union for Change. Both had supported Tchiroma’s candidacy. In the nation that produces cocoa and oil, there have been increasing clashes between security and Tchiroma supporters. Tchiroma called for more nationwide protests to take place on Sunday at 1400 GMT. Paul Atanga Nji confirmed at a Saturday press conference that arrests were made in connection with an "insurrectional" movement, but he refused to reveal the names or number of those detained. Nji stated that "Calls to protest by certain politicians who are obsessed with power create conditions for a crisis in security and contribute to the implementation scheme of insurrection." Tchiroma, in a Sunday post on the Facebook page of his campaign, rejected accusations of rebellion and claimed that government officials tried to negotiate with those arrested prior to their arrest. You arrested them because they refused to accept your proposal. When you tried to negotiate with them were they not terrorists? Tchiroma wrote. Tchiroma is a former minister who was once an ally to President Paul Biya. He has declared victory and said he won't accept any other outcome. In the last week, protests have erupted in several cities after local media reported partial results of the election that showed Biya on track to be declared winner. Biya could be in power for seven more years, if he is declared the winner by the Constitutional Council on Monday. (Reporting and editing by Aidan Lewis; Bate Felix)
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Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, says that Slovakia will not participate in EU scheme to meet Ukraine's military requirements
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, said that Slovakia would not participate in any European Union program aimed at funding military assistance for Ukraine to fight Russia's invasion. Slovakia has allowed commercial sales but stopped all state aid to Ukraine in 2023 when Fico came to power. Fico disagrees with European Union countries on the war and says that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. The EU leaders decided on Thursday that they would meet Ukraine's urgent financial needs for the next two-years, but did not endorse a plan to fund a loan of 140 billion euros to Kyiv using frozen Russian assets. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the money could immediately be used to improve Ukraine's air defense, its air fleet and its front-line positions. Fico said in a televised press conference that he would not allow Slovakia to participate in any financial scheme to help Ukraine manage its war and military expenditures. Risks of Sanctions Fico also criticized EU sanctions against Russia because of its war in Ukraine. He said that they hurt Europe even more. Both Slovakia and Hungary are buyers of Russian energy and now have to navigate U.S. Sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft & Lukoil, which will come into effect in the next month. Fico, when asked about these risks on Sunday by a journalist, said that Slovnaft is a part of Hungary's MOL oil and gas group and not a buyer of oil. Fico's first comment since the United States announced sanctions last week was, "At the moment we do not evaluate it in that way." Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, said on Friday that Hungary is working to find a way around U.S. Sanctions.
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Reports: Kremlin wrong to speak about cancelling Putin-Trump Summit
State television Vesti, on its Telegram channel, reported that the Kremlin stated on Sunday that it was incorrect to speak about canceling a meeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and U.S. president Donald Trump. However, it added that preparations were needed. They are clear about this: "Presidents can't just meet to waste time. They cannot meet just for the sake meeting. They have instructed the (U.S. secretary of state Marco) Rubio and the (Russian foreign minister Sergei) Lavrov to prepare for this meeting. "The process is complex," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said to state TV Kremlin reporter Pavel Zarubin. Peskov commented on the sanctions that the U.S. imposed on the Russian oil giants Lukoil & Rosneft. He called them "unfriendly steps", but stated that Russia aims to establish friendly relations with every country, including the U.S. "Despite the different nuances expressed by the President of the United States we must remain oriented towards our own interests." Peskov said that building good relations with other countries, including the United States, was in our interests. "Ofcourse, the actions taken this week were unfriendly. In fact, they have damaged our chances of reviving our relations. This does not mean we should abandon our aspirations. Peskov stated that we should always do what's best for us. He said that Russia will prosecute anyone who is found to have been involved in the possible seizure of Russian assets. Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Guy Faulconbridge
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Sudan's RSF claims to have captured al-Fashir Army headquarters
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced on Sunday that they had taken over the army's headquarters in al-Fashir. This was the last stronghold of the Sudanese Army in Darfur, in the western part of the country. The army has not yet made a public statement about its current situation. RSF has been fighting the army, former rebels, and local fighters for 18 months. The RSF has been targeting civilians with frequent artillery and drone strikes. Meanwhile, the siege is spreading starvation in the city of 250,000 residents. Al-Fashir is a major political victory for RSF. It could also hasten the physical separation of the country, by allowing the paramilitary to consolidate their control over the vast Darfur Region. This region has been identified as the basis for a parallel Government established this summer. As seen following the capture of the Zamzam camp South. RSF soldiers have been accused of committing robberies and sexual assaults on roadside by those who left al-Fashir. U.N. mandated mission Last month, the RSF was accused of multiple crimes against humanity during the siege at al-Fashir. Atrocities have also been committed by the army. (Reporting and editing by Kate Mayberry; Khalid Abdelaziz Nafisa, Menna, Alaa, Eltahir)
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Exxon sues California over climate disclosure laws
Exxon Mobil filed a lawsuit against California on Friday challenging two state laws requiring large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emission and climate-related risks. Exxon filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of California arguing that Senate Bills 261 and 253 violated its First Amendment rights because they force Exxon "to serve as a mouthpiece" for ideas it does not agree with. The company asked the court to stop the state of California enforcing these laws. Exxon claims that the Californian frameworks for reporting climate change are misleading and counterproductive. The oil giant claims it reports climate risks and emissions voluntarily and is opposed to California's frameworks. California, a state ruled by Democrats, has had some of strictest environmental regulations in the past in areas such as vehicle fuel efficiency standards and policy planning. This is after it passed a climate law in 2006. California passed two laws that will require companies to report publicly their greenhouse gas emission and climate-related risks in 2023. Apple, Ikea, and Microsoft supported the California laws, while other major companies such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others called them "onerous". SB 253 mandates that public and private companies active in the State and generating revenue greater than $1 billion per year publish an extensive account regarding their carbon emissions beginning in 2026. The law requires that companies disclose their own emissions as well as indirect emissions from suppliers and customers. SB 261 mandates that companies operating in the state and with revenues exceeding $500 million disclose financial risks related to climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate those risks. Exxon also claimed that SB 261 is in conflict with federal securities laws which regulate what publicly-traded companies are required to disclose about financial and environmental risk. Exxon Mobil said that the First Amendment prohibits California from pursuing its policy of stigmatization, which would force it to describe the activities of its non-California businesses using the state's preferred framing. California Department of Justice or California Air Resources Board didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. Reporting by Chandni in Bengaluru, and Mike Scarcella from Washington. Editing by Deepa and Matthew Lewis.
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Exxon sues California over climate disclosure laws
Exxon Mobil filed a lawsuit against California on Friday challenging two state laws requiring large companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emission and climate-related risks. Exxon filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of California arguing that Senate Bills 261 and 253 violated its First Amendment rights because they force Exxon "to serve as a mouthpiece" for ideas it does not agree with. The company asked the court to stop the state of California enforcing these laws. Exxon claims that the Californian frameworks for reporting climate change are misleading and counterproductive. The oil giant claims it reports climate risks and emissions voluntarily and is opposed to California's frameworks. After passing a climate law in 2006, the Democrat-ruled California had long been known for its strict environmental regulations in areas such as vehicle fuel efficiency standards. California has passed two laws that will require companies to report publicly their greenhouse gas emissions as well as climate-related financial risk. Apple, Ikea, and Microsoft all supported the California laws, while other major companies, such as American Farm Bureau Federation, Chamber of Commerce and American Farm Bureau Federation, opposed them, calling them "onerous." SB 253 mandates that public and private companies active in the State and generating revenue greater than $1 billion per year publish a detailed account of their carbon emission starting in 2026. The law requires that companies disclose their own emissions as well as indirect emissions from suppliers and customers. SB 261 mandates that companies operating in the state and with revenues exceeding $500 million disclose financial risks related to climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate those risks. Exxon argued SB 261 is in conflict with federal securities laws that regulate what publicly-traded companies are required to disclose about financial and environmental risk. California Department of Justice or California Air Resources Board didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. (Reporting from Chandni in Bengaluru, and Mike Scarcella at Washington; editing by Deepa Babyington)
After a 3-day losing streak, oil prices rise on fears of Russian sanctions
The oil prices increased on Thursday, after three sessions of losses due to concerns about market oversupply. Also, the possibility of tighter sanctions against Russian crude gave some support.
Brent crude futures rose 37 cents or 0.57% to $65.72 per barrel at 0401 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude climbed by 34 Cents, or 0.5%, to $62.12 per barrel.
Analysts attributed the increase to a technical recovery, after Brent lost about 1% and WTI lost about 1% the previous session. Brent closed at its lowest level since June 5, and WTI was the lowest it had been since May 30.
As WTI approached its $60 support, increased geopolitical risk and speculations about tighter sanctions against Russian crude also contributed to the increase in buying interest, said Hiroyuki Kikukawa. He is chief strategist at Nissan Securities Investment, an arm of Nissan Securities.
The Group of Seven finance ministers announced on Wednesday that they would increase the pressure on Russia, targeting those who continue to buy Russian oil at higher prices and those who facilitate circumvention.
Two officials confirmed a Wall Street Journal article on Wednesday that the U.S. would also provide Ukraine with information on long-range missile attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
The WSJ reported that this will make it easier to strike refineries, pipelines, and other infrastructure in order to deprive the Kremlin revenue and oil.
Stockpiling demand
Oil prices were also supported by China, which is the largest crude oil consumer in the world. This helped to limit the price decline, according to traders.
Nissan's Kikukawa noted that a U.S. shutdown stoked concerns about the global economy. Expectations of higher production by OPEC+ - the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers - also weighed on the sentiment, limiting the price increases.
The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump on Wednesday frozen $26 billion in funding for Democratic-leaning States, following up on its threat to use a government shutdown to target Democratic priority.
Three sources familiar with the discussions said that on the supply side OPEC+ may agree to increase oil production in November by as much as 500,000 barrels a day, which would be triple the October increase. Saudi Arabia is seeking to regain market share.
This would happen even if the U.S. demand and Asian demand begins to fall.
Energy Information Administration reported on Wednesday that U.S. crude, gasoline, and distillate inventory rose last week due to a decline in refining and demand.
The crude oil inventories increased by 1.8m barrels, to 416.5m barrels for the week ending September 26. This was a much larger increase than expected in a poll which predicted a rise of 1 million barrels. Reporting by Yuka Obaashi in Tokyo, and Siyi Lu in Singapore. Editing by Tom Hogue & Jamie Freed.
(source: Reuters)