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The Russian rouble is flat against the dollar after a spike in October foreign exchange sales
The Russian rouble is stable against the U.S. Dollar and weaker than the Chinese yuan after the central banks reported an increase in exporters' foreign currency sales last month. Some analysts attribute this to U.S. sanctioned. The rouble traded at 81.20 dollars in the over-the-counter market and at 11.43 yuan at the Moscow Stock Exchange, which was down 0.5% at 0840 GMT. The central bank of Russia announced Monday that foreign currency sales for October were up 68% compared to a month ago, reaching $8.2 billion. The central bank attributed the increase to exporters repaying their foreign debt. In a report published monthly, the central bank stated that "the rouble was stable in October, fluctuating within a range seen over the last six months". Some analysts attribute the increase to new U.S. Sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft & Lukoil. Finam, an Russian financial services firm, estimates that up to 35% domestic foreign currency sales are attributed to them. Analysts at Alor, an investment brokerage, stated that "we believe this is due to the U.S. sanctions; exporters are afraid of difficulties making payments and bringing money into Russia. They also try to buy relatively cheap bonds and to invest in deposits with high interest rates." On November 21, the U.S. sanctions against Rosneft, Lukoil and other oil companies will come into effect. Finam analysts predict that foreign currency sales may decline between 10% and 20% by early December. The rouble is supported by high domestic interest rates. Slower imports, and the continued sales of forex by the government. Many analysts expected the rouble to weaken, but its strength has surprised them. Goldman Sachs analysts stated that the rouble was surprisingly strong despite the erosion of the current accounts surplus. They suggested that carry trades were also supporting the currency despite strict currency controls. Goldman stated that "we now believe the rouble will remain well supported and the external funding constraint may be less restrictive than we previously thought." (Reporting and editing by Thomas Derpinghaus; Gleb Bryanski)
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Iron ore prices are on the rise amid new stimulus hopes and a softening of demand
Iron ore futures were traded within a narrow price range on February 2, as investors weighed the prospects of fresh stimulus coming from Beijing in the next month, against signs of a softening in demand in China's top consumer. The day-trading price of the most traded January iron ore contract at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange was 0.2% higher, closing at 763 Yuan ($107.12). Iron ore benchmark on the Singapore Exchange for December fell by 0.56%, to $101.6 per ton at 0813 GMT. Steven Yu, senior analyst at Mysteel, explained that the recent price drop caused a divergence in the market outlook. This led to a consolidation. Yu stated that "bulls" believe the annual decline in crude steel production year-to date has reduced the pressure to cut production in the remainder of the year. Also, they hope for stimulus measures which will be announced at the politburo in December. Official data released last month showed that China's crude-steel output dropped 2.9% on an annual basis in the nine-month period ending September. The October figures will be released on Friday. Beijing announced in March that it would restructure the vast steel industry by cutting output. China has set a cap on the growth of crude steel production annually since 2021 in order to reduce carbon emissions. Mysteel’s Yu stated that bears are betting on a lower demand, as some mills continue reducing production. Steelmakers are cutting back production due to a decline in steel demand, and high raw material costs. Coking coal, coke and other steelmaking components fell by 3.81% and 3.66% respectively. The majority of steel benchmarks traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange suffered losses. Rebar fell 0.33%, steel prices dropped 0.84% and stainless steel fell 0.84%. Hot-rolled coils rose 0.03%. $1 = 7.1230 Chinese Yuan (Reporting and editing by Amy Lv, Lewis Jackson and Subhranshu Shu).
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The Gulf markets are gaining on US rate cuts
The Gulf's major stock exchanges rose early on Tuesday. This was aided in part by the rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December and signs that the U.S. shutdown may be nearing its end. The U.S. economy lost jobs last week. Retail and government sectors were the main culprits. A survey released on Friday showed that the U.S. consumer's sentiment had fallen to its lowest level in 3-1/2 years at the beginning of November, due to concerns about the effects the shutdown would have on the economy. The shutdown has delayed important economic metrics including the non-farm employment report. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index rose 0.1%. This was helped by Al Rajhi Bank, which rose 0.7%, and Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development (which jumped 4.9%). Both are on track to extend their gains after a sharp rise in quarterly earnings. Kingdom Holding, the investment company controlled by billionaire prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, saw its shares jump 3% after a 129% rise in profit for the third quarter. Saudi Aramco, the oil company, fell by 0.2%. In Asian trading, oil prices fell as concerns about oversupply outweighed the uncertainty surrounding U.S. sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft & Lukoil. Saudi Advanced Industries fell 6.4%, its largest decline since August. This was after it reported a 99% drop in the third-quarter profits. Dubai's main stock index rose 0.5% with Emaar Properties, a blue-chip developer, rising 1.9%. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, traders are pricing in an approximately 64% chance that the Fed will reduce rates by 25 basis point next month. The U.S.'s monetary policy changes have an important impact on Gulf markets where the majority of currencies are pegged with the dollar. Abu Dhabi's Index was flat. The Qatari Index rose 0.4% led by the 1.5% increase in Qatar Islamic Bank. (Reporting from Ateeq Sharif in Bengaluru, Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus.)
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Gold nears three-week high after bill to end US Shutdown passes Senate
The gold price rose on Tuesday, reaching its highest level in almost three weeks. This was due to expectations that a possible reopening of the U.S. federal government could restore economic data flow ahead of a Federal Reserve rate reduction expected next month. As of 0816 GMT spot gold had increased 0.5% to $4,137.06 an ounce, after hitting its highest level since October 23, at $4148.75. It is still below the record high of $4381.21 reached on October 20, however. U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery rose by 0.5%, to $4.143.80 an ounce. Ole Hansen is the head of commodity strategy for Saxo Bank. He said that gold has gained traction due to "a renewed focus on U.S. financial concerns" as a reopening of government would allow new spending, financed by additional borrowing. The U.S. Senate passed a compromise Monday that will end the longest shutdown of the U.S. government in history. This had delayed the release of critical economic data, including the non-farm payrolls key report. It next heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson has said he would like to pass it as soon as Wednesday. Hansen stated that a reopening could also re-start the flow of economic data, possibly boosting expectations for a rate cut in December. The U.S. Federal Reserve's policymakers are divided over the direction of monetary policy. This complicates Jerome Powell’s attempts to negotiate differing opinions following two rate reductions earlier this year. Fed Governor Stephen Miran suggested on Monday that a cut of 50 basis points might be appropriate in December. Data released last week showed that the economy is in a state of stress. The U.S. lost jobs in October, and consumer confidence fell to a three-and-a half year low by early November. Traders have priced in a probability of 64% for a rate cut by a quarter point next month. Carsten Menke, an analyst at Julius Baer, reiterated his positive outlook for gold and silver. He added that "the fear to miss out" still exists despite the favorable fundamentals for these metals. Gold that does not yield a return is usually more profitable in periods of low interest rates and economic uncertainty. The price of spot silver rose 0.5%, to $50.81 an ounce. Platinum increased 1%, to $1.593.11, and palladium gained 1.3%, to $1.433.36. (Reporting from Anmol Choubey, Bengaluru. Editing by Jan Harvey.)
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Sources say that Saudi Arabia and Iraq allocated full-term crude volumes to Indian refiners by December.
Sources at three Indian refiners reported on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia and Iraq, producers from the Middle East, have allotted full-term crude volumes for Indian refiners in December while also offering additional quantities under optional contracts. After halting their Russian oil purchases due to the tightening of Western sanctions, Indian suppliers have increased demand for Middle East crude. Last month, the United States, Britain and European Union designated Russian Top oil producers Rosneft, and Lukoil caused immediate disruptions in trade as fears of sanctions drove away buyers from India and China. Sources said that the Indian refiners received their full allocation from OPEC's two biggest producers. The sources said that at least one refiner would receive a larger monthly supply of oil from Iraq than the previous month. Saudi Aramco, and Iraq's State Oil Marketer SOMO, did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Two other sources confirmed that Kuwait Petroleum will also supply more crude oil to Indian refiners between November and December. According to one of the sources, Middle Eastern oil suppliers have a surplus and are willing to share it. Indian refiners also seek more supplies after Saudi Aramco Official selling prices are lowered. Indian refiners have been buying crude oil from the Middle East and Iraq since the latest round sanctions. Spot market
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Lebanon's historical pines are dying one cone at atime
A quiet crisis is unfolding in the southern Lebanon heartland, where once there were many and tall pine trees. The trees are shriveled and the cones have dried up. A forest that once provided a vital lifeline to entire communities is now under siege. Since years, farmers in Bkassine Forest have seen their pine yields decline. Initially, farmers blamed the seasonal weather change. In 2015, scientists confirmed that many had feared: that an invasive insect was destroying the pine cones, which produce Lebanon's prized Pine Nuts. "It is not only the nuts," Dr. Nabil Nmer, a forest-health expert at Holy Spirit University of Kalik (USEK), said. This insect attacks cones for three years. It does not just reduce productivity; it destroys it. According to Nemer, in some cases up to 82% (or more) of the cone's seeds pods can be left as empty shells. The trees that have been weakened by climate change are especially vulnerable. Leptoglossus westernis is a North American insect that likely came to Lebanon on untreated wooden pallets. According to his research, it has spread from the Mediterranean to Turkey as well as other areas. The livelihoods of the Bkassine Reserve, the Middle East’s largest productive forest, are threatened. Other parts of Lebanon have the trees, but they are not grown commercially. The family of Miled Hareb has survived for decades on the bounty of the forest. This is no longer true. This work has been passed on to me. "This work was passed down to me. I built my home with it and raised a family with it." "But then, the trees died and our way of living also," Hareb said. The harvesting of pine cones can be a difficult task. Workers balance on thin branches and climb tall trees without safety equipment, using narrow ladders. Injury is common, and wages have decreased along with the harvest. Nabil Assad is a Syrian worker who has been harvesting pine cones in Lebanon since more than a decade. He still remembers the days when 250 pine-pickers were working simultaneously in Bkassine. Now there are only 20-30 people. He said, "There's no more work." A DWINDLING Ecosystem The majority of Lebanon's forests of pine trees were planted more than 100 years ago. The older trees still have a productive lifespan, but climate change has made them more susceptible to pests. Nemer stated that "a healthy tree is able to fight back." "But when it is thirsty and hungry, it has no defense." U.N. officials have stressed the importance to protect forests from pests, diseases, and other threats, describing them as "the planet’s most powerful natural defense". According to the U.N. Development Programme, Bkassine Forest was once home around 100,000 productive pin trees. Nemer explained that the number of trees has fluctuated over time. Pest infestations and years of climate stress have reduced them, and efforts to replant were made to compensate for those losses. However, no new studies provide accurate figures. Wood-boring beetles also kill pines, in addition to the cone eating insect. The forest floor is littered with dead trees, which attracts pests and accelerates the decline. The political and economic turmoil that has characterized Lebanon for decades also took its toll. State-run forest management was abandoned after the brutal civil war that ravaged the country from 1975 to 1990. Since the economic collapse of 2019, illegal logging has increased. Market prices are rising as productivity falls, but very few Lebanese have the money to pay for them. Five years ago, a kilogram of pinenuts cost around $65; today it costs nearly $100. Families, restaurants and even supermarkets have switched out pine nuts with cheaper sliced almonds to add crunchiness to Lebanese dishes. The efforts to fight back were slow. The Lebanese Army controls helicopters that spray pesticides. The delays in the logistics mean that treatments are often missed during the crucial window when insects lay eggs. The agriculture ministry of Lebanon announced a nationwide spraying campaign in August. Nemer warns, however, that it will not be enough without a wider strategy that includes farmers themselves. Through training programs run by USEK and FAO, as well as the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture and United Nations Environment Programme, farmers in Bkassine are learning how to identify pests, manage forests and report outbreaks. Nemer stated, "We must manage the forest in its entirety." "This isn’t a vegetable garden. This is not a garden. "It's not a farm. It's an ecosystem that is alive." (Editing by Maya Gebeily & Andrew Heavens).
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Sources say that Kuwait's KPC has offered more heavy crude in December due to refinery shutdown.
Kuwait Petroleum Corp. has offered heavy crude to be loaded in December through a spot bid, according to sources within the industry and the tender document. This is because it sells extra oil that Al-Zour Refinery cannot process. The producer offered to load 500,000 barrels Kuwait Heavy Crude on December 6 and 7, as well as the same amount of Eocene Crude on December 8 and 9. The bids will be valid until Thursday. KPC now has a total of 3.9 million barrels in heavy crude spot sales. Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) has announced that on October 21 its affiliate Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company was incorporated. shut down A fire has destroyed parts of a refinery that produces 615,000 barrels per day. Two trade sources stated that the refiner plans to restart one of its three crude distillation units (CDUs), which was affected by the fire in the first half December. KPC did respond immediately to a comment request. Reporting by Florence Tan and Trixie Yap; Editing by Christian Schmollinger
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Thyssenkrupp to help Nigeria's Dangote Fertiliser expand its urea production
The companies announced on Monday that Nigeria's Dangote Fertiliser will use technology provided by a German subsidiary of Thyssenkrupp in order to build four urea granulation plants. The unit can produce 4,235 metric tonnes of urea per day. This will increase Dangote’s annual production to over 8 million tons. The new units are being built next to Dangote Fertilizer Complex in Lekki Lagos which is currently operating with Thyssenkrupp UFT technology. The expansion will be using the German firm's UFT Fluid Bed Granulation Technology. This technology is used for more than 70% global urea production. The agreement also includes proprietary equipment such as granulators, scrubbers and process design packages. The ammonia conversion technology will be used to incorporate the ammonium-sulfate waste into granules. This will eliminate waste and improve logistics. Nadja haakansson CEO of Thyssenkrupp said, "This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainable development industrial and global food security." Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, said that the expansion was a reflection of the company's commitment towards agricultural self-sufficiency. It also positions Nigeria as the world's leading fertilizer manufacturer. (Reporting and editing by Thomas Derpinghaus; Isaac Anyaogu)
Trump's job cuts undermine black lung protections as he targets coal revival
Josh Cochran has been working in West Virginia coal mines since he was 22, earning a six-figure income that enabled him to purchase a house with his wife Stephanie, and go hunting and fishing in his free time.
He was diagnosed with advanced lung disease at 43 years old. He is now awaiting a lung donation, uses an oxygen tank to breathe, and requires his wife's help with basic household tasks.
He says that his saving grace is the fact that he still has a job. Part 90, a federal program administered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, allowed him to be relocated to a desk-based job at the same company when he received his diagnosis. He retained his salary.
"Part 90 is all you have," he said, while signing documents for the transplant. It was a simple job that left him exhausted. "You can make what you have made and they won't be able to get rid of you." This program, which relocates black lung coal miners to safer jobs with the same pay, is coming to an end due to the mass layoffs, office closures, and other measures imposed by Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
Interviews with over a dozen individuals involved in medical programs for the coal industry and an examination of NIOSH internal documents show that three federal programs in this area have ceased to operate in recent weeks. NIOSH has suspended a decades-old lung disease detection program for coal miners. As well, related programs that provided x-rays at mine sites and lung tests have been shut down. It is also unclear who will enforce safety rules like the new limits on exposure to silica dust after nearly half of MSHA's offices were scheduled to be terminated.
The government's mass cuts and funding cuts led to the cancellation of the black lung program. Details about this had not been previously reported.
Anita Wolfe said, "It will be devastating for miners," a veteran of NIOSH with 40 years' experience who is still in contact with the agency. Nobody will be monitoring mines. Trump has voiced support for the domestic industry of coal, which historically supported him.
Trump signed an executive order to promote the coal industry at a White House event flanked by hard-hatted coal workers earlier this month. This included extending the life expectancy of coal-fired plants that are aging.
Jeff Crowe said, "Coal has been a dirty term that many are afraid to use," Trump identified him as a West Virginia coal miner. Crowe is superintendent of American Consolidated Natural Resources (ACN), the successor to Murray Energy.
Trump declared during the ceremony, "We will put the miner back to work." "They're great people with great families and come from areas that we love and respect."
Andrew Nixon, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees NIOSH said that streamlining government would better position HHS so it can carry out its Congressionally-mandated work to protect Americans.
MSHA representatives and White House representatives did not respond to comments.
The incidence of black lung has increased over the past two decades. This is despite the fact that coal production has declined.
NIOSH estimates 20% of coal miner in Central Appalachia suffers from black lung disease. This is the highest rate in 25 years. Workers in these aging mines blast rock to reach diminishing coal deposits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the coal industry employs around 43,000 people.
MORE MINING, MORE RISE
Three sources within NIOSH claim that around 875 employees of the roughly 1,000 strong NIOSH workforce were terminated across the nation as a result of HHS's sweeping job cuts this month. According to an email from NIOSH dated April 4, the flagship black lung program of the department, the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program has been put on hold.
We will continue to process all the information we have as long as possible. The email states that "we have no more information regarding the future of CWHSP."
According to sources familiar, the CWHSP has also stopped its regular black lung screenings. These tests were conducted on site by mobile trailers in coal mines. There was no money for fuel or to pay epidemiologists to review on-site lung tests or x-rays.
According to NIOSH veteran Wolfe, for many miners this program is their only source of medical checksups.
The loss of NIOSH staff has also affected the ability of black lung infected miners to receive relocation with pay under the Part 90 program.
NIOSH will only accept lung x-rays that reveal black lung. Scott Laney who was laid off as an epidemiologist at NIOSH in West Virginia, said that all NIOSH employees required to review x-rays had been fired.
Laney said he, his laid-off colleagues and a "war room" informal in his living room have been working to bring attention to this issue among Washington legislators.
"I want them to be protected while they are working, if they are sent into mines by executive order or any other mechanism," he said.
Sam Petsonk is a West Virginia lawyer who represents black lung sufferers. He said that relocating sick miner's to other areas where there are less dusty conditions was crucial, because of the severe risks associated with continuing to work while ill.
He said, "It's getting to the point where days and months are important for this program."
SILICA THREAT MSHA finalized a regulation last year that would reduce by half the permissible limit of exposure to crystalline silicon for miners and workers - a move to combat the increasing rates of black lung.
Chris Williamson said that the Trump administration pushed the implementation of the rule back to August from April, and it may be difficult to enforce, given the planned office closures and staff reductions at MSHA. Williamson was a former assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health under the Biden Administration.
He said that there were still 20 unfilled mine inspector positions when he left MSHA. After Trump's election, 90 people who had been offered MSHA inspector jobs had their offers rescinded, and 120 others took buyouts.
Mine inspectors have the responsibility of ensuring safety standards in mines to reduce accidents, illnesses and deaths.
The loss of resources and staff could make black lung more prevalent among Appalachian miners, especially if mining activities increase, said Drew Harris a black-lung specialist in southern Virginia.
He said, "It's difficult for me to cut back on resources to prevent this disease after seeing hundreds of mine workers with it."
Kevin Weikle is a 35-year old West Virginia miner who was diagnosed in 2023 with advanced black lung during a screening. He said that the cuts are not logical at a time when the administration wants coal production to increase and will push safety standards back by decades.
"Don't get me wrong, I mean, I'm Republican," Weikle said. "But I believe there are safer ways to produce coal without compromising safety." (Reporting and editing by Richard Valdmanis, Anna Driver, and Valerie Volcovici)
(source: Reuters)