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Brazilian diesel imports surge in September as US gains Russian market share
StoneX, a consultancy, said that Brazil's imports of diesel in September reached their highest level since 2023. This was due to a sharp increase in U.S. volume to compensate for declining Russian supplies, amid high agricultural demand. Why it's important The increase in imports is a reflection of the robust domestic demand that Brazil experiences during its soybean planting season, and reflects global market shifts as a result of disruptions in Russian exports. Brazil imports about 20% of its total diesel consumption. By the Numbers In September, total diesel imports reached 1,77 billion liters. This represents a 9.4% rise on the previous year. The United States contributed 45.8%, while Russia's contribution fell to just 27%, the lowest level since March 2023. Middle Eastern producers such as Saudi Arabia and Oman contributed 19% while India provided 7%. KEY QUOTE Bruno Cordeiro said that the strong growth in imports is due to both an increase in Diesel B (mixed biodiesel), sales in Brazil, and a decrease in diesel A production (pure diesel). CONTEXT The Russian market share is declining due to the Ukrainian drone attacks against its refineries, and export restrictions that followed. After Western sanctions, Brazil had become the country's biggest diesel supplier. Diesel demand typically increases during Brazil's soybean harvest season, when the country is awash in soybeans.
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EIA: US natgas production and demand will reach record highs by 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said Tuesday that the Short-Term Energy Outlook, or STEO, will show record levels of natural gas production and demand in 2025. EIA predicted that dry gas production would increase from 103.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2024, to 107.1 bcfd by 2025, and 107.4bcfd by 2026. This compares to a record of 103.6 bcfd for 2023. The agency also predicted that domestic gas demand will increase from 90.5 bcfd, a record in 2024, to 91.6 bcfd by 2025 and 2026. The EIA forecasts from September were 106.6 bcfd in production and 91.5 for demand. The agency predicted that average U.S. exports of liquefied gas would increase to 14.7 bcfd by 2025, and 16.3 bcfd by 2026. This is up from 11.9 bcfd at a record in 2024. The EIA predicted that U.S. coal output would increase from 512.1 million short tonnes in 2024 - the lowest level since 1964 - to 531.3 millions tons in 2020, before dropping to 493.6 tons in 2030, which is the lowest level since 1963. EIA predicted that carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from fossil fuels will rise from a low of 4.793 million metric tonnes in 2024, to 4.880 millions metric tones in 2025, as oil, gas and coal consumption increases. Then, the emissions would ease to 4.844 million metric tones in 2026, as oil and coal usage declines. (Reporting and editing by Rod Nickel, Emelia Sithole Matarise and Scott DiSavino)
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Mercuria Partners Group to lower Swiss tariffs by pledging US energy investments
Two people familiar with the matter have confirmed that a group of Swiss firms, including energy traders Mercuria and Partners Group, has pledged more than $6 billion to invest in U.S. Energy as part of efforts aimed at lowering U.S. Tariffs on Switzerland. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, shocked Switzerland in August by imposing import tariffs of 39% on Swiss companies. He justified them by citing the U.S. deficit in trade with the Alpine nation, which had eliminated industrial tariffs last year. Since the tariff shock in the U.S., the Swiss government and private sector have been working together to put together a package of business and investment measures that will help reduce the U.S. deficit and, with it, Trump’s tariffs. Last month, the Swiss took proposals to Washington. Mercuria and Partners Group is among the companies that are working to assist the government. The government has, for example, proposed increasing energy purchases in order to reduce the U.S. Trade Deficit. In August, senior figures from both companies accompanied Swiss officials to Washington for discussions on tariffs. Partners Group and Mercuria declined comment. One source said that Partners Group pledged to double the capacity a U.S. - Mexico natural gas network operated by pipeline operator ESENTIA as part of its North American infrastructure under proposals drafted early September. The source noted that Mercuria had revised its plans. These include new energy generation, carbon storage and capture, as well U.S. oil extraction. The person who spoke to me said that when the plans were first drafted in early September, Mercuria and Partners Group, as well as Swiss energy investments, were valued at more than $6 billion. According to a second source, the Swiss energy package that includes Mercuria Partners Group and other companies comprises investments totaling around $7 billion. According to sources, these documents were part of a larger package prepared for Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin’s visit to Washington on September 5, where he would meet with Trump officials. SWISS GOVERNMENT SEEKS RAPID AGREEMENT Switzerland is still trying to negotiate lower tariffs with U.S. officials. The Swiss Economy Ministry refused to answer any questions regarding ongoing discussions. However, it did say that the Federal Council was committed to improving tariffs with the United States. "It optimised its proposal to the U.S. to achieve a quick agreement." The ministry stated that it would continue to conduct diplomatic and political exchanges in order for the tariffs to be reduced quickly. The Swiss also proposed, as reported by last month's report, the construction of gold refinery capacity in the U.S. to reduce the amount that the U.S. imports of Swiss gold. According to sources familiar with the situation, the Swiss also propose increasing purchases of U.S. defense materiel. Dave Graham and Dmitry Zhdannikov contributed to the report. Oliver Hirt contributed additional reporting. Mark Potter (Editor)
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Gold miners' investments bask in record price
Investors bet that record gold prices would drive strong margins, capital flows and shareholder returns. According to LSEG Lipper, gold mining funds are up 114% in the past year, outpacing both technology funds (up 27%) and natural resource funds (up 23.7%). According to data, gold mining funds received $5.4 billion inflows during the third quarter, which is the biggest quarterly movement since December 2009. The price of gold reached a new record on Tuesday, as the U.S. shutdown continued and demand was boosted by expectations that the Fed would cut rates this month. Gold miners have been lagging behind the bullion due to increasing costs and operational challenges in recent years. However, in 2025, record prices will boost profits and cash flow, strengthening balance sheet and providing leveraged exposure to gold rally. Trevor Yates is a senior investment analyst with Global X ETFs. He said: "Despite the rally the sector remains under-owned. This leaves room for new investors who can drive multiple expansion." We're especially positive on smaller miners, explorers and producers who offer a greater leverage over the gold price. They are also set to benefit from continued industry consolidation. George Cheveley said that strong earnings were reinforcing the cost discipline. Some miners are accelerating projects, funded with cash. This is a move which supports growth, and eliminates borrowing. Gold miner Newmont reported stronger-than-expected second quarter profits and announced a $3? Share buybacks of $3?billion were announced by Newmont, a gold miner. Barrick also beat forecasts for profits and increased its quarterly dividend 50%. Some companies have taken advantage of the current rally to raise capital via IPOs or share sales. China's Zijin Gold International secured $3.2 billion while Merdeka Gold raised $280 million. The MSCI Gold Miners Index, despite doubling by 2025, still trades with a P/E ratio of 14.3, which is below its 10-year average of 16.7. This suggests that there is room for further valuation growth. Gold companies are enjoying the best margins ever, according to Adrian Hammond, research analyst at SBG. He said that investors could find opportunities in companies who are disciplined with their cash flow and eager to reward shareholders.
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Nigeria to launch global sukuk and new loans totaling $2.8 billion
According to a Tuesday letter to lawmakers, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu asked the parliament to approve $2.3 Billion in new loans as well as to authorize the issuance a $500 Million debut sovereign sukuk. Wale Edun is the Finance Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economy and the Minister of Finance. He told an Abuja economic summit on Monday that government was focusing its attention on green bonds and diaspora bond, saying they were priced cheaper than Eurobonds. According to the Nigerian debt office chief, Nigeria could issue as much as $2.3 billion of international bonds by year's end, depending on the market conditions. Last December, the most populous African country sold its first international bonds in almost three years. However, it has yet to tap into global capital markets in 2025. Tinubu's reforms have led to a positive rating from the ratings agencies and a better fiscal situation in Nigeria. The government is hoping that investors will reward it for its reforms by lowering yields on debt issuances in the future. Tinubu said in his letter that the new funds will be used to refinance Eurobonds maturing by November and part-finance budget deficits. The letter said that the new funds would be used to refinance Eurobonds due in November and part-finance the budget deficit. The president stated that the government will issue sukuks with or without credit enhancements provided by the Islamic Corporation in order to replicate its success on domestic markets. (Reporting and writing by Camillus Eboh, Chijioke Ahuocha, Hugh Lawson, Mark Potter).
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Gold futures reach $4,000; S&P 500 declines after recent records
The major stock indexes dipped on Monday. Investors were watching political turmoil in France, Japan, and the U.S. shutdown. Gold futures also hit $4,000 per ounce, a first. Gold's rally was fueled in part by the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government shutdown. U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery were up 0.6% to $3,998.50 after reaching a high price of $4,009.00. Investors waited to see what happened in France where the shock occurred. You can also find out more about the company by clicking here. Sebastien lecornu, the Prime Minister of Canada, raised concerns on Monday about the fiscal outlook for Canada. The U.S. Government shutdown The major U.S. indexes are closing at record highs. This is due to optimism about the possibility of Federal Reserve interest rate reductions and artificial intelligence-related deals. Jake Dollarhide is the chief executive officer at Longbow Asset Management, located in Tulsa. Is the AI trade right or the nervous Nellies? ?... We'll find out what the answer is in the coming weeks and months." The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 71.17, or 0.15 %, to 46.623.80. The S&P 500 declined 2.72 points or 0.05% to 6,737.17. And the Nasdaq Composite rose 1338 points or 0.05% to 22,952.50. The MSCI index of global stocks fell by 1.38 points or 0.14% to 994.68. The STOXX 600 Index fell by 0.02%. The CAC 40 in Paris was the last to gain 0.1% after its biggest one-day drop since late August. President Emmanuel Macron is under increasing pressure to call snap elections. Elections to the Parliament Lecornu has a chance of holding if he resigns or even quits. Last-ditch discussions On Tuesday, I met with representatives of different parties to try and find a solution. The yield on French bonds rose by 2 basis points, to 3.59%. Investors in Japan snapped up the sale of government debt In a gesture of easing nerves after Sanae Takaichi The election of, who advocates low interest rates and high expenditure, as leader of the ruling Party triggered a sell-off of domestic bonds, the currency, and sent stocks to new records. The Japanese yen fell 0.53% to 151.15 dollars, while the euro dropped 0.44% to $1.1657. Benchmark U.S. yields are on the decline Investors waited The Fed will be holding an auction for three-year bonds and making comments in advance of its meeting this month. The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10 year notes dropped 1.8 basis points from late Monday to 4.144%. Prices of oil were lower. U.S. crude dropped 0.63% to $61.31 per barrel. Brent was down to $65.02 a barrel, a 0.69% drop on the day. Investors digested the news that the World Bank The company raised its growth forecasts for China and the rest of the region in 2025, but warned that momentum would slow next year.
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Pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Hamas' anniversary of attack draw criticism
On Tuesday, opponents of Israel's action in Gaza protested in several cities to mark the second anniversary since the Hamas attack that started the war. This was despite the denials by politicians that such marches could glorify violence. Hamas gunmen took 251 hostages and killed 1200 people in an attack on 7 October 2023. Gaza's health officials report that Israel launched an offensive against a militant Palestinian group in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 67,000 Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place in Sydney, London, Paris and other European cities, including Athens Thessaloniki Istanbul and Stockholm. The protests are a reflection of a change in global sentiment. Sympathy that was initially directed at Israel following the attacks on October 7, is now more towards the Palestinians. This has left Israel isolated. "TERRIBLE timing, SHOCKINGLY INSENITIVE" Pro-Palestinian demonstrators say that they aim to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and advocate for Palestinians rights. Politicians in several countries have said that holding such protests at the anniversary of Hamas's attack, the day when Jews died the most since the Holocaust could be interpreted as a support for militant violence. Chris Minns told 2GB radio that a protest planned in Sydney was "terrible timing and shockingly insensitive". Keir starmer, British Prime Minister, said that it was "unbritish" to protest "on the anniversary the atrocities on October 7". Starmer stated that some people used the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza to "attack British Jews" for something they had no responsibility over. Since an attack on a synagogue in Britain last week, in which two men died, the concern over antisemitism has increased. Jewish communities have tightened security in places of worship. Hundreds of protesters in London waved Palestinian flags outside King's College London and chanted: "Israel is terrorist state." The march was expected to continue to other universities. Nearby, a small group of Israelis waving flags was present. Mark Etkind is a retired Londoner in his early 60s who wore a sign on his neck stating that he was a son of a Holocaust victim and opposed the genocide he described in Gaza. He called Starmer's call for students to not protest "outrageous". He said, "I've always been against genocide." "I support the students who are here actively opposed to genocide." Emily Schrader (34-year-old Israeli Journalist) who was in London called it "utterly disgusting". "I believe that there are better ways to support Palestinians rather than participating in this activity that is so hurtful and offensive and that encourages radicalism, terrorism and extremism, whether it's on campus or in Israel." On Tuesday, there were also vigils and protests against antisemitism. In Germany, mourners gathered in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate to place stones and photos, echoing Jewish traditions for remembrance. Israel PROTESTS PROMPTED BY HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA Pro-Palestinian activists in the Netherlands painted red on Amsterdam's Royal Palace to protest against the decision of the city mayor who banned a pro Palestinian rally but allowed a pro Israeli event. A protest is expected in Turkey outside an energy firm over its exports of products to Israel. Demonstrators in Sweden were expected to welcome Greta Thönberg, a climate activist, and other members of the Gaza aid flotilla that Israel had detained back home. After days of protests, the authorities in Bologna have banned the pro-Palestinian rally, citing a risk of unrest. Enrico Ricci told journalists that the demonstration would be prohibited. In the past two years, millions of people around the world have participated in protests and marches against Gaza's dire humanitarian conditions. The governments have to strike a balance in allowing the right to demonstrate and protecting Jewish communities, who feel targeted by the protests. They have also reported an increase in antisemitic attacks since the attack on October 7. (Written by Sam Tabahriti, Additional reporting by Catarina demony in London, Charlotte van Campenhout and Inti Landauro, in Brussels, Jonathan Spicer, in Istanbul. Editing by Kate Holton Timothy Heritage Peter Graff
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Sources say that traders are seeking yuan payments from Indian state buyers who purchase Russian oil.
Sources in the trade said that traders offering Russian oil are now asking Indian refiners to make payments in Chinese Yuan. They see recent signs of improved relations between New Delhi, China and Beijing as an opportunity to simplify transactions with Indian buyers. Indian Oil Corp, India's largest refiner and state-controlled company, paid in Chinese currency recently for two or three cargoes worth of Russian oil. Indian Oil has not responded to the request for comment immediately. Western sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have led to a greater use of alternative currencies such as the yuan or the dirham of the UAE for oil trade settlements. The dollar has long dominated these transactions. Indian state refiners paid for Russian oil using yuan in 2023. However, they stopped doing so due to the Indian government's displeasure during a time of increased tensions with Beijing. Private refiners, however, continued to use Chinese currency. One trader stated that traders who previously had to convert payments from dirhams and dollars to yuans, since they can only be exchanged directly into roubles to pay producers, are now looking to eliminate a costly step. Sources said traders also priced Russian oil in US dollars to ensure compliance with the European Union price cap, and sought payment equivalent to yuan. Due to sanctions, the West has stopped importing Russian oil. The sources stated that payments in yuan would increase the availability of Russian crude oil for Indian refiners as some traders refused to accept other currencies. After a break of over five years, India and China resumed direct flights. Last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to China for the first time since 2007. He was there to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's regional security bloc.
China's Sinopec charts global expansion with refinery in competing India's backyard
C hinese state energy huge Sinopec is pushing for greater access to Sri Lanka's market, where rival India is likewise seeking to expand its existence, as it aims to construct its very first fullycontrolled abroad refinery, reflecting a modification in the firm's international method to make up for slowing need growth in the house.
Sinopec, the world's biggest oil refiner, is anticipated to finish a feasibility study by June for a plant at the Chinese-run Hambantota port, after winning Colombo's approval last November, 2 senior market sources with direct knowledge of the matter told .
While the China-based sources say the investment, which Colombo pegged at $4.5 billion as the nation's largest-ever foreign financial investment, is commercially driven, neighbouring India is pushing a rival plan to construct a fuel products pipeline to the island country southeast of the subcontinent.
Sinopec's effort to construct a refinery with a more domestic orientation instead of the export-focused job sought by Sri Lanka, which has actually not previously been reported, puts it in direct competition with India's interests in broadening its role as an energy provider to the nation. New Delhi-run Indian Oil Corp is the No. 2 fuel supplier to the country, after Sri Lankan government-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corp.
. India's foreign ministry and Indian Oil Corp did not react to requests for comment.
Sinopec, which has actually not openly spelled out its technique, is prioritising the Sri Lanka financial investment and another in Saudi Arabia under a freshly released investment arm, in an effort to leverage its proficiency and deep pockets to expand internationally as oil demand nears its peak in China as economic development slows and electric vehicle adoption widens, the sources said.
Sinopec's efforts mark a brand-new pattern in Chinese oil and gas financial investments abroad after mergers and acquisitions dried up to simply $344 million in 2023, a fraction of the record $31 billion in 2012, according to LSEG data, following the 2014/15 oil rate collapse and as Beijing tightened up scrutiny over the finances of its nationwide oil giants.
Sinopec is working to finalise details including the plant's. size and item setup, while working out with Colombo. over terms consisting of greater access to the import-reliant Sri. Lankan market, an aspect secret for its last financial investment call, the. sources stated.
The south Asian country, grappling with a scarcity of foreign. exchange, has looked for a refinery that would deliver 20% of its. fuel domestically and export the rest to produce much-needed. hard cash.
Sri Lanka's power and energy minister, Kanchana Wijesekera,. informed on Friday that the federal government is adhering to that. requirement.
Sinopec, nevertheless, believes domestic sales would be more. rewarding, the two sources stated, decreasing to be recognized as. the matter is not public.
The business is thinking about either a 160,000 barrel daily. ( bpd) plant or 2 100,000-bpd plants built in stages, which in. either case would be geared towards gas and diesel fuel,. the sources said.
Sinopec decreased comment.
FULL CONTROL
Sinopec sees Hambantota as among its top-priority jobs,. together with a multi-billion-dollar plan to broaden a refinery into. a petrochemical complex at the Red Sea port of Yanbu in a joint. endeavor with state-run Saudi Aramco, the two sources said.
Compared to its half-owned, higher-cost Yanbu plant developed a. decade earlier and created to provide the U.S. market, Sinopec could. fully utilize its proficiency in refinery design, engineering and. operation in the Hambantota venture and therefore cap overall expenses.
Sinopec has in recent months looked for more flexible terms for. the project's domestic marketing share however Colombo has not. budged.
Sri Lanka's only existing refinery, the 38,000 bpd. Sapugaskanda plant commissioned in 1969, supplies less than 30%. of its fuel requires.
Minister Kanchana informed he anticipates Sinopec to. sign a financial investment agreement by June.
CHINA VS INDIA
China and India are significantly contending for impact in. Sri Lanka.
In 2022, India funnelled in about $4 billion of assistance. throughout Sri Lanka's worst financial crisis in decades.
Because in 2015, New Delhi has proposed various energy. connectivity jobs consisting of a $1.2 billion subsea power. line and a fuel pipeline linking India with Sri Lanka's. Trincomalee port on the east coast, Sri Lanka Power and Energy. Ministry Secretary Sulakshana Jayawardena said in late February.
India is likewise deepening its participation in Sri Lanka's power. sector with solar jobs and grid connectivity.
Their reliance on China is not there in energy. products, stated an Indian authorities straight knowledgeable about the. pipeline conversations, declining to be recognized due to the fact that he is. not authorised to speak to media on the topic.
That is a sector where we have a significant stake. That. will increase with the pipeline, the Indian authorities said,. including that there has been substantial development on conversations. for the multi-product pipeline, with the two sides seeking to. formalise the arrangement as soon as possible.
China is a relative latecomer to Sri Lanka but has considering that. 2010 ploughed $6.7 billion into building the Hambantota port,. highways and the nation's only coal power plant in. Norochcholai.
At Hambantota, state-owned China Merchants Group owns 85% of. port operator Hambantota International Port Group under a. 99-year lease and previously this year agreed a $392 million offer. to build a logistics and storage center in Colombo port under. Beijing's sprawling Belt & & Road Initiative.
Last September, Sinopec began a fuel import and. circulation service in Sri Lanka with 150 fuel stations,. sourcing fuel mainly from Singapore, which Colombo anticipated to. save the federal government about $500 million in foreign exchange over. the next 2 years.
(source: Reuters)