Latest News
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Sources say that the new Japanese PM is planning a large-scale economic stimulus in order to combat inflation.
Sanae Takaichi, the new Japanese Prime Minister, is working on an economic stimulus package which will likely exceed last year's $82 billion in order to help families combat inflation. Government sources familiar with this plan told Reuters that it is expected to be more than double what was spent by households to fight inflation. Takaichi, who advocates big fiscal expenditures, took office Tuesday. This is her first major economic initiative. It reflects her commitment to "responsible fiscal policy". Sources declined to identify themselves because it was a private matter. They said that the plan will be built on three pillars - measures to combat inflation, investments in industries of growth, and national safety. The Nikkei 225 index of Japan's shares reversed its losses on Wednesday after the report and rose. Meanwhile, the yen was unchanged and had only made gains in the morning. The Takaichi government plans to quickly abolish the provisional gas tax rate as part of its core measures for inflation relief. The program also aims at expanding local government grants with an emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses that cannot benefit from the existing tax incentives to increase wages. As the government concentrates on economic development, it will include investments in sectors of growth such as artificial Intelligence and semiconductors. Sources said that the exact size of the package was still being finalised. The announcement could come as soon as next month. In order to fund these measures, the government has begun drafting the supplementary budget that will cover the current fiscal year up until March. It is hoped it will be passed during the next extraordinary session of parliament. If the additional spending exceeds expectations, it may be necessary for the government to issue bonds to cover deficits, which raises questions about how best to balance economic growth and fiscal discipline.
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Morning bid Europe-Inflation will wipe out UK's rate-cutting bets
Rae Wee gives us a look at what the European and global markets will be like tomorrow. The Bank of England's (BoE), which is expected to cut rates again this year, will likely be disappointed if the consumer prices in Britain are higher than expected. The BoE expects the inflation rate in September to be 4%, which is the highest of all the big economies around the world and twice the BoE target. The markets currently price in a chance of nearly 15% that the central banks will ease rates by 25 basis point at their November meeting. A positive surprise in the Wednesday figures will almost certainly wipe out these bets. This would also cloud the central bank's rate outlook into the end of the year, as policymakers are divided between those who wish to take aggressive action in order to counter the slowing down of the job market and others who are concerned about the persistent inflation pressure. A majority, however, is in favour a gradual rate cut. The rapid pace of UK price increases, which continue to put pressure on households and raise borrowing costs, adds to the challenges facing Finance Minister Rachel Reeves. She has promised to ease cost-of living pressures and accelerate economic growth. Reeves, who is trying to reach her fiscal goals and avoid disappointing investors that have already driven up borrowing costs in Britain sharply, has indicated she will increase taxes and reduce spending as part of her budget plan for November 26. Investors were also reeling in other markets from the sudden drop in gold prices that has stopped the metal's explosive rally, despite the lack of an obvious cause. Asian shares also declined, but Japan's Nikkei recovered from its early losses and traded higher following a report that Sanae Takaichi is preparing a stimulus package for the economy that will likely exceed last year’s 13.9 trillion ($92.19) billion yen to help consumers tackle inflation. Money managers from around the world are returning to Japan's debt and stock markets because of its reflationist promises and to diversify away from more expensive U.S. or European markets. The following are key developments that may influence the markets on Wednesday. UK Inflation (September) - Barclays, Tesla earnings
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Oil prices rise more than 1% due to supply risks and US-China trade negotiations
The oil prices rose for the second day in a row on Wednesday. They increased by more than 1 percent, boosted by supply risks related to sanctions and hopes of a U.S. China trade agreement. Investors also took note of news that the U.S. was seeking oil deliveries for its strategic reserves. Brent crude futures were up 94 cents or 1.5% to $62.26 a barrel as of 0400 GMT. U.S. West Texas intermediate crude futures were up 92 cents or 1.6% to $58.16. Oil prices have recovered from a five-month low, which was reached on Monday. Producers increased supply and trade tensions dampened demand. News that the summit between U.S. president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin had been put on hold, as well as fears of disruption fuelled by Western pressures on Asian oil purchases from Russia, led to a supply risk. Mukesh S. Sahdev, CEO and founder of energy market consulting firm XAnalysts, said that despite the general bearish sentiment, a glut of oil and weak demand in the Middle East, Venezuela, Colombia, and Russia still prevents the oil price from falling below $60. Investors monitored the tension between Venezuela, an important oil producer and the U.S. The U.S. attacks against Venezuela in international water are a dangerous escalation, and they amount to "extrajudicial killings", a group independent United Nations experts stated on Tuesday. As part of the campaign to combat a "narcoterrorist threat" emanating from Venezuela, U.S. president Donald Trump ordered strikes against at least six vessels that were suspected by the U.S. of transporting drugs in the Caribbean. Investors will also be closely monitoring the progress of U.S. China trade talks, as officials from both nations are due to meet in Malaysia this week. Trump said Monday he expected to negotiate a fair deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping whom he intends to meet next week in South Korea. Trump's comments on trade negotiations are likely to provide some support for the market. The cancellation of the Trump and Putin summit is also likely to provide some support, said ING commodities analysts on Wednesday. Market sources cited American Petroleum Institute data on Tuesday to confirm that U.S. crude oil, gasoline, and distillate stock levels fell in the last week. In a note to clients on Wednesday, ANZ analysts found that oil was also in favor of a U.S. strategy for replenishing strategic reserves. The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Tuesday that it plans to purchase 1 million barrels of oil to replenish its Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It is hoping to benefit from the relatively low prices of oil to do so. (Reporting and editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman in Singapore and Christopher Cushing; Siyi Liu, Jeslyn Lerh)
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Vard Picks SMST to Supply Equipment for North Star’s New SOVs
Dutch offshore equipment supplier SMST has secured a new contract from Norwegian shipbuilder Vard for the delivery of two sets of mission equipment to be installed on an additional two of North Star’s newbuild Service Operation Vessels (SOVs).These vessels are part of a long-term charter agreement between shipowner and operator North Star and energy company RWE.SMST previously supplied similar equipment for the first two CSOVs, the Grampian Eagle and Grampian Kestrel, which are also set to operate for RWE.RWE, North Star Ink Long-Term SOV Charter AgreementsFor these new hybrid-powered SOVs, safe and efficient transfer of technicians working offshore is ensured through the integration of SMST’s Telescopic Access Bridge (TAB) L2, a motion compensated gangway equipped with advanced automation packages.Additionally, the inclusion of a 5t Motion Compensated Crane will enable streamlined and reliable cargo handling operations.“We are proud to contribute to such a significant collaboration between two leading industry players. Above all, we value the continued partnership with North Star and VARD’s ongoing trust in SMST, now reflected in the selection of our equipment for a fifth and sixth vessel,” said Jochem Tuinstra, Sales Manager at SMST.
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Offshore Industry Majors Join Forces for Next-Gen Subsea Flowline Tech
A consortium of offshore energy companies including TotalEnergies, Equinor, Aker BP, DeepOcean, Tenaris, and LS Cable & System has launched a joint industry project to commercialize a new subsea flowline heating technology designed to cut costs and carbon emissions related to deepwater oil and gas subsea tie-back projects.The system, named FlowHeat, aims to lower manufacturing and installation costs by up to 35% and reduce carbon emissions by 30% through separating pipeline and heating installation processes.Subsea tiebacks are key to connecting remote wells to processing facilities, but cold, deepwater environments pose challenges such as wax and hydrate formation. FlowHeat simplifies the heating process by allowing the installation of power cables after the pipeline is laid, or as an alternative, integrating them into a reeled pipeline.“The patented design represents a breakthrough in subsea pipeline heating, offering significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and environmental benefits. The key advantages include reduced topside weight, lower power consumption, and less complex installation. The cable is also repairable and enables real-time monitoring via optical fiber,” said Andries Ferla, DeepOcean’s Technology Director and project owner.The system can be deployed after pipeline installation and is suitable for tiebacks of up to 30 km, potentially extending to 50 km, and water depths reaching 3,000 meters. It allows heating installation using smaller remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), reducing project complexity and vessel requirements.“After a very important phase progressing from idea to proof-of-concept, TotalEnergies is very enthusiastic to enter in a full-scale validation with this group of highly skilled specialists, for qualification of the technology. Together, we believe we can unlock longer tiebacks and access to remote reserves,” added Florent Boemare, Offshore Solutions and Technology Research Manager at TotalEnergies.Initial trials have demonstrated the system’s electrical efficiency and reliable cable installation over obstacles and long distances. FlowHeat can be deployed from various vessel types, supporting a 30% emissions reduction by optimizing pipeline use, cutting installation days, and allowing smaller vessels to be used.Industry participants see strong market potential on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and globally, with more than 300 potential electrically heated flowline projects identified by 2030 in regions such as Brazil, the United States, and Africa.Each company brings distinct expertise - DeepOcean leads project management and subsea integration; Tenaris provides advanced thermal insulation coating solutions; LS Cable & System contributes its experience in power and fiber-optic cables; and TotalEnergies, Equinor, and Aker BP offer operator-level support, infrastructure, and validation capacity.The project has received funding from the Research Council of Norway to conduct pilot testing under real operating conditions, supporting the technology’s qualification and eventual commercialization.
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Shanghai copper prices fall on weak China demand and strong dollar
Shanghai copper fell on Wednesday. The gains made in the previous session were lost due to a weakening of Chinese demand, resulting from high prices, and a stronger US dollar. As of 0302 GMT, the most active contract for copper on Shanghai Futures Exchange had fallen 0.63% to 84,990 Yuan ($11,931.77) a metric ton. The two sessions of gains were halted by the strong industrial production in China and new attempts to ease Sino U.S. trade tensions. The benchmark three-month futures for copper fell 0.15%, to $10608 per ton. The red metal's demand is muted by the low acceptance of high prices from downstream buyers. It's a good thing the copper price was corrected, because it might encourage some real consumption by downstream buyers. "They were not buying anything before," said a Shanghai copper trader, who requested anonymity because the person was not authorized to talk to the media. The copper price was also affected by the stronger dollar, despite Wednesday's slight decline. The price of commodities in greenbacks is weakened by a strong dollar, as buyers who use other currencies are forced to pay more. Traders also closely followed the China-U.S. Trade Conflict in the lead-up to a meeting planned between U.S. president Donald Trump and his Chinese equivalent Xi Jinping in South Korea next week. Copper prices are still held at a minimum by the supply shortage caused by mine disruptions. Any decline is therefore limited. Nickel was the only metal to lose 0.30%. Zinc and lead also remained unchanged. Zinc and lead, among other LME metals gained 0.23% while aluminium and nickel were barely changed.
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Gold continues to fall from its record high due to profit-booking and trade optimism
Gold prices continued to fall on Wednesday as investors took profits from the recent bullion rally, while they awaited U.S. inflation figures due later in the week. As of 0236 GMT, spot gold was down by 0.4%, at $4,109.19 an ounce. Bullion dropped more than 5% Tuesday, its steepest drop since August 2020. U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery climbed 0.4%, to $4124.10 an ounce. Matt Simpson, senior analyst at StoneX, said that the "simmering" tensions in trade between the U.S. This is a simple technical repositioning of a market which clearly needed a pullback following an extended move over $4,000. I believe we have seen the worst day-to-day fluctuations as dips are still likely to be purchased." U.S. president Donald Trump said he expects to reach a fair deal with Chinese president Xi Jinping next week when they meet in South Korea. He also played down the risk of a conflict over Taiwan. The Mint newspaper in India reported that New Delhi and Washington were close to a long-stalled agreement which would reduce U.S. import tariffs from 50% to 15% or 16%. The gold price has risen by 56% in the past year. It reached a record high of $4,381.21 yesterday, thanks to geopolitical, economic and rate-cutting bets, as well as sustained central bank purchases. Investors are now looking forward to Friday's release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index report for September. This will provide more clues about the Federal Reserve’s path towards interest rate cuts. Due to the U.S. shutdown, this report was delayed. According to a survey of economists, the Fed will cut its key interest rate next week by 25 basis points and again in December. However, opinions are still divided about where rates will end up by next year. Silver spot edged up 0.1% to $48,82 an ounce. Platinum fell 1.5% to 1,528.15 while palladium rose 0.7% to $1418.09. (Reporting by Brijesh Patel in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
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Iron ore prices rise on signs of eased US-China trade tension
Iron ore prices rose on Wednesday as signs of easing U.S. China trade tensions, and the expectation that Beijing will unveil more stimulus measures to boost economic growth, outweighed worries about a rising ore supply or a decreasing steel demand. After U.S. president Donald Trump stated on Monday that he expects to reach a fair deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hopes grew of a deescalation in the trade spat. Trump said that he will visit China in early 2019, at Beijing's request. By 0207 GMT, the most-traded iron ore contract for January on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange rose by 0.78% to $775 yuan (US$108.80) a metric ton. As of 0157 GMT, the benchmark November iron ore traded on Singapore Exchange was up 0.42% at $104 per ton. Analyst Zhuo Guiqiu at Jinrui Futures said that the rise was driven by a macroeconomic factor, as a reduction in U.S. - China trade tensions is expected. This has sparked heightened risk-on sentiment. Investors also bet on more China stimulus after a series of disappointing data. The Communist Party's four-day meeting behind closed doors that began Monday will culminate in an outline of the next five-year strategy. The price increases were tempered by the expectation of a growing supply in the remainder of the year and the seasonal slowdown of steel demand. Vale, the largest iron ore miner in the world, produced 94.4 millions metric tons (the equivalent of steelmaking material) during the third quarter. This is a 3.8% increase on an annual basis and the highest production since the final three months of 2018 Rio Tinto (RIO.L) has also stocked up 2 million tonnes of high-grade ore in Guinea at its Simandou Project for a shipment scheduled to take place mid-November. Both coke and coal, which are used in the production of steel, grew by 0.59%. The benchmarks for steel on the Shanghai Futures Exchange have gained ground. Rebar gained 0.33%. Hot-rolled coil increased by 0.47%. Wire rod gained 0.21%. Stainless steel gained 0.28%. $1 = 7.1230 Chinese Yuan (Reporting and editing by Amy Lv, Colleen Waye)
Trump's executive orders on immigration, DEI and abortion
Since he took office on January 20, Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has taken a number of executive orders as well as other actions that have a rapid impact on Americans.
The White House reported that the executive orders totaled over 300. They aim to fulfill the Republican campaign promises regarding illegal immigration, federal employment size, energy, environment, gender, diversity, and abortion policies.
Orders
The law has the force of law
But it can be revoked or blocked by future presidents.
Here are some early Trump policy moves.
IMMIGRATION
Trump declared a state of national emergency at the U.S. Mexico border, and issued a ban on asylum to migrants who "engaged in invasion across the southern borders."
He told the Defense Department that it was a top priority to seal the borders and support the construction of border walls, detention spaces and transportation for migrants. He gave the Defense Secretary the authority to send troops along the border. The White House also announced the deployment of 1,500 more troops.
Trump has ordered the suspension for refugee admissions to the U.S. This includes the nearly 1,660 Afghans who were cleared to settle in America.
He reinstated his "Remain in Mexico policy", which forces non-Mexicans seeking asylum to wait in Mexico until their U.S. cases are resolved.
He ordered the Attorney General to pursue capital punishment for immigrants who are not legally recognized and commit crimes like murder, which could be punishable by death.
He signed an order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S., if either their mother or father are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. According to the U.S. Constitution, people born in America are entitled to citizenship. Democratic state attorneys and advocates filed lawsuits on the issue, and Ronald Reagan's Republican president appointed a judge to block the order. He called it "blatantly illegal."
Trump has also started a process of designating criminal cartels to be foreign terrorist groups and to use a 1798 law called the Alien Enemies Act to target foreign gangs.
ABORTION
Restored U.S. Participation
In two international antiabortion agreements, including one which cuts off U.S. funds to foreign organizations that provide or promote abortions. He reinstated Mexico City Policy which his opponents refer to as the "global gag rule" for the way it has silenced abortion advocates. It was established by Reagan in 1984 and has been repealed or rescinded each Democratic President since then.
TRANSGENDER TROOPS AND COVID IN THE MILITARY
Trump signed executive orders that were aimed at
The military
The reintroduction of thousands of troops expelled for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic; the removal diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements; and the targeting of transgender members.
In one order, it was stated that expressing a transgender identity would violate military standards. However, the order did not specify whether or not current transgender military personnel would be allowed stay in service.
Trump has rescinded a former Democratic president Joe Biden's order that allowed transgender individuals to serve in military.
GRANTS and LOANS
The White House of Donald Trump ordered the a
All federal grants and loans will be halted
This could affect education and healthcare, housing assistance and disaster relief, as well as a number of other initiatives that rely on billions of dollars from the federal government.
The money will be held while the Trump Administration reviews the programs and ensures they align with the Republican President's priorities.
Slashing the size of the federal workforce
Trump has ordered federal employees to return to work full-time in the office and that agencies take action to stop remote working arrangements.
He announced a hiring freeze for federal jobs, with the exception of military, immigration enforcement and national security, as well as public safety.
He reinstated the Schedule F executive orders he issued during his first term. These would have stripped tens or thousands of federal workers of their employment protections, and made them more easily fired.
GOVERNMENT DIVERSITY AND GENDER ISSUES
Trump signed an executive order calling for the elimination government diversity programs. This includes all federal jobs and offices related to diversity and equity.
All federal DEI offices were facing closure, so the Trump administration paid all staff in their offices a leave of absence.
The order instructs the administration review which federal contractors provided DEI materials to government agencies, and revokes Equal Employment Opportunity order that was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
He signed an official order that "recognizes two sexes - male and female" in documents. The order said that "these sexes cannot be changed and are based on fundamental and undisputed reality."
Trump ordered agencies to stop using pronouns based on gender identity or preferred pronouns.
STEPS TOWARDS A TRAVEL BANN?
Trump signed an executive order setting a 60-day period for State, Justice and Homeland Security officials to identify countries with screening and vetting processes "so inadequate as to warrant partial or complete suspension of admissions to nationals from these countries."
U.S. civil right groups
You can also read about the warnings below.
The order lays down the foundation for a reinstatement of the ban on travel from countries with a majority of Muslims or Arabs.
EXPANDING Energy Production
Trump declared an energy emergency in order to increase energy production, eliminate regulations and to end rules that were aimed at accelerating the transition to electric cars.
He signed an order promoting oil and natural gas development in Alaska. This reversed Biden's attempts to protect Arctic lands, U.S. coast waters, and offshore wind lease sales. It also lifted a ban on the export of liquid natural gas.
PARIS CLIMATE PACT
Trump ordered that the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, putting the U.S. outside of the global pact intended to push nations to combat climate change. Trump had taken the same step in his first term. Biden then reversed that decision.
Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
Trump has ordered his administration begin the withdrawal process from the World Health Organization. He said the global health agency mishandled COVID-19 and other international health emergencies.
JAN. 6 PARDONS
Trump pardoned around 1,500 of his followers who attacked the U.S. Capitol in 2004. The vast majority of those convicted were involved in the riot. The pardoned individuals included the leaders of far-right groups Oath Keepers, and Proud Boys.
TIKTOK AND DOG
Trump signed an executive directive to delay for 75 days the implementation of a ban on popular short-video application TikTok, which was scheduled to close down on January 19.
The Department of Government Efficiency was created by him to make drastic cuts in the U.S. Government. This group immediately drew lawsuits against its operation. (Reporting and editing by Tim Reid in Washington and Jeff Mason; Deepa Babington, Ross Colvin and Colleen Jenkins)
(source: Reuters)