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The victim of the Valencia floods is found buried in mud
Authorities said that the body of a 56 year-old man was found buried under mud, a full year after he had been swept away by deadly flash floods. On October 29, last year, floodwaters inundated homes, underground parking lots and vehicles near Valencia, Spain's 3rd largest city. A local court in Catarroja, one of the worst-hit towns by the flooding, confirmed that the man was among three unaccounted for people who had been declared dead. The man was found on Tuesday, during earth-moving activities in the town Manises. This is about 40 km (25miles) downstream of Pedralba where he had gone missing. In Spain, when a body is discovered, a judge will be called. The same court is conducting a judicial inquiry, under the supervision of Judge NuriaRuiz, into the delays in responding to the flooding, which ranks among the worst natural disasters Spain has ever experienced. The Valencia regional government sent a text message warning people to seek shelter when many buildings had already been submerged and people were drowning. The court summoned on Thursday a journalist from Valencia who had lunch that day with the conservative regional leader of Valencia, Carlos Mazon. (Reporting and editing by David Latona, Andrew Heavens and Emma Pinedo)
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Kuwaiti Minister: OPEC is ready to increase oil production if necessary after US sanctions against Russia
Kuwait's Oil Minister said that OPEC was ready to increase production by rolling back further its oil output reductions if necessary to address the market shortages following new US sanctions against Russian oil majors. In a dramatic policy shift, U.S. president Donald Trump has targeted Russia's two largest oil companies: Lukoil and Rosneft. This is the most aggressive action Washington has taken against Russian business since Moscow invaded Ukraine. The news that India was considering reducing its Russian imports also caused the global oil price to rise by 5%. In response to a query, Kuwaiti Minister Tariq al-Roumi stated: "I anticipate that any decision to implement sanctions will have a positive effect on prices." Al-Roumi said that the sanctions will likely lead to a shift of demand from the Gulf region and Middle East. "We're seeing signs," he said. Kuwait is one of seven OPEC+ members that has gradually increased oil production after years of cutting to support the market, under an agreement between the group consisting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plus Russia and other smaller producers. The group that pumps half the oil in the world has changed its course to regain market shares this year. Trump also demanded OPEC to pump more oil to keep gasoline prices down. This year, it increased its oil production targets by over 2.7 million barrels per day (bpd), which is equivalent to 2.5% of the global demand. OPEC+ announced at its October 5th meeting that it would increase oil production from November by 137,000 barrels a day (bpd).
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Valero Energy's profit beats expectations for the third quarter on higher margins
Valero Energy, a U.S. refiner, beat Wall Street's expectations for the third quarter profit on Thursday. This was due to a rebound in refinery margins as well as record refinery output in the Gulf Coast region and North Atlantic. In premarket trading, shares of the company rose by 3% to $166.51, kicking off the earnings season in the United States. After two years of record profits, the refining margins recovered in 2024 from their multi-year lows, as supply shortages linked to geopolitical tensions with Ukraine supported higher pricing. U.S. refinery profit margins measured by the 3-2-1 Crack Spread In the third quarter, grew by an average of nearly 29% from a year ago, mainly due to strong margins for diesel and gasoline amid low inventories. Valero CEO Lane Riggs stated that the company achieved refinery utilization of 97%. Refineries in the Gulf Coast region and North Atlantic region set all-time records. Wall Street analysts stated that Valero exceeded expectations in its refining operations. They also said the company is well positioned to profit from widening crude differentials and strong margins, as product markets are expected to remain tight. The average volume of barrels produced by the company increased to 3.1 millions barrels per day during the third quarter from 2.9million bpd one year ago. Valero’s refining profit per barrel throughput increased by over 44% in the third quarter to $13.14, compared with $9.09 one year ago. The operating income of Valero’s ethanol division increased by over 19%, reaching $183 million in the third quarter. The renewable diesel segment reported a loss of 28 millions compared to a profit a year ago. According to LSEG, the company reported an adjusted profit per share of $3.66 for the three-month period ended September 30. Analysts had expected $3.05. Reporting by Vallari Shrivastava from Bengaluru, and editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri
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Singapore firms target South Africa amid global trade shake-up
This week, a delegation of Singaporean firms is visiting South Africa to explore partnership opportunities in manufacturing, logistics and consumer goods. Trade between the two countries has almost doubled in the last four years. Enterprise Singapore, Singapore's agency for trade and enterprise, stated that this mission was part of the Scale-Up Programme and aimed to link participating firms with South African counterparts, and potential partners, in a variety of sectors including agriprocessing and industrial supplies. "South Africa is already a close partner of Singapore, and there are many Singaporean firms operating in South Africa," Rahul Ghosh said on Thursday. He was the director for Enterprise Singapore Middle East and Africa. "In the longer term, this will lead to Singaporean businesses unlocking opportunities for South African business for win-win results, which is particularly important at this critical junction of global trade uncertainty and investment." REDRAWING GLOBAL TRADE ROUTES The visit coincides with the redrawing of global trade routes due to shifting tariff regimes, supply-chain disruptions and other factors. Countries are now forging new partnerships or strengthening existing ones to gain access to markets and raw materials. The delegation is made up of steel infrastructure specialist Mlion Corporation as well as car leasing firm Lumens and snack manufacturer Cocoba. Meetings with local and regional major players are being planned, including Tolaram Group, Denmark-based FLSmidth and Tolaram Group, to discuss possible collaboration and investment. Ghosh stated that manufacturing, agriprocessing and logistics were identified as priority industries. Official data show that the trade in goods between Singapore, South Africa and other countries reached $1.4 billion by 2024. This is almost twice as much as what was recorded in 2010. Colleen Goko is the reporter. (Editing by Anathi madubela and Mark Potter.
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Gold prices rise on renewed geopolitical risk; US inflation data is in focus
After two sessions of declines, gold prices rose by over 1% Thursday as investors awaited Friday's key U.S. Inflation data. As of 09:21 am, spot gold was up by 1.2% to $4,143.80 an ounce. ET (1321 GMT) after falling to near a two-week low during the previous session. U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery climbed 2.3%, to $4.160.50 an ounce. The prices reached a record-high of $4,381.21 in the first session, but then experienced their steepest fall in five years during the second. This year, the value of gold has soared. All the fundamentals that drove gold higher in this year are still very much present. "There was some opportunistic purchasing on the dip, and perhaps an uptick today in trade and geopolitical conflicts fostering that," Peter Grant said. The gold price has risen by 57% in the last year due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Central bank purchases have also been sustained. U.S. president Donald Trump imposed sanctions against Russia on Wednesday for the first times in his second term. The sanctions targeted oil companies Lukoil, and Rosneft. In response to Beijing’s recent restrictions on rare-earth-exports, the administration is also considering a proposal to limit a wide range of software exports to China. The Federal Reserve is now focusing on the U.S. Consumer Price Index report due out Friday, which could be its clearest inflation signal before next week's policy meetings. Data is expected to show core inflation at 3.1% for September. The markets have already priced a rate cut of 25 basis points, and another one is expected in December. In low-interest rate environments, gold, which is a non-yielding investment, tends be to gain. JP Morgan has forecast that gold prices will reach $5,055/oz on average by the fourth quarter 2026. This is based on an assumption that central bank and investor demand will be around 566 tonnes each quarter. Other metals rose in price: spot silver increased 1.6% to $49,29 an ounce; platinum increased 1.2% to $1640.61 while palladium dropped 0.1% to $1457.08.
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Canada retail sales in August grew by 1.0%, but declined 0.7% from September
Data from Canada's National Statistics Agency showed that retail sales in Canada rebounded during August, as consumers increased their spending on new cars, supermarkets, and clothing, among other things. Statista Canada reported that retail sales increased by 1% in August to C$70.40 Billion ($50.20 Billion) from a downwardly revised 0.7% drop in July. A preliminary estimate of September sales showed a likely decline of 0.7%. Analysts polled had predicted retail sales growth of 1.3% in August, excluding automotive and part sales. StatsCan's data shows that sales increased by 0.7% excluding the automotive category which accounts for as much as 28% of total retail sales. It said that the volume of retail sales for each month also saw a similar gain of 1%. Retail sales, including domestic sales of furniture, food and gasoline, and many other items are considered a early indicator of gross national product growth, and contribute approximately 40% of total consumer spending. Retail sales are closely monitored by economists and analysts to determine the state of the economy. In August, the largest boost in retail sales came from the automotive sector, which includes new and used cars, parts, accessories, and tires. The category saw a robust 1.8% growth, led by new car sales which increased by 2.3%. Clothing and accessories also saw a solid increase of 3.2%. Almost 6% of retail sales are accounted for by this sector. The second largest contributor to retail sales was food and beverages. This category saw a 0.3% increase, mainly due to purchases made at grocery stores and supermarkets. Fuel station sales and building material sales have both dropped.
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Mount Fuji in Japan sees snowfall 21 days later than normal
The top of Japan's Mount Fuji received snow on its summit for the first winter time ever, according to the Meteorological Agency. This is 21 days later than average, since records started in 1894. The snowfall this year was two weeks earlier than in 2024 when the snow fell on the 3,776 metre (12,388 ft) peak only on November 7 - the latest date since records began. The sacred mountain has been a symbol of Japan for centuries. Its snow-capped summit inspired many of Japan's greatest artworks, including Katsushika's "Great Wave Off of Kanagawa", which is now featured on the backside of the 1,000 yen note. Mamoru Mamatsumoto, of the Kofu Observatory office of the Meteorological Agency, told last year that the cause of the snowfall was unknown. In August, Japan's highest temperature ever was recorded in Isesaki, a city located northwest of Tokyo. It reached 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.8 Fahrenheit). According to the Kofu Observatory office of the Meteorological Agency, Fuji's first snowfall is the point in the summer when all or part the mountain is covered with snow or "white looking solid precipitation", as observed from below. (Reporting and editing by Kate Mayberry; Anton Bridge)
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Bulgarian fuel supply secure after Lukoil sanction, says PM
Rosen Zhelyazkov, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, said that although U.S. sanctions have been imposed on Russia's Lukoil, which operates Bulgaria's largest refinery, there is still enough fuel to meet demand. The U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions against Russia's biggest oil companies Lukoil, and Rosneft over Moscow's conflict in Ukraine. This has sent global oil prices up and prompted India to cut Russian imports. Lukoil operates the Burgas refinery in Bulgaria which produces 190,000 barrels per day. It also has more than 200 petrol station and a network of fuel depots and transport. Zhelyazkov, speaking to journalists in Brussels before a meeting of the European Council, said that "the refinery must continue operating." He said that the country had a month to decide how it would approach the refinery, as well as the refinery and its management. Fuel supplies are secure. He said, "I am not referring to the immediate future but rather in general." In a Thursday statement, the central bank of Bulgaria said it had been in touch with the ministry of finance and other authorities in order to discuss future steps. Lukoil already felt pressured to sell its refinery because of the sanctions imposed on Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. This is not a joke. "We could run out at some point," said Boyko Borissov who is the leader of GERB, the ruling party. He said that "it is) a very complex and delicate issue. We are prepared to take all possible actions if needed." Latchezar Bogdonov, chief economist of the Institute for Market Economics, Sofia, stated that Lukoil had three options for its Bulgarian operations: sell assets, place them under government management or shut down operations. Banks are likely to stop working with Lukoil, and its subsidiaries. How will you survive if you can't use the financial system? He told.
Russell's mining wish list is dominated by decarbonisation, critical minerals and derisking for government.
The global mining industry is most concerned about three things: critical minerals and rare earths in particular, the need to continue decarbonising, and the role of governments.
These are the main takeaways of this week's IMARC conference in Sydney. This event brings together over 10,000 industry participants at one of the largest mining conferences in the world.
IMARC events are a great way for companies to meet and network, and to generate business. But they also give participants the opportunity to voice their concerns, and to share where they think the industry is headed. Participants range from buyers, governments, and suppliers to miners.
This year's event was dominated by three broad themes.
1. The main buzz is about rare earths and critical minerals.
The stalls at IMARC, which resemble a farmer's marketplace, are promoting mining projects instead of organic vegetables or artisanal cheese.
The booths are mainly occupied by junior explorers who want to raise money from investors to further their projects.
The event this year was dominated mostly by companies that are developing mines of critical minerals, including several rare earths and speciality mineral projects. There were also some more conventional energy transition materials such as lithium, as well as a few other specialty minerals.
Investor marketplaces are a good indication of where hot money is heading to chase the next big thing.
IMARC was a favourite five years ago when gold was the metal of choice, and ten years ago it became battery metals like cobalt, Nickel, and Lithium.
The supply of minerals outside China is expected to grow in the coming years, even though not all projects will be mined.
2. Decarbonisation is important, but it must be economically viable.
The IMARC conference agenda was packed with presentations and panels that addressed the need to decarbonise the mining industry.
This may come as a surprise to some, given Donald Trump's return to power in the United States and the rise of the far-right in certain European countries.
One panelist, who is the director of a junior miner, said that many of the companies he knew had reduced their efforts in decarbonisation to only what was required by law.
Most mining companies are eager to tout their green credentials, and how they plan to move to a net-zero emissions operation.
The focus shifted, however, as mining service companies that work in the decarbonisation area emphasized the lower operating costs of the switch, while the reduction in emissions was a welcomed side benefit.
The focus on cost savings may actually be a positive for decarbonisation as every miner wants to save money.
3. The government has a key role to play when it comes to mining.
IMARC began this week, just hours after Trump signed an agreement with the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invest in vital mineral mining and processing.
The agreement will see $8.5 billion invested into a range of projects that aim to increase the supply of essential minerals. A common theme is to reduce reliance on China as the dominant player in the sector.
The two governments have de-risked investment in the mining industry. While the agreement at IMARC was widely welcomed, many felt that it was only a first step. Much more work is needed.
The cost of building a supply network outside China is high, and the metals refined will likely be more expensive than those that can be purchased from China.
Western governments and businesses that use these metals must answer the question: How much are they willing to pay to have a supply line that is not controlled by Beijing?
The answer to this question will likely determine the future investment in mining and manufacturing in the coming years.
IMARC's final thoughts: Sometimes what is not visible is just as important as the obvious.
The absence of anti-mining protests was notable this year. In previous years, IMARC attracted loud but peaceful protests from activists opposing the industry.
The absence of the mining industry this year has been interpreted as an indication that environmentalists are now aware that energy transition is dependent on mining and that the oil and gas sector will be the new bogeyman.
You like this column? Open Interest (ROI) is your new essential source of global financial commentary. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, X.
These are the views of the columnist, who is also an author. (Editing by Lincoln Feast.
(source: Reuters)