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French central bank forecasts 0.3% growth in the first quarter
In its monthly outlook, the central bank said that France's economy grew slightly faster in the first quarter as businesses placed orders ahead of anticipated price increases following the outbreak of the Middle East?war. Bank of France forecast that the euro zone's 2nd largest economy will likely grow by 0.3% in the second quarter of this year, up from 0.2% growth in the last quarter of the previous year. This is consistent with earlier estimates. Francois Villeroy De Galhau, Governor of the Central Bank, said that the outlook is in line with the central bank's prediction that the economy would grow by 0.9% this coming year "despite the uncertainty linked to the conflict?in the Middle East". The central bank, using its monthly survey of 8,500 companies, said that activity in industry, services, and construction held steady in March, with factory output exceeding expectations for the previous month. Aeronautics and nuclear power, as well as defence, were all strong sectors in the manufacturing sector, and services and construction remained generally supportive. The central bank did warn that the conflict in?the Middle East is weighing down on sentiment. Businesses are more cautious about April. Uncertainty indicators have risen to levels last seen in the early months following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As transport disruptions and rising energy costs rippled throughout industry, Villeroy also flagged new supply-chain strains. He said that more firms were signaling they would increase their prices in April. The survey showed that while?11% industrial companies increased prices in March, this was in line with historic norms. This month, it is expected to increase to 23%. Reporting by Leigh Thomas, Editing by Peter Graff
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US-Iran talks of peace falter as US dollar gains strength
Gold prices fell on Monday due to a'stronger dollar' and renewed inflation concerns, which clouded future interest rate cuts following the collapse of the U.S. - Iran peace talks over the weekend. As of 1:37 pm, spot gold was down by 0.3% to $4,734.50 an ounce. ET (1737 GMT), having hit its lowest level since April 7, earlier in the session. U.S. Gold futures settled at $4,767.40, a?0.4% decrease. Holders of other currencies will now pay more for metals priced in greenbacks. It's a headline-driven market. "All eyes are on crude oil price because crude oil will direct inflation, and that will direct Federal Reserve policy," said Phillip Streible. Chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures. After the negotiations failed, the U.S. The military announced that it would blockade ships leaving Iran's port, while Tehran warned of retaliation against its Gulf neighbours. The announcement sparked a spike in oil prices, which fueled inflation fears and limited the ability of central banks to lower interest rates. The higher rates make zero-yield gold less appealing, despite the fact that it is a good inflation hedge. According to CME's FedWatch Tool?, the markets now expect a rate cut in the U.S. by year-end. This is down from 40% one month ago. Since the U.S. and Israel?war on Iran began on February 28, spot gold has dropped over 10%. Analysts at SP Angel stated that they saw the war-induced gold selloff as a positive for its long-term prospects. They noted that speculative positions had been reduced. Silver spot was down 0.2% to $75.71 an ounce. In a recent note, Paul Wong, market strategist for Sprott Asset Management said that uncertainty over the future of oil supply will likely drive a'strong structural demand' for silver, through increased investment in solar photovoltaics. Palladium rose 3%, to $1,566.15, while platinum gained 0.3%, to $2,050.80. Ashitha Shivaprasad reported from Bengaluru, and Jonathan Ananda, Diti Pjara and Janane Venkatraman edited the article.
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Dominican Republic rains forces 30,000 to evacuate; 3 deaths reported
Over the past few days, 30,000 people in the Dominican Republic have been forced to evacuate their homes due to torrential rainfall from weather systems which have been hovering over the Caribbean nation for over a month. Three people were reported dead by local media, including a girl aged seven who was trying to cross a stream, a man aged 19 who attempted to cross the river on horseback and an infant girl, who died in the capital when the wall of her house collapsed because of the rain. The office of President Luis Abinader said that the government's priority is to protect lives, property, and infrastructure at this time. They urged people to stay clear of vulnerable areas. Abinader declared an?emergency' in five provinces and the capital. The Emergency Operations Center Director Juan Manuel Mendez had told a news conference a day earlier that 30,500 people were evacuated. 14 communities had been left isolated. 6,100 homes flooded. Highways and bridges also suffered damage. Gloria Ceballos, the chief of the Meteorological Institute, said that rains would continue on Monday. She noted that they should be a little less intense before intensifying on Saturday. She said, "We have a frontal storm system that is stationary in the Northeast." The soil is already saturated. "We have experienced 45 days of rain in some areas of the country." Authorities in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico warned that heavy rains and thunderstorms could cause urban flooding on Monday. Reporting by Paul Mathiasen, Ricardo Arduengo and Sarah Morland from Mexico City to Santo Domingo; editing by David Gaffen
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US-Iran talks of peace falter as US dollar gains strength
Gold prices fell 'on Monday due to a'stronger dollar, and renewed inflation concerns that clouded future interest rate cuts following the collapse of the U.S. - Iran peace talks over the weekend. As of 11:36 am, spot gold was down by 0.8% to $4,711.24 per ounce. ET (1536 GMT), having hit its lowest level since April 7, earlier in the day. U.S. gold futures fell 1.1% to $4733.40. As the U.S. Dollar climbed, metals priced in greenbacks became more expensive for holders of other currencies. It's a headline-driven market. "All eyes are on crude?oil, because crude oil will direct inflation and Federal Reserve policy," said Phillip Streible. After the negotiations collapsed, the U.S. military announced that it would blockade ships from Iran's port. Meanwhile, Tehran has threatened to retaliate by attacking the ports of its Gulf neighbors. Following the announcement, oil prices rose above $100 per barrel, fueling inflation fears and limiting central banks' ability to reduce interest rates. The higher rates make?zero yield bullion less appealing, despite the fact that it is a good inflation hedge. According to CME's FedWatch Tool (formerly 40%), the market now expects a U.S. interest rate cut by year-end. This is down from 40% one month ago. Since the U.S. and Israel war against Iran began, February 28, spot?gold is down 11%. Analysts at?SP Angel stated that they saw the war-induced gold selloff as a positive for long-term gold prospects. They said this was because speculative positions had been reduced. Silver spot fell 2.5% to $73.97 an ounce. Paul Wong of Sprott Asset Management said that uncertainty over the future supply of oil is likely to lead to a strong demand for silver, resulting from accelerated investment into solar photovoltaics. Palladium rose 1.1% to $1,538.00, while platinum fell 0.8%. Ashitha Shivaprasad, Bengaluru (Reporting and editing by Janane Vekatraman, Jonathan Ananda).
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Nigeria to start gas delivery in July through AKK pipeline
The upstream oil regulator said that Nigeria hoped to start delivering natural gas by July through its long-delayed Ajaokuta, Kaduna, Kano (AKK), gas pipeline. This would be a "key milestone" for the country's plans regarding?gas?development. A spokesperson for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission said in the magazine of the regulator that they hoped to deliver gas to Abuja by July through the AKK pipeline. The 614-kilometre pipeline (382-miles) is designed to?deliver more than 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas each day. It's a key part of Nigeria’s strategy to shift their energy mix towards gas, supply industries and power plants in the north and reduce their reliance on fuel oil and diesel. Nigeria has the largest gas reserves in Africa, with an estimated 210 trillion cubic feet. However, much of the gas infrastructure is still underdeveloped. The AKK pipeline will be a test for the country's ambitions to grow through gas. The $2.8 billion project was first conceived in 2008. It has failed to meet several deadlines, including those set for 2023 and 2025's final quarter. Construction started in 2020, but funding issues and engineering challenges - most notably crossing the River Niger - slowed the project down. This section, which is widely considered to be 'the most technically demanding part of the project,' required horizontal directional drilling under the riverbed, often compared with a scaled down version of the Eurotunnel. A lawyer for the project said that it was at an advanced stage with the pipeline more than 90% completed. According to industry officials, gas transported?through AKK pipeline 'will be sourced largely from Nigeria's south producing areas through its interconnection with East-West Obiafu - Obikom - Oben (OB3) pipeline. Reporting by Isaac Anyaogu. Mark Potter edited the article.
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Ivanhoe increases copper and zinc production in Congo, as Platreef lifts outlook
Ivanhoe Mines'said on 'Monday that it delivered higher copper and zinc production in the first three months, a result of a ramp up at its flagship Kamoa Kakula complex in Democratic Republic of Congo. A key infrastructure milestone was also achieved at the Platreef Project in South Africa. Ivanhoe Mines' first-quarter update follows a reshrinkage of its copper anode production guidance for 2026 to 290,000.-330,000 metric tonnes and output in 2027 to?380,000-420,000 metric tons, citing more conservative mine plans. Kamoa-Kakula is a key asset for growth in a copper market that would otherwise be constrained by supply. In a press release, the Canadian-based miner stated that its Kipushi Mine in Congo produced 65,044 tons of zinc concentrate, a record. This is 6% more than the previous quarter. The company stated that improved plant recovery, which averaged over 90% for the firsttime, helped offset persistent energy instability at the operation. The smelter on site, which produces copper directly to blister, has been ramped up to 60% of its capacity of 500,000 tons per year. The company stated that the smelter aims to produce about 300,000 tonnes of copper per year. Further increases are constrained by feed concentrate. Ivanhoe announced that it had completed a 'new shaft' at its Platreef Mine in March. This will allow for a 'higher grade ore. The?company anticipates commercial production by mid-2026. Early work on Phase 2 is already underway. KAMOA-KAKULA TO BENEFIT ?FROM SHIPPING DISRUPTIONS Sales of sulphuric acids, a by-product from smelting in Kamoa-Kakula are increasing margins. Realized prices for a ton of acid have been around $500 due to a tightening of global supply. Robert Friedland, executive co-chair, said that disruptions in global shipping routes could exacerbate shortages, which would threaten copper supplies elsewhere. The smelter, however, will be the beneficiary, rather than a customer. (Reporting and writing by Yassin Kobi; editing by Louise Heavens).
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Iran War weighs on Global Economy as IMF Meeting Starts
On Monday, the concern over the impact of the Iran War on the global economy increased. More countries announced emergency measures to combat the rising cost of energy while others called for international assistance. The third major shock that has hit the global economy, after the COVID outbreak and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will be the focus of this week's meeting in Washington between finance officials from the?International Monetary Fund. The failure of U.S. and Iranian talks over the weekend has put the fragile ceasefire at risk. As a result, the IMF and World Bank are already downgrading their global growth forecasts and raising their inflation predictions. Emerging markets and developing nations will be hit the hardest. Nigerian officials said Monday that they would need more international assistance to reduce fuel prices at home, even though higher crude oil prices have boosted the country's foreign exchange earnings. In a statement released ahead of the meetings this week in Washington, Finance Minister Wale Edwardun stated that "the shock comes at an important transition point. It intensifies inflationary pressures while raising household living costs." Edun stated that local petrol prices have risen by more than 50%, and diesel prices by more than 70%, since the beginning of the conflict. He added that this shock threatens to derail the efforts launched in 2023 for stabilizing the economy and reviving growth. As shock levels rise, more countries are showing their support. Few countries have been spared the repercussions of the 'halting' of energy supplies through the Strait since the beginning on the 28th February, which triggered the worst disruption in supply ever experienced by the world. Dozens governments have already taken measures to conserve energy or support consumers. The German coalition government, who initially refused to offer support, announced on Monday that it had reached an agreement to reduce fuel prices for consumers and business worth 1.6 billion euro ($1.9 billion). This was achieved by reducing levies on petrol and diesel. At a press briefing, Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that "this war is the true cause of all the problems in our country." The Swedish government announced that it would cut fuel taxes as well as increase electricity subsidies, in a package valued at around $825million. Reporters were told by Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson that "it is a sign we will do what it takes to... dampen the impact on households of what is going on now." Rachel Reeves, British Finance Minister, will be presenting her plan to help businesses that are struggling to cope with high energy costs later this week. She wrote in a Sunday Times column that UK manufacturers had "faced uncompetitive prices on energy for too long". Keir starmer, the Prime Minister of Ireland, also referred to the conflict in the world when he described his government's plan to?realign with the European Union?and its vast single market a decade after the country voted for leaving the EU. He told BBC radio that the UK would benefit from a closer, stronger relationship with Europe. Iran's war has also impacted central bank policies around the globe as policymakers attempt to determine how it will impact economic growth, and increase inflation. Luis de Guindos, vice president of the European Central Bank (ECB), said that any rate increase by the ECB would be dependent on how rising crude oil prices affected prices across all sectors. The Bank of Japan is also keeping its options open ahead of their rate-setting session this month. However, the chances of a rate increase are fading. Reporting by Camillus EBOH in Abuja, Simon Johnson in Stockholm, Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Maria Martinez in Madrid, Miranda Murray in London, Sam Tabahriti in London, Alistair Smouth in London, Leika Kihara and Jesus Aguado at Tokyo, Mark John in London, Susan Fenton in Tokyo, Mark John in London, Susan Fenton in Tokyo.
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The defence of Nigerian former oil minister in London begins as he rejects the allegations of bribery
Diezani Alison Madueke, Nigeria’s former 'oil minister,' told the jury on Monday that she did not abuse her position by seeking or taking bribes. She is currently on trial in London on charges of corruption. Alison-Madueke has pleaded guilty to five counts of receiving bribes, and one charge of conspiring to commit bribery. "At No Time Did I Ask, Take, or Seek a Bribe, or Bribes of Any Sort, From These?Persons," Alison Madueke said. She was referring to the people named in these charges. She added that she had "always?tried to act impartially in her position." The prosecution claims that Alison-Madueke lived a life of luxury in London. This included being given high-end homes to stay in, and taking her on shopping sprees. Alison-Madueke informed jurors the President was aware of her use of one of the properties - a high-end property in Gerrards Cross west of London - for discrete meetings. Alison-Madueke claimed that because she is a woman in an important position, it makes her a target. She described Nigeria as patriarchal, misogynistic and said that the administration told her that'she will be made into a scapegoat. She also'said that she arranged accommodation in central London through a Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, because the financial structure of Nigerian National Petroleum Company London office was "in a mess" and all expenses were repaid back to Nigeria. Her trial is a 'high-profile case' relating to corruption allegations in the oil-rich nation of?Nigeria. The country has struggled for years with corruption and mismanagement, which prevents its mineral wealth from being shared by the population. Reporting by Robert Harvey in London and Sam Tobin, editing by William Maclean
KoBold, a US-backed company, launches a $50 million lithium exploration campaign in Congo
KoBold Metals has announced that it will spend more than $50,000,000 by the beginning of 2027 to launch a lithium exploration campaign in Democratic Republic of Congo. The company is backed by Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and other?billionaires.
In an effort to reduce China's dominance in the global market for minerals, the United States has given Congo a high priority in its efforts to stockpile vital minerals. The country is Africa's biggest copper supplier and the top cobalt producer in the world. It also has vast, but mostly unexplored, lithium reserves. This makes it an important part of global supply chains, especially for electric vehicles. Last year, the U.S. signed a formal agreement to work with Congo's Government.
KoBold is an AI-driven mining company already active in copper exploration. The lithium exploration program spans 13 exploration licences, and includes airborne surveys across 30,000 sq km (18,640 sq mi), extensive drilling, and large-scale geological sampling. Lithium is the primary target.
Kurt House, KoBold's chief executive, said that the company had already paid over $20 million in taxes to the Congolese government, making it one of the biggest new investors in exploration in central Africa in recent years.
House stated in a press release that "A year before, KoBold had no employees or land in Congo." Today, we are the biggest American investor in the Congo and have launched 'the most ambitious mining exploration programme ever attempted.
The campaign focuses on the 'Manono region' of Tanganyika Province, which is home to some world-class lithium pegmatites. It's expected that KoBold will expand its licence footprint by about 5,000 square kilometers by the end of this year. AVZ Minerals, based in Australia, is pursuing international arbitration to determine the rights to the Manono Block. The company claims that a July agreement reached between the Congolese Government and KoBold breaches an existing order.
Previous reports?that China’s Zijin would start Congo’s first lithium production in June will be based in the northeastern region of Manono.
KoBold uses proprietary airborne sensors and real-time AI updated drilling targets, as well as a mobile lab to accelerate exploration.
(source: Reuters)