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Tariff angst is overshadowing soft inflation as stocks fall sharply and bond prices rise
On Thursday, global equities fell and U.S. Treasury yields also did. This was due to concerns about global trade tensions as well as the impact of inflation and economic growth. Trump warned that the EU would not be able to remove the whiskey surcharges imposed by the United States if it did not do so. The increased tariffs were imposed on Wednesday after Trump's new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, released data on Thursday that showed U.S. Producer prices (PPI), which were expected to rise faster than consumer prices (CPI), actually remained unchanged in February. Tim Ghriskey is a senior portfolio strategist with Ingalls & Snyder, New York. He said that if it weren't for the ongoing trade war, the market would have been up strongly on the inflation data. "Traders have their attention on the trade conflict." Ghriskey said, "It appears that the administration (in the U.S.) is very aggressive. They seem to be committed to the long-term and personalities are unlikely to change their minds in the near future." Bill Adams, Chief economist at Comerica Bank, wrote in a note of research that the outlook for inflation depends more on government policy such as tariffs and deportations, or Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), than "the data released right now which is looking backwards." At 02:47 pm on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 399.18 or 0.97% to 40,951.75. S&P 500 dropped 51.21 points or 0.91% to 5,548.09, while Nasdaq Composite declined 231.66 points or 1.31% to 17,416.75. The MSCI index of global stocks fell by 6.69 points or 0.81% to 824.16. The pan-European STOXX 600 Index closed earlier down 0.15%, after rising by 0.81% the previous session. The U.S. S&P 500 is down nearly 6% this year. However, European stocks have done better thanks to government plans for defense spending and a possible peace agreement with Ukraine. The STOXX Index is up 6.5% for the year, despite recent drops. U.S. Treasury Yields fell on Friday as falling stocks boosted demand to buy safe haven U.S. Government debt. Trade wars between the United States, and its trading partners are escalating and threatening growth and inflation. The yield on the benchmark U.S. 10 year notes dropped 3.6 basis points from 4,316% at late Wednesday to 4.28%. The 30-year bond rate fell by 2.9 basis points, from 4.631% to 4.6016% late on Wednesday. The yield on the 2-year bond, which is usually in line with expectations of interest rates for the Federal Reserve (Federal Reserve), fell by 4.2 basis points, to 3.953% from 3.995% at late Wednesday. The U.S. Dollar was mixed in terms of currencies. It weakened against the safe-haven Japanese yen, but gained on the Euro and Canadian dollar. The euro fell 0.28% against the dollar to $1.0855, but the dollar dropped 0.34% against the Japanese yen to 147.74. The Canadian dollar fell 0.39% against the dollar to C$1.44 each. The pound fell 0.06% to 1.2952. Oil prices fell on Thursday after rallying on Wednesday due to a bigger-than-expected withdrawal of gasoline from U.S. stocks. Traders weighed macroeconomic worries and demand versus expectation. U.S. crude oil settled at $66.55 per barrel down $1.13 or 1.67% and Brent settled at $69,88 per barrel down 1.51% or $0.07 for the day. Gold prices soared to record levels on Thursday and were just a few cents away from the $3,000 mark per ounce. The momentum was driven by increased tariff uncertainty as well as bets placed on the Federal Reserve's easing of monetary policy. Spot gold increased 1.71% to 2,981.92 dollars an ounce. U.S. Gold Futures increased by 1.51% to $2.983.50 per ounce.
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The GM CEO and Trump met on Wednesday amid the tariff war -- White House
A White House official said that President Donald Trump and General Motors CEO Mary Barra met on Wednesday to discuss the automaker’s investment plans in light of an ongoing tariff battle. After a phone call with Barra and Ford CEO Jim Farley, as well as Stellantis Chair John Elkann, Trump agreed last week to exempt automakers for a month from his 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico, as long as the comply with free trade rules. Trump said to reporters that GM visited him on Wednesday and "want to invest $60 billion". GM has not yet commented on the meeting. It is unclear when any new expenditures will occur. The White House has been told by automakers that they need to be certain about the tariffs and vehicle emission policies before they make any significant changes in their North American investment plans. Trump imposed hefty tariffs this week on steel and aluminium, impacting products ranging from bulldozers to cars. As exemptions, exclusions, and quotas expired, the metals tariffs increased to an effective 25% increase. The American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC), a group that represents the Detroit Three automakers noted that domestic automakers purchased the majority of their aluminum and steel in North America or the United States, but expressed concern about "specifically revoking the exemptions for Canada" and "Mexico". Stellantis said to its dealers that it was willing to work with Trump to "support further investment in our U.S. Manufacturing footprint, but we need to give ourselves time to make the changes without negatively affecting our business or our customers." Trump also threatens new reciprocal tariffs for April 2, which could dramatically increase the cost of imported vehicles from Japan, South Korea and Europe. In meetings, Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told automakers that they wanted the industry to shift more assembly and part production to the United States.
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Shares jump as Panama reviews First Quantum mine closure
He told reporters that next week, Panama's president Jose Raul Mulino would begin an investigation into a closed copper mine owned by Canada's First Quantum Minerals. Mulino also ordered the restarting of a power station needed to run a port nearby. The port was used to export mine production. First Quantum was ordered by the predecessor of Mulino to close the open-pit copper mine in 2023 after protests. This led to concerns about the maintenance of Cobre Panama and the 120,000 metric tones of copper concentrate that were stockpiled. First Quantum's shares rose by more than 8% after Mulino made his comments. The mine, which accounted for 1% global copper production, was among the top in the world before it was closed. Mulino said that he has authorized the removal of stranded products of copper from the mine. He argues that it is "wasted", and that Panama will need to be reimbursed after it is processed out-of-country. He said that the power plant will be activated to facilitate exports out of the port at a press conference held every week. Mulino was talking about the Punta Rincon Port, which is located approximately 17 miles (27km) north of mine. The president said that he will review the future of mine in greater detail as early as next week. Mulino stated, "The mine issue will be handled with great care and always keeping in mind the national interest." "We will start next week." First Quantum issued a statement after Mulino's speech expressing satisfaction at the president’s decision to restart power plant, as well as with his comments regarding exports. The statement said, "We welcome President Obama's statements... about the export authorizations for copper concentrate." Reporting by Elida Mehro and Divyarajagopal, Additional reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Writing by Daina Elizabeth Solomon; Editing David Alire Garcia
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US Farmers Sue Trump Administration for Withheld IRA Funds
On Thursday, several U.S. nonprofits and farmers filed a suit against the Trump Administration, alleging that it illegally holds back Department of Agriculture grants financed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The USDA has frozen a wide range of grants while it conducts a review of agency spending, including money for farm programs and conservation funded by IRA. Five farmers who were involved in this lawsuit received grants for solar panel installation from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program. Grants were given to the three non-profits involved by the Forest Service. According to the complaint, farmers have contracted with solar installers for which they have incurred costs that may not be recoverable in the event the grants remain frozen. It says that the freeze has forced nonprofits to lay off or furlough staff, or reduce programs. This is not efficiency in government. This is a wasteful expenditure that causes unwarranted financial hardship to small farmers and groups trying to improve the communities in which they live. The USDA didn't immediately respond to our request for a comment. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that the agency was beginning to release IRA grants to the farmers. However, the agency did not provide details on how much money had been released or the timetable.
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Canada files a dispute complaint with the WTO over US steel and aluminium tariffs
The trade body announced on Thursday that Canada had requested WTO consultations over the U.S.'s imposition of duties on certain Canadian steel and aluminum products. It said that the request was sent to members of the World Trade Organization on Thursday. The WTO stated that Canada claims the measures which ended Canada's exemptions from additional duties on certain steel and aluminum products and increased duties on aluminium items and took effect on March 23 are in conflict with U.S. commitments under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT). Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday in the Oval Office that he would not change his mind about tariffs. "We have been ripped of for years, and we won't be ripped-off anymore." "I'm not going bend anything, whether it be aluminium, steel or cars," said he. This move comes after Canada requested on 5 March that the United States consult with it following Trump's new 25% duties on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. Trump declared that the three largest U.S. trading partner failed to do enough in order to stop the flow of fentanyl, and its precursor chemicals, into the United States. (Reporting and additional reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, editing by Thomas Seythal. Editing by Angus MacSwan).
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Mexico's Ebrard claims that the government is engaged in 'intensive' discussions with US before tariff deadline
Mexico's Economy minister Marcelo Ebrard announced on Thursday that his government is in intensive discussions with the United States about Washington's threat to impose tariffs against goods imported from Mexico. Mexico's Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Thursday that his government was in intensive talks with the United States over Washington's threats to impose tariffs on goods from its No. The United States has threatened, implemented, and paused tariffs against Mexico. This is expected to have an impact on both economies which have been tightly integrated over the past three decades through free trade agreements. As the uncertainty surrounding the future of their trade relations grows due to President Donald Trump's constant changes in tariff policy, economists are warning of an increased recession risk for the United States. Ebrard, speaking at his regular morning press conference said that he hoped Mexico could reach the date of April 2, in "better" conditions than other countries affected by U.S. Tariffs. Trump granted Mexico and Canada a reprieve on March 6 from the 25% tariffs that were imposed two days prior. He stated that all goods in compliance with the USMCA pact, which is a trade agreement between the three nations, would be exempted from tariffs until the end of April. Ebrard called the recent United States implementation of a global steel and aluminum tariff "a bad idea". He added that the Mexican government would be holding meetings with this sector in order to protect the economy against the trade barriers. Ebrard stated that "many measures are possible, but we won't take them lightly." The Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained a calm attitude in the face of the tariffs that have been imposed by the United States. She has stated that her government will not announce any retaliatory actions until after the United States has made its decision on April 2. Ebrard stated, "We will consult with the appropriate authorities and prepare to use our instruments in accordance with the best interests of Mexico." He stressed the importance of keeping a cool mind, saying that it had been a strategy which has so far worked for Mexico. (Reporting Ana Isabel Martinez and Sarah Morland, Editing by Susan Fenton).
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Anglo American consults about job cuts amid business revamp
Anglo American began a consultation in South Africa and the United Kingdom to reduce jobs. This is part of a wider restructuring that aims to refocus its operations on iron ore and copper mining. The company will spin off Anglo American Platinum by the middle of this year as part of its strategic overhaul. The company also sold its nickel and coal assets, and intends to divest the De Beers diamond division. Bloomberg News reported earlier that Anglo planned to cut even more jobs from its corporate office. According to the report, people who have knowledge of the situation said that the company had sent out notices to all employees likely to be affected. In an email, a spokesperson for the company said: "These are clear significant changes in our global business which require adjustments to the resourcing in our corporate offices. We are therefore beginning consultation processes in South Africa and the UK to discuss proposed organizational changes." Anglo American employs about 55,000 people worldwide, according to the company's 2024 annual report. (Reporting and editing by Devika Syamnath, Dhanush Vignesh in Bengaluru, Additional reporting by Shanima A.
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CSN believes that Brazil can negotiate steel quotas in the US with CSN
A Brazilian executive told reporters on Thursday that the Brazilian steelmaker CSN believes there is room to negotiate with the United States a quota system in the months ahead, following the tariffs imposed by U.S. president Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminum. Brazil, the world's largest steel importer, has announced that it will no longer be importing U.S. seek dialogue Trump's administration, and not immediately retaliate to what it termed "unjustifiable tariffs". Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports took effect On Wednesday, the U.S. stepped up its campaign to reorder trade globally in favor of America. Canada and Europe retaliated swiftly. "From what I've heard, I think that it is possible in the next two month for a similar negotiation to the one we had last year to be opened. CSN's Luis Fernando Martinez, the commercial head of CSN, told analysts during an earnings call that a possible quota system could be implemented. Trump, who was sworn in as president in January 2018 for a second term, initially targeted steel and aluminium for tariffs, but then granted exemptions to several countries and struck duty-free deals with Brazil based upon pre-tariff volume. South America had suggested previously Quotes As a "smart device." Martinez pointed out that the U.S. is still a net exporter of steel products such as plates and sheets. Earnings Blocked CSN, Brazil's largest miner and steelmaker, reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of 85 million reais (14.66 millions) due to "still high financial costs," but core earnings exceeded market expectations. According to an LSEG survey, the company reported adjusted earnings before taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization of 3.33 billion reais. This is down 8% from last year, but still beats analysts' expectations, which were 2.87 billion reais. Analysts had predicted 11.8 billion reais. Shares of the company traded in Sao Paulo rose more than 7.5%. The mining division CSN Mineracao also jumped around 10%. Both companies were among the top gainers in Brazil's Bovespa index, which grew 1.3%. JPMorgan analysts said that CSN Mineracao and CSN exceeded their expectations for the quarter due to better than expected costs. They expressed a positive outlook. They said that "an upward revision of the consensus estimates is anticipated."
Qatar's larger LNG growth to squeeze US, other competitors
Qatar's scheduled growth of liquefied gas (LNG) production could see it control almost 25% share of the worldwide market by 2030 and squeeze out competing projects including in the United States where President Biden stopped briefly new export approvals, market professionals state.
Qatar, one of the world's top LNG exporters, plans an 85%. expansion in LNG output from its North Field's current 77. million metric heaps annually (mtpa) to 142 mtpa by 2030, from. previously anticipated 126 mtpa.
Some market experts said that the relocation will have an impact. on global jobs in the United States, East Africa, and. elsewhere which requires financing and long-lasting consumers. commitment to reach last investment decision (FID), offered. Qatar's edge as the world's least expensive expense producer.
Analysts estimate Qatar's system cost of LNG production to be. as low as $0.3/ mmBtu, versus $3-$ 5/mmBtu worldwide, as associated. liquids production pays for most of the LNG construction expenses,. and as access to cheap labour from southeast Asia prevents. projects ballooning in cost or slipping behind schedule.
The Qataris understood that they should be able to use. basically the most competitive costs. They have the reserves,. lower expenses for developing incremental capacity, the relationship. with engineering companies and existing customers, so why stop here?,. said Individual retirement account Joseph, Elder Research Partner at Columbia. University's Center on Global Energy Policy.
This recommends that they are hurtling into usage it or lose it. mode. If you're the world's low cost producer, why not throw. down the hammer & & scare away any competition that's needing. long-lasting clients and financing, he added.
Fraser Carson, Senior Research Analyst of Global LNG at Wood. Mackenzie said the timing of Qatari announcement is. fortuitous, as other significant LNG rivals stall, in light of. the Biden administration's time out of U.S. LNG export approvals,. sanctions on Russian LNG and as civil discontent continues in. Mozambique.
Competitors in between Qatar and the United States heightened. following Europe's choice to wean off reliance on Russia's. pipeline gas following its intrusion of Ukraine, as U.S. gas. suppliers filled the supply vacuum, developing themselves as. the world's greatest LNG exporter in 2023, surpassing Qatar,. Qatari supplies likewise helped change the volumes.
The U.S. LNG capability will practically double over the next 4. years, however a choice to stop briefly approvals for applications for. brand-new LNG export terminals, for environmental reviews, has. triggered cautions from gas importers that the move would. compromise future energy security worldwide.
The signal the U.S. tasks need to take from this (is):. if they do not go ahead, someone will, stated Kaushal Ramesh,. Rystad Energy's vice president for LNG research study.
ASIA'S DEVELOPMENT HORIZON
The new expansion is anticipated to lead to a period of more. stable, lower prices across the remainder of the years and would. motivate higher take-up of LNG from Asian purchasers, said Alex. Froley senior LNG analyst at information intelligence firm ICIS.
Bringing online 16 mtpa of low cost volumes is favorable for. Asia and is precisely what the LNG market needs to guarantee a. long-lasting future in emerging Asia, Rystad's Ramesh stated.
International gas market will grow to 580-600 mtpa by 2030, from. present 400 mtpa, primarily driven by Asian demand. Qatar is. anticipated to control 24-25% of the marketplace by then.
Qatar is geographically well placed to fulfill existing high. demand in Northeast Asia in China, Japan and Korea and future. demand in the only real development region of South Asia, particularly. in India, stated Henning Gloystein, Practice Head, Energy and. Resources at Eurasia Group.
QatarEnergy chief Saad al-Kaabi said on Sunday that he still. believes that there is ample chance for gas to be part of. the energy mix in the future: We believe there will be a scarcity. of gas, even with our project.
While there are concerns over the extra carbon. emissions effect from new worldwide LNG production, Others argue. that there is still huge scope for gas to lower emissions by. changing coal and oil, ICIS' Froley stated.
Despite being the world's biggest LNG importer last year,. China's overall energy mix is only around 8% gas against 61% for. coal and 18% for oil, for instance, he included, citing IEA figures.
For coal to be replaced by gas provided as LNG as the. primary fuel in Asian thermal power plants, the LNG price and. rate stability is vital. Volatility will make coal to gas. conversion more difficult, said Morten Frisch, senior partner. at Morten Frisch Consulting.
The world's top energy business including Exxon Mobil. , Shell, TotalEnergies and. ConocoPhillips have actually played a central function in Qatar's LNG. industry for decades. They all hold stakes in existing. production centers and in recent years obtained stakes in the. brand-new growth stages, offering money in exchange for LNG volumes.
While the brand-new contracts are not as financially rewarding as in the past,. according to industry sources, they use the business an. essential grip in the LNG industry, which they expect will. continue to grow in the coming decades as economies shift from. coal to less polluting gas.
Industry sources anticipate Qatar to continue to seek. partnerships with worldwide players as it has a lot of LNG volumes. to sell, with one source anticipating Australia's Woodside. , whose U.S. Lake Charles job is under risk by. Biden's pause, might look for to become a Qatari partner, provided they. have just recently shelved plans for a $52 billion tie-up with. smaller competing Santos.
(source: Reuters)