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Singapore's Aster plans on increasing naphtha cracker usage, executive says
Aster Chemicals & 'Energy, Singapore's energy company, has run its naphtha cracker between?75% and 80% over the last five months. The company plans to increase utilisation rates even further. Andre Khor told the APPEC Conference that Aster will continue to ramp up and start supplying petrochemicals. Aster, a joint venture of Indonesia's ?Chandra Asri and trading major Glencore, operates a 1.1-million-metric-ton-per-year ?steam cracker on ?Singapore's Bukom Island. He added that the naphtha cracker resumed its operations in September's first week after being shut down for maintenance in August. Khor said the company is using naphtha ?from its 237,000-barrel-per-day refinery and studying the use of other feedstocks. Aster declared force majeure in March on some of its contractual deliveries, citing the disruption in raw materials caused by the U.S./Israeli war against Iran. After the Strait of Hormuz was almost completely shut down earlier this year, Glencore's global network allowed it to switch to crude oil from West Africa, Latin America, and Canada to fuel its refinery.
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Morning bid Europe- Lagarde is the star of the show as oil rises above $100
Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors may be starting to realize that higher oil prices and elevated bond yields are the new norm as the Middle East war spreads in advance of central bank meetings, where policymakers might'struggle' to quell the markets' inflation anxiety. The European Central Bank is expected to kick off the central banking bonanza with a rate hike later today. Next week, the Federal Reserve will be followed by the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve. The focus will be on what comes next as ECB President Christine Lagarde addresses the audience in the aftermath of the largest wave of attacks against?shippings in the Middle East where the six-month conflict is escalating once again. Before the decision was made, the euro was stable at $1.1637. European stock futures indicated a muted opening. Brent crude futures are above $100 per barrel for the very first time since last July. Long-term bond rates have reached a high not seen since before the global financial crises. This toxic mix weighs on the sentiment, and there is no end in sight to a war which is likely to cast a dark shadow over U.S. Midterm Elections amid inflation concerns. The data on U.S. consumer prices will be released on Friday. Analysts expect the data to be a major factor in determining whether the Fed raises rates during its meeting on September 15-16. Fed funds futures traders are pricing about 60% odds that a rate increase will occur next week. What about the yen, then? The yen is up 4% in one month to 153.39 dollars, despite the increase in oil prices. Traders are bracing for an accelerated rate of rate increases from the BOJ. Kazuyuki masu, a board member, warned in a speech that was closely watched ahead of the policy meeting next week of "expanding price pressures" which have brought underlying inflation "very near" its 2% goal, hinting at a rapid rate increase. The following are key developments that may influence the markets on Thursday. Economic events: ECB Policy Meeting (A rate increase expected) Inflation data for August in Germany August U.S. inflation rate PPI
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Trump urges Tehran to 'not get cute' after he says that he has seen activity at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated that the United States could strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain and urged Tehran to be "cautious". "We've noticed that Pickaxe is a little busy." Trump told the Republican Convention that he would advise Iran to not be cute, because they will have to be hit very hard. Pickaxe Mountain is located near Iran's badly damaged Natanz uranium-enrichment facility. It has two deep-buried tunnel systems. Trump has been threatening strikes on Pickaxe Mountain at least since mid-July. Trump and the Republican Party are concerned about the rise in gas and oil prices as a result of the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran in the run-up to November's midterm elections. U.S.-Israeli'strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions. U.S. and Israeli?strikes against Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have caused thousands of deaths and millions to be displaced. Trump said that he believed the war would end after the midterm elections, and that Tehran was trying influence the elections which will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. Pickaxe Mountain is located 220 km (140 mi) south of Tehran, and only 2 km away from the Natanz complex. In March, the U.S. and Israeli military attacked Iran, including Natanz, which was home to two Iran's uranium-enrichment plants. Israel also struck Natanz in last year's 12-day Israel - Iran war. According to the Institute for Science and International Security (a U.S. think tank focusing on non-proliferation), "the tunnel facility under construction" at Pickaxe Mountain wasn't targeted during either of these wars. Trump's war objective is to weaken Iran's nuclear capability. Iran claims it does not possess nuclear weapons, and that its uranium-enrichment program is only for peaceful purposes. The U.S.?is a nuclear power. Israel is widely believed to be the sole nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East, but it has never confirmed or denied this publicly.
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Brent Brent rises above $100 after tanker attacks exacerbate supply fears
Sethuraman, N. R. NEW DELHI, September 10 - Oil prices held steady on Thursday, after Brent crude surpassed $100 per barrel. Traders braced for further supply disruptions, as 'Iran and United States launched their biggest attacks?on shipping since the six-month conflict began. Brent crude futures fell by 0.1%, to $101.10 per barrel at 0256 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude was $96.24 per barrel, an increase of 0.2%. Brent prices are up nearly 30% since the lows of early August. A permanent agreement between the U.S.A. and Iran on a cease-fire never materialised. Iran announced on Wednesday that it had attacked ten ships near the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.S. destroyed five Iranian oil tanks. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it would 'escalate its response to further attacks. In a client letter, ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes stated that the tit-fortat attacks indicate oil?flows? from the Persian Gulf 'are likely to be disrupted in the near future. The Strait of Hormuz is still far below the pre-war level of oil flows. This waterway, which before the war transported about a fifth of the world's oil and gas, remains at a much lower level than it was during the war. The pressure is increasing on alternative routes for Gulf oil exports. Iran-aligned Houthi militants are stepping up their attacks against Saudi Arabia and threatening crude shipments through the Red Sea. In a recent note, OCBC analyst Christopher Wong said that uncertainty about actual oil volumes from the Strait of Hormuz as well as?continued?shipping?disruptions keep physical markets tight. This in turn supports a geopolitical premium on oil prices. According to LSEG data, the Brent crude benchmark price, which is used as a measure of how much oil is being sold, has been over $100 per barrel since September 3. Energy Information Administration (EIA) raised its oil prices forecasts on Wednesday for this year and the next as global stocks drop due to Middle Eastern supply.
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Brent Brent rises above $100 after tanker attacks exacerbate supply fears
NEW DELHI, September 10 - Oil Prices held firm on Thursday, after Brent crude broke through $100 per barrel. Traders braced for further supply disruption as Iran and the United States launched their biggest attacks against shipping since their six month-old conflict began. Brent crude futures were up 0.1% at $101.34 per barrel as of 0107 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude was $96.55?a barrel up 0.5%. Iran announced on Wednesday that it had 'attacked 10 ships near Strait of Hormuz following the?U.S. The U.S. sank five Iranian tankers and the Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran said that it would escalate its response if any other?attacks were made. In a note to clients, ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes stated that the tit-fortat attacks imply oil flows out of the Persian Gulf will likely remain disrupted in the near future. The oil flow through the Strait o'Hormuz is still well below the pre-war level. U.S. Energy Information Administration raised their oil price predictions for this year and next as global stocks drop due to Middle Eastern supply loss. Hynes stated that the "widening of the conflict" could lead to an even greater disruption in oil supplies, which had already caused the oil market to scramble to adjust.
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WSJ reports that Trump advisors warn Iran war may continue through the end of Trump's term
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that top 'White House' advisers, including Vice President JDVance and Secretary Marco Rubio have privately warned Donald Trump that the conflict could last 'throughout the rest of his presidency. The White House did not respond immediately to a comment request. Journal: The 'advisers' told Trump privately in the Situation Room and the Oval Office that Iran could continue to resist U.S. Pressure, possibly prolonging the conflict past Inauguration day in January 2029. The reported warning is in contrast to Trump's public statements about the war. The president stated on Wednesday that he expects 'the 'war to end 'immediately following" the U.S. Midterm Elections in November. He argued?that Iran is trying to influence the vote, but will be unable to maintain a resistance for much longer. Trump acknowledged that diplomatic talks are still possible, but not his preferred option.
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Sources say that Venezuela's opposition will soon lose control of US refiner Citgo
The Venezuelan opposition-controlled boards that have supervised U.S.-based refiner Citgo Petroleum for ?the last seven years are preparing to ?wind down as soon as this ?month, ?following a shake-up by Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, two sources involved in the preparations said. Rodriguez started preparing to take control of the refinery owned by Venezuela earlier this year after Washington recognized her government. Her government replaced Nicolas Maduro’s administration, after he had been captured by U.S. troops in January. According to U.S. courts filings, the interim president's administration replaced law firms who had previously?represented Venezuelan and state-run PDVSA oil company in lawsuits and arbitral cases abroad. They were hired by a National Assembly led by opposition. One source said, "The boards no longer have the support of all legal and political counterparts. They can't continue." This is unfortunately happening without any prior discussion. The Venezuelan oil ministry, PDVSA and Citgo, as well as the supervising board, did not respond to comments immediately. Following U.S. imposition of sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector in 2019, Houston-based ?Citgo severed ties with its parent, Caracas-headquartered ?PDVSA, under orders from a National Assembly that the opposition then controlled. Even after the Venezuelan government lost control over the assembly, opposition-led boards in other countries continued to supervise the refiner. They were also involved in the appointment of its board of directors. CITGO AUCTION LOOMS: STATUS Unrealized is a U.S. court auction, in which a judge accepted a bid from an affiliate hedge fund Elliott Investment Management for Citgo Holding Company to pay creditors who are pursuing the refiner. The sale is awaiting final approval by the U.S. Treasury Department which has been protecting Citgo against creditors in recent years. Treasury extended the protection of a license to September 17 in early August. The U.S. Court of Appeals, which is considering the challenges against the 'auction process', has set an October hearing. After that date the court will rule on refiner ownership. The administration of Rodriguez has labelled the court-ordered sales as "theft", but it's unclear what it will do next as it works with Washington to revive OPEC's country's oil industry. The sources stated that Citgo's board and executive team led by CEO Carlos Jorda will not be changing anytime soon. Citgo remains profitable under the Venezuelan opposition?oversight. Citgo has recently gained access to Venezuelan crude oil for refining. The company registered a net income of 936 million dollars in the second quarter. This is up from 100 million dollars in the same period in last year, despite solid margins.
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Wall Street falls as investors worry about inflation and $100 oil
Wall Street closed lower on Wednesday as 'oil prices' remained at $100 per barrel, despite ongoing Gulf tensions. Inflation fears and Gulf tensions continued to weigh on investors. The three major U.S. indexes all ended the day in a lower position. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.77%. The S&P 500 was down 0.48%, and the Nasdaq composite shed 0.64%. MSCI's global stock index fell 0.52% after the U.S. close. The stock market was down all day as headlines focused on the oil price surging above $100 per barrel for first time since last July. Iran claimed it had attacked ten ships near the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. sinking of five Iranian oil tanks. Brent crude closed the day up?3.4%, or $101.11 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate CLc1 rose $3.02 or 3.25% to $96.05 per barrel. These were the two highest closing prices since May. The Treasury Department announced that it would purchase up to $6 billion of 10-to-20-year bonds. The Treasury Department had originally indicated a $4 billion buyback. However, the actual amount was $6 billion. Analysts had expected a bigger purchase to support bonds with longer duration. Brent breaking above $100 marks a significant psychological milestone for the markets. But what it means for inflation is of greater concern. "A prolonged oil shock may keep prices high and complicate central bank policy," said Lukman otunuga, FXTM's head of market analysis. CENTRAL BANK BANK DECISIONS AHEAD The euro edged up ahead of Thursday's European Central Bank policy decision, with markets expecting a rate increase due to inflationary forces from the Iran War. As traders redeemed their short positions, the yen rose to a level not seen in nearly seven months. There are growing expectations for Bank of Japan rate increases and the potential of a rush of Japanese capital repatriation. The dollar index, which measures greenbacks against a basket including yens and euros, increased 0.05% to reach 98.83. The U.S. consumer and producer price reports will be released this week. Policymakers are looking for more evidence that inflation is continuing to cool. In the latest survey, about 70% of economists expect that the Federal Reserve will keep rates stable at its next policy meeting. This is below the 90% of economists who expected the same thing in August. Matthew Ryan, Head of Market Strategy at global financial services company Ebury, said: "Financial market participants are genuinely divided over whether the FOMC will increase rates at its September meeting next week. This is an unusual level of uncertainty so close to a deadline." Gold rose by 0.98%, to $4,396 per ounce.
Kentucky cautions of more serious weather after US storms eliminate 14
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear declared a state emergency early on Monday after tornadospawning thunderstorms swept the U.S. Southern Plains and Ozarks, eliminating at least 14 people and wrecking hundreds of buildings as forecasters warned of more serious weather condition.
Serious weather continues to move through the commonwealth with several reports of wind damage and tornadoes, Beshear said in a post on X.
A minimum of seven people perished and nearly 100 were injured on Saturday night when an effective tornado struck neighborhoods in north Texas near the Oklahoma border, Governor Greg Abbott stated at a press conference the next day.
On Sunday, as storms moved to the northeast, releasing more extreme weather throughout the U.S. heartland, a landscaper was killed by a tree toppled in winds that gusted to 80 miles per hour in Louisville, Kentucky, police said.
The Weather condition Service alerted of extra storms moving through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, bringing a mix of damaging winds, big hail and more tornadoes, as well as heavy rainstorms capable of activating flash floods.
The most recent bout of severe weather condition came simply days after a. powerful twister ripped through a rural Iowa town, killing four. people, and more twisters touched down in Texas recently.
(source: Reuters)