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INSTANT VIEW: Investor reactions to Trump's agreement to a two-week ceasefire.
U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with Iran to establish a two-week ceasefire, less than 2 hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil fell, bonds rose and stocks soared after the ceasefire. It was believed that the ceasefire would pave the way for a "lasting peace" and the resumption in Gulf oil and natural gas exports. Below are some responses from analysts and investors: MARTIN WHETTON HEAD OF FINANCIAL MARKETS STRATEGY WESTPAC SYDNEY This is what always happens. Does this mean people will take on new risks? No, it does not. "There would have to be a lasting, stable peace for things to change." The people are not taking any risks. "This is just algos doing things." BRIAN JACOBSEN CHIEF ECONOMIST ANNEX WEALTH MANAGEMENT MENOMONEE FALLS WISCONSIN "President Trump stated that he had agreed to a ceasefire of two weeks. This is enough to maintain hope that an entire civilization will not be destroyed and oil could start flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. "Is this just about kicking the can 'down the road, moving goal posts, TACO Tuesday, or whatever metaphor you like to use, only for tempers to flare and bombs to drop again?" ?Who knows? It's good enough for the moment to get a positive reaction from the markets."
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Ghana leases Gold Fields Damang mine to local firm Engineers & Planners
The Mines Minister announced on Tuesday that Ghana has selected local mining'services' company Engineers & Planners Ltd. to take over Gold Fields Damang gold mine. Ghana, which wants to increase local ownership of its mining industry, rejected Johannesburg-based Gold Fields’ lease renewal bid last year and took control of the mine, breaking years of automatic extension. Then, it?began to assess local bids in order to revive the asset for $1 billion. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, in a'statement', said that the 'Minerals Commission had recommended e&p as the winning bidder. The company showed that it could access funding of up to $500 million, which was the minimum amount required by the government. The statement also praised the company's technical expertise, equipment, safety, and local content. Gold Fields has been operating Damang mine for more than 20 years. Initially, it said that they may sell the mine due to its short life expectancy and lack of reserves. Last month, it said that 'it is working to ensure a smooth transition of the mine from the current operator to the new one. The 'tender' aims to protect jobs, keep the mine running and increase local participation. Christian Akorlie, Emmanuel Bruce and Maxwell Akalaare Adombila report; Maxwell Akalaare Adombila writes; Barbara Lewis edits.
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World Bank predicts Nigerian economic growth in 2026, but Iran war raises inflation
The World Bank stated that Nigeria's economy will grow despite the Iran war in the first half of 2026. Fiseha Haile, World Bank Nigeria's lead economist during a presentation held in Abuja said that business activity is still in expansion mode. The conflict between the U.S./Israel/Iran has so far raised prices while leaving the output mostly intact. The impact on growth is relatively limited, as the overall business activity has increased in the last few months. Haile stated that the shock was still felt by higher inflation. Bola Tinubu is now in his third year as president. He has implemented the most ambitious economic reforms in Nigeria in decades. This includes ending expensive fuel and energy subsidies, devaluing currency, and changing tax systems to stabilize an economy that was battered by inflation, currency weakness, and external shocks. Haile stated that the inflation rate has dropped sharply from 33% to 15.5% in February 2024. However, it remains high in comparison with other countries in the region and is under renewed pressure ever since Middle East conflict began. Fuel prices rose by more than half during the Iran War, affecting transport, food, and production costs. He said Nigeria should lift restrictions on fuel imports in order to ease inflation. RISK TO INCOME Haile stated that "inflation remains high and is under increasing pressure. This poses risks for incomes and poverty reduction." Nigeria's external buffers are improving as the foreign exchange reserves increase and volatility decreases. However, tighter global financing conditions continue to threaten inflows and borrowing costs. Haile stated that Nigeria's fiscal gap widened to 3.1% GDP by 2025 but remains lower than it was in the years before the reform. He also added that the debt ratio fell for the very first time in the last decade due to improved fiscal performance and gains in exchange rate valuation. The World Bank has forecasted an economic growth rate of 4.2% by 2026. It urged governments to conserve windfalls from rising oil prices, to keep monetary policies tight, and to avoid blanket subsidies to curb inflation. The World Bank stated that Nigeria should accelerate reforms beyond macro stabilisation to achieve inclusive, long-term growth. Early childhood development is a top priority. Nigeria has some of the worst outcomes in the world, with 110 children dying before they reach age five. Approximately 40% are stunted and more than 50% fail to reach developmental milestones prior to school. The recent investments in health and nutrition are encouraging. However, the challenge is to deliver "a coherent and continuous child-centred package", from pregnancy until age five. This includes health, nutrition and water sanitation as well as foundational learning.
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Brazil's power regulator moves against Enel in Sao Paulo
Aneel, Brazil's energy regulator, decided on Tuesday to "move forward" with a forfeiture procedure that could lead to the termination a concession owned by a local Enel unit in Sao Paulo. Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira asked Aneel in December to "start the termination process" for Enel after extreme weather events caused power outages that affected more than 2 million customers in the Sao Paulo metro area. Enel has another chance to defend itself before the regulator decides to recommend that the concession is revoked. The change in the process prevents Enel Sao Paulo from automatically renewing its contract that expires?in 2028. It would be difficult to sell the concession, which was the option that companies who faced similar problems in the electricity sector have previously chosen. Enel has, however, publicly stated that they do not intend to sell the asset. Enel didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. Reporting by Leticia Fukuma, Writing by Isabel Teles and Editing by Aurora Ellis
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US-Iran negotiations continue, but Saudi Arabian strikes may derail efforts, say sources
Two Pakistani sources familiar with the talks said that the United States-Iran talks were in danger of being derailed because of Tehran's attacks against Saudi Arabian industrial facilities. Two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions said that the talks between the United States and Iran were at risk of being derailed?after Tehran's attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial?facilities. One source said that the next few hours are crucial. Trump gave Iran until 8 pm in Washington (3:30 am in Tehran) to end its Gulf oil blockade or the U.S. would destroy every Iranian bridge and power station. Iran has threatened to retaliate on behalf of U.S. Gulf allies, as their desert cities will be uninhabitable if they don't have power or water. Iran increased its strikes over night, hitting a Saudi Petrochemical Complex as the latest proof of the nation’s ability to strike against U.S. and Israeli attacks. The Strait of Hormuz was closed, causing the biggest energy disruption in history. It is the main artery that transports one-fifth the world's gas and oil. Pakistan has been a main intermediary for proposals that both sides have shared, but no signs of a compromise have been seen. One source said that the attack on the Jubail complex could lead to Saudi Arabia retaliating, which would put an end to the talks. It could also bring Pakistan into the conflict, under the defence pact it has with Riyadh, which binds them both in the event of war. Shehbaz Shaif, Pakistani Prime Minister, condemned the Saudi strikes against Saudi facilities in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with its Saudi sisters and brothers. MESSAGES READY TO BE EXCHANGED "We're in contact with the Iranians." "They have recently shown flexibility in that they could participate in the talks. But they are also taking hardlines?as an essential prerequisite for any negotiation," said the Pakistani source. He said that Islamabad is persuading Tehran into entering negotiations without any prior conditions. Iran's spokesperson for the foreign ministry said Monday that messages between Iran and?U.S. are still being exchanged. Through mediators. According to a senior Iranian source, Tehran rejected a proposal of a temporary truce with talks conditional on the?end of U.S./Israeli strikes? and?compensation? for damages. The Pakistani Foreign Office said that on Tuesday, the attacks on Saudi Arabia represent a dangerous escalation. After top commanders had met with Asim Munir, a Pakistani Army statement said: "Such unwarranted aggressive actions have serious repercussions and can spoil the peaceful options that are currently in place as well as a conducive environment." Pakistan is trying to avoid getting dragged into the conflict, which could cause havoc on its western border shared with Iran, and stir up discontent in its Shi'ite majority, the second largest in the world, after Iran. Analysts claim that the defence agreement "may not trigger an immediate military action, but could be activated" if the conflict escalates. Adam Weinstein of the Quincy Institute, a Pakistan, Afghanistan, and U.S. political expert, said that Iran's willingness at a crucial time to broker a ceasefire to punish the Gulf for U.S. or Israeli strikes, shows how Tehran is committed to a titt-for-tat policy.
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Next Monday, the heads of IMF, World Bank, and IEA will meet to discuss energy crisis
Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, said that the leaders of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary 'Fund, and World Bank will be discussing the 'energy crisis triggered by the Iran war' next Monday. Birol, on the social media platform X said: "This energy crisis requires all hands on deck & global cooperation." He stressed the need for three?institutions worldwide to support governments in the face of the economic fallout caused by the?war. Birol, IMF chief Kristalina?Georieva and World Bank's Ajay?Banga decided last week to create a coordination group in order to deal with a?regional disruptor that has led to one of the largest supply shortages ever recorded on the global energy market. They said that their response mechanism might include providing targeted policy advice and assessing possible financing needs. Birol's statement came as U.S. president Donald Trump threatened Iran that "a entire civilisation" would die if Tehran did not accept an ultimatum for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, this international waterway was used to transport a fifth of all oil and natural gas liquefied around. Birol told the French newspaper Le Figaro recently that the current oil crisis, triggered by the 'Irani blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, is "more severe than the ones in 1973 and 1979 combined". Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and America Hernandez; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Forrest Crellin, Editing by Gareth Jones
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Gold stable as caution prevails before Trump's Iran deadline
The gold price was little changed Tuesday as caution ruled the market in anticipation of a 'U.S. The looming deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz, or face devastating attacks on Iran's infrastructure. By 11:16 am, spot gold had remained flat at $4.648,32 per ounce. ET (1516 GMT), following a 1% rise earlier in the day. U.S. Gold Futures dropped 0.3% to $4670.90. The gold market is teetering on the edge of a cliff ahead of tonight's 8 p.m. Eastern Time U.S. deadline. The gold market is on hold while traders await the outcome of this event, which could have a significant impact, said Jim Wyckoff. IRAN SHOW NO SIGN OF CONCEDING Strikes against Iran increased throughout the day, but Iran showed little sign of accepting Trump’s ultimatum that the Strait be opened by the end?Tuesday. The U.S. President said that "a whole civilization will die tonight" without a deal with Tehran. Gold traders are more concerned about what central banks will do with interest rates, than geopolitics. Wyckoff explained that if major economies delay lowering their interest rates, this could be extrapolated as a 'lessening of demand for gold. Since the Iran conflict, oil prices have risen. Energy costs are rising, which leads to inflation and leaves central banks little room to reduce interest rates. Gold is a hedge against inflation but it's less appealing in an environment of high rates because it has no yield. The minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting from March will also be released Wednesday. Additionally, U.S. The Consumer Price Index and Personal Consumption Spending data are due Thursday. Data showed that China's central bank has continued to buy gold for the 17th consecutive months. Silver spot fell 2.7%, to $70.83 an ounce. Platinum dropped 3.4%, to $1.911.37. Palladium fell by 4.3%, to $1.421.75. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis, Diti Pjara and Ashitha Shivaprasad from Bengaluru)
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World Bank predicts Nigerian economic growth in 2026, but Iran war raises inflation
The World Bank stated on Tuesday that Nigeria's economy will grow in the first half of 2026, despite the Iran War. However, rising fuel prices and persistently high inflation could squeeze incomes, slowing poverty reduction. Fiseha Haile, World Bank Nigeria's lead economist during a presentation held in Abuja said that business activity remains in growth territory. The conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran has so far lifted prices while leaving output mostly intact. The impact of the growth shock has been contained, as the overall business activity has increased over the last few months. "But the shock is still felt by higher inflation," said?Haile. In his third year as president, Bola Tinubu has implemented the most ambitious economic reforms in Nigerian history. He has ended costly fuel and electricity subsidies, devalued the currency, and changed the tax system to stabilise the economy, which is ravaged by high inflation and currency weakness, and external shocks. Haile stated that the inflation rate?adjusted to 15.06 percent in February from 33.3 percent in December 2024. However, it remains high in comparison with other countries in the region and is under renewed pressure ever since Middle East conflict started. Fuel prices rose by more than half during the Iran War, affecting transport, food, and production costs. He said Nigeria should lift restrictions on fuel imports in order to ease inflation. Haile stated that "inflation is still high and under increasing pressure. This poses risks to incomes as well as poverty reduction." Nigeria's external buffers are improving as the foreign exchange reserves increase and volatility eases. However, tighter global financial conditions continue to threaten inflows and borrowing costs, and remittances. Haile stated that the Nigerian fiscal deficit increased slightly to 3.1% GDP in 2025. However, it remains lower than the pre-reform period. Haile also added that the debt-to GDP ratio had fallen for the first time since a decade due to improved fiscal performance and exchange rate valuation gains. The World Bank has forecast a 4.2% economic growth for 2026. They have urged governments to keep their monetary policies tight and to avoid blanket subsides to curb inflation. Reporting by Camillus Eboh, Abuja. Writing by Elisha Gbogbo. Editing by William Maclean.
EnBW to market green ammonia from Norway's SkiGa task
German energy EnBW on Thursday stated it expects to get 100,000 lots of green ammonia a year from Norway's Skipavika Green Ammonia job from 2027 onwards, in a boost for Germany's efforts to decarbonise commercial procedures.
Green ammonia, made with renewable electricity, can be utilized to make hydrogen by means of a breaking process, which is low in carbon emissions.
Germany is betting on green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis driven by wind and solar power, as an alternative to nonrenewable fuel sources.
EnBW will gather the ammonia at the port of Skipavika near Bergen on Norway's west coast and provide it to terminals for cracking into hydrogen at western European terminals or industrial websites in Germany, the company stated, as it opened registration for a tender process.
The Skipavika Green Ammonia (SkiGa) job will utilize local green electrical energy to go through its 130 megawatt (MW). electrolyser, which can conserve 240,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. compared to the production of so-called grey hydrogen made. from coal or gas, it stated.
EnBW's local partner FUELLA in April received funding for. its electrolyser scheme together with 6 rival tasks in a very first. pilot auction of the European Hydrogen Bank, which will spend. 720 million euros ($ 781.27 million) on innovation fund grants. over ten years.
EnBW entered into a cooperation with FUELLA last year with a. 10% equity stake, securing exclusive rights to a long-term. ammonia offtake contract.
The volumes of green ammonia protected for EnBW give us a. great starting position in the market ramp-up and mark an even more. action on the way to a carbon-free energy supply, said Peter. Heydecker, EnBW's board member for sustainable generation. infrastructure.
The German federal government on Wednesday embraced a method for. the import of hydrogen and derivatives.
Under Germany's national technique, approximately 70% of future. hydrogen volumes will originate from abroad for availability and. expense factors.
EnBW stated it was browsing around the world for sources and. partners for all types of hydrogen. Hydrogen derivatives can be. methanol, ammonia or other e-fuels.
(source: Reuters)