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Crude Oil

Crude Oil

The great stock rotation continues with MORNING BID Europe

Kevin Buckland gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The move away from the high-flying technology?stocks, which set the pace for the record global equity 'rallies of last year, gained more momentum to the benefit?cyclical shares and?value stocks. As an example, Japan's high-tech Nikkei index dropped by 1% during the narrative. It had previously reached a record-high. The Topix index, which is a broader measure of the market, extended its record-breaking climb by 0.4%. The Russell 2000 index is currently outpacing S&P 500, with a 0.7% gain overnight while the larger index has...

Crude Oil

Morning Bid Europe-Powell’s punch back shocks markets

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors still can't wrap their minds around the latest escalation of the fight between U.S. president Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve. Chair Jerome Powell is fighting back against the "effort" to control interest rates and the Fed. The growing unrest in Iran where, according to an international rights group, more than 500 people were killed, underscored also the geopolitical issues that markets will be navigating by the beginning of 2026. This is why safe-haven assets are well supported. The markets opened trading on...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE-Venezuela upheaval tests markets

Gregor Stuart Hunter gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The dramatic weekend that saw U.S. forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has caused the oil market to be roiled as the first full trading week of 2019 begins, even though the global stock markets appear to have ignored geopolitical risk for the moment. Brent crude futures fluctuated between gains and losses, but ended the day at $60.49. Traders are assessing the impact of the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, the country with the largest reserves of oil in the world, on global...

Crude Oil

The MORNING BID EUROPE - BoE will make it to the list as the others remain on course

Tom Westbrook gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The markets expect that the Bank of England will be the sole mover in a series of central bank meetings on Thursday. A 25-basis point rate cut to 3.75 percent is almost as predictable as the collapse of the top order at the Ashes Test in Adelaide. Investors were reassured by the unexpected drop in UK inflation on Wednesday. However, with inflation at the highest level among G7 countries, 3.2%, it is unlikely that further rate cuts will be imminent. Sterling is down to...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE-Markets in Grinch-y mood before data deluge

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors are avoiding risky bets ahead of a slew of economic data coming from around the world and the central?bank meeting in what looks to be an eventful last full week of the calendar year. The European session's focus will be on the UK wage data, which comes just days before a vote on interest rate cuts on Thursday. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey may change his mind and tilt the balance in favor of a reduction. The manufacturing data for Europe in...

Crude Oil

The yen is a hazed mess before the Fed

Rae Wee gives us a look at what the European and global markets will be like tomorrow. Investors have focused their attention on the Federal Reserve rate decision this week, but on Wednesday the currency markets briefly turned to the Japanese yen. After a sudden fall in the yen's value against the euro, and a drop of nearly 0.9% versus the Aussie dollar, the yen appeared to be slurring its words. The dollar was also on the verge of breaking through the 157-yen mark. The move was not a major event, but it could have been a way to position...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE: Markets racked with anxiety as we approach the day of Fed

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors are on edge about the U.S. financial policy outlook, ahead of the?expected Federal Reserve rate cut this week. A divided central 'bank and the prospect that a dovish Fed Chair will replace?Jerome Powell have investors worried. Welcome to the almost-Fed Day! The traders are almost certain that the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday. Let's face it, most traders are focused on what Powell says and how many rate reductions the dot plot for 2026 will show. The markets...

Crude Oil

Morning bid Europe-Firming Fed cuts bets buoy stock, undercut dollar

Kevin Buckland gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The market is focused on the bets that the Federal Reserve will cut rates next week, and the murkiness in the economic data used by Fed officials to make policy decisions. The Fed is focusing on the state of the labour markets, so the Fed will release the most important data - the monthly payroll figures - in mid-December instead of today. This is the result of a record-breaking government shutdown. But at least the Fed will get key data pertaining to the other...

Crude Oil

The rate hike is a possibility, but the yen will not decline.

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets After the Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo ueda's clearest indication yet of a potential move in the near future, the year that began with a rate increase in Japan could end with another. This will set the stage for an important month of divergence of monetary policy. Ueda stated that the BOJ would consider "pros" and "cons" of increasing interest rates during its next policy meeting, which will take place in two weeks. This statement helped strengthen the fragile yen by pushing Japanese government...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE-Reeves takes centre stage

Gregor Stuart Hunter gives us a look at what the markets will be like in Europe and around the world. It is make-or-break for Britain's Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who will unveil her budget later today. The budget could contain tens or hundreds of millions of pounds worth of new taxes. In Asian trading, the pound is up 0.2% to $1.3193, a rise of a fifth day in a row ahead of her speech at 1230 GMT. Sources say that after the meeting between the new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takayichi and BOJ governor Kazuo Ueda last week, the Bank...

Crude Oil

Fear and caution grip the markets

Rae Wee gives us a look at what the European and global markets will be like tomorrow. The Asian markets were again a sea of red on Tuesday. This gloomy mood is expected to spread into Europe as investors prepare for the earnings report from artificial intelligence darling Nvidia, and the long-awaited U.S. employment report due later this week. The market sentiment leading up to the release was fragile. Nvidia had a high bar for delivering results that would blow the roof off and justify all the massive investments companies pour into AI. The semiconductor giant's AI chips have been...

Crude Oil

Morning bid Europe-Nvidia earnings to likely overshadow US delayed data

Tom Westbrook gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. On Monday, the U.S. economy will start to flow again with figures on construction spending for August. On Thursday, September's jobs data will be released. The next month will bring more up-to date figures on labour and prices. However, due to concerns over the quality of these data and hawkish comments from policymakers, expectations for a December rate cut are fading. The main event for markets this week is likely Nvidia earnings after the close on Wednesday, which are shaping as a test for...

Environment

Environment

Spain launches sovereign wealth fund in order to extend the benefits of EU funds expiring

Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, announced on Thursday that Spain would create a sovereign wealth fund owned by the state to boost various sectors such as housing and national security. The "Spain grows" fund aims to extend a?economic stimulus provided by the NextGenerationEU Funds of the European Union, which played an important role in helping the country recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic, beyond 2026. Sanchez added that more details will be revealed next week. The initial drawdown from EU funds is 10.5 billion euro ($12.2 billion). Sanchez stated that the fund would prioritise investment in housing, renewable energies,...

Environment

The UAE's ALTERRA, and Spanish lender BBVA are planning to launch a $1.2 billion climate fund

The two companies announced on Thursday that the United Arab Emirates climate fund ALTERRA plans to launch a $1.2 billion coinvestment vehicle to finance climate-aligned investments globally?across infrastructure?, private equity? and private credit. In a joint press release, BBVA announced that it had committed $250 million to the ALTERRA Opportunity Fund. They said that the?fund would invest in climate investments, including energy transition, industrial decarbonization and climate tech, with a focus on North America, Latin America and Europe, as well as "other growth markets." ALTERRA was established in 2023 with $30 billion by the UAE. It aims to mobilize $25...

Environment

The Portuguese government supports Savannah's lithium mining project with a $128 million grant

Savannah Resources, listed on the London Stock Exchange, announced that it was awarded a 110 million-euro grant ($128 millions) by?the Portuguese Government for its lithium mine in northern Portugal. This is a sign of official support for a hotly contested project. Around 82 million euro of the non-reimbursable grants will fund the initial capital expenses of the project, in Portugal's Barroso Region. The remainder of the grant is linked to performance milestones. The company stated that the estimated reserves of the Barroso deposit spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral, are more than 39 million metric tonnes, making it Europe's largest deposit. The...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

European stocks rise as defense shares lead after Venezuela shock

European stocks rose on Monday as investors bought up defense stocks following the U.S. military strikes against Venezuela. This sparked new 'geopolitical' concerns. The STOXX 600 pan-European index was 0.3% higher by 0810 GMT. As investors return from their New Year holidays, trading volumes should normalize. Defense?index grew by 2.7%, reaching its highest level in two months. The technology and basic resources also rose by 2.1% and 2% respectively. Investors continue to monitor the impact of the 'dramatic capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas?Maduro over the weekend by U.S. forces. Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would temporarily place Venezuela...

Mineral Resources

Sources: Guinea and EGA are in talks to supply bauxite, according to sources

Guinea and EGA talk to avoid legal battles over assets seized EGA loses GAC license due to row over alumina refinery Nimba Mining to increase bauxite production By Maxwell ?Akalaare Adombila DAKAR, 16 December - Guinea and Emirates Global Aluminium are in discussions over a 'possible bauxite agreement, which would see the company sourcing the 'aluminium /feedstock from Guinea’s state-owned Nimba Mining. Guinea's military government, following a dispute that lasted a year over the construction an alumina refining plant, revoked Guinea Alumina Corporation's licence in July. The company then transferred its mining assets to Nimba Mining. Sources, including a government...

Mineral Resources

ArcelorMittal CFO: ArcelorMittal is ready to capture EU Market Share from Lower Steel Imports

ArcelorMittal can capture a part of the market void caused by lower imports, once the EU steel quotas are implemented. This was the Chief Financial Officer GenuinoChristino's statement on Thursday. Christino told analysts that he did not see any problem in capturing that portion of the market. In October, the European Commission proposed a reduction of almost half in tariff-free import quotas for steel and a 50% tax on excess shipments. This was done to maintain viable steelmaking within the European Union. However, it is not yet clear when these new measures will be implemented. Christino stated that the current...

Mineral Resources

ICL may lose Dead Sea concession by 2030, according to government plan

ICL Group, a fertiliser manufacturer, has waived its right of first refusal in order to bid for the concession it holds at the Dead Sea. The Israeli government announced the plan on Thursday. However, if the permit expires and it is not renewed by ICL Group it will still receive $3 billion. ICL has had exclusive rights for minerals at the Dead Sea site since 1950. The permit expires in 2030. Finance Ministry, however, stated that it was preparing a "competitive international and fair tender" to ensure that the public and state receive their rightful share of this unique natural...

Mineral Resources

Acerinox praises recent EU actions and urges adoption

The head of Spanish steelmaker Acerinox, who is also the CEO of the European Commission, praised the recently announced steel import quotas on Friday but stated that the company was working hard to ensure the measures are adopted sooner. On a conference call with analysts, Chief Executive Officer Bernardo Velazquez stated that the company is pushing to speed up the process. He suggested the measures could be implemented as soon as April 2026 before the current ones expire on June 30. Velazquez stated that "we are very close to getting the protection we have been dreaming of and asking for...

Mineral Resources

Acerinox's profits for the third quarter of 2018 are below expectations due to low demand

Acerinox, the Spanish steelmaker, reported earnings slightly lower than expected for its third quarter on Friday. The company cited a low demand in Europe and America for stainless steel. LSEG data shows that the adjusted earnings before taxes, depreciation, and amortization came to 108 million euro ($125.95) - less than analysts' estimated average of 112 millions euros. Steelmaker says that sales in the U.S. are "undoubtedly" going to fall in the fourth-quarter due to seasonality at the end of the year, and therefore core-profits in the quarter will be lower than the third-quarter. The company pointed out that the uncertainty...

Mineral Resources

Spain investigates steelmaker for violating Israel Sales Ban

The Spanish High Court has opened an investigation into privately owned steelmaker Sidenor, which is accused of selling steel to a firm in Israel for the purposes of manufacturing weapons. This is one of the potential legal consequences that could result from Spain's ban of such deals. According to a statement, Judge Francisco de Jorge will lead the investigation against Sidenor CEO Jose Antonio Jainaga Gomez as well as two other executives. They are accused of smuggling drugs and being complicit in crimes against humanity and genocide. On November 12, they were called to testify. The court said Sidenor had...

Mineral Resources

Spain investigates steelmaker for violating Israel Sales Ban

The Spanish High Court has opened an investigation into privately owned steelmaker Sidenor, which is accused of selling steel to a firm in Israel for the purposes of manufacturing weapons. This is one of the potential legal consequences that could result from Spain's ban of such deals. According to a statement, Judge Francisco de Jorge will lead the investigation against Sidenor CEO Jose Antonio Jainaga Gomez as well as two other executives. They are accused of smuggling drugs and being complicit in crimes against humanity and genocide. On November 12, they were called to testify. The court ruled that Sidenor...

Mineral Resources

European shares recover as US bank worries and trade tensions ease

European shares rose on Monday as concerns about the stability of U.S. banks eased. Meanwhile, fresh comments by U.S. president Donald Trump helped to calm down trade tensions and encouraged investors to move towards riskier assets. As of 0915 GMT, the STOXX 600 index for Europe was up 0.6% to 569.37. The benchmark index closed Friday nearly 1% lower. European banks gained 0.8% on Sunday, placing them among the top gainers of the STOXX 600. This was after U.S. bank stocks recovered in the previous session, following the quarterly results from regional lending institutions that helped ease concerns over credit...

Mineral Resources

Russian titanium manufacturer VSMPO-AVISMA reduces working hours for some employees

VSMPO - AVISMA, the largest titanium producer in the world, announced on Monday it would switch some employees who are not directly involved with production to a 4-day work week. The company stated in a press release that it planned to move some employees, who were not directly involved in production processes but were administrative staff, onto a four-day work week. The company said that the decision was made to "maintain operational stability and preserve the highly-qualified staff of the business." The company has not stated how long these measures will be in effect. This is not an easy choice,...

Mineral Resources

European shares rise by almost 1% as banks and defence rally

Investors digested corporate earnings, assessed sectoral momentum, and assessed macro signals as they digested the strong performance of banks and defense stocks. As of 0750 GMT, the continent-wide STOXX 600 Index was up 0.9% to 571.05 point. Other major regional indices were also trading higher. European banks rose by 1.6%. They were among the biggest gains in the STOXX 600. This was a rebound from Friday's 2.5% decline when investors became nervous about signs of credit pressure at regional U.S. lenders. The STOXX Aerospace & Defence index rose 2.1%. This was a rebound from Friday's sharp drop when the news...

Mineral Resources

The family of the Mango fashion tycoon says they are confident in their son's innocence.

After several local media outlets reported that he was under investigation for possible murder, the family of Mango founder Isak Andic said they were confident Jonathan was innocent. In a press release, the family stated that they "will continue to work with the authorities as it has been doing up until now." It also hopes that the process will be completed as quickly as possible, and that Jonathan Andic will be proven innocent. The company said that it would not provide any further comments at this time. COURT SAYS CASE IS NOT DIRECTED AT AN INDIVIDUAL La Vanguardia reported late...