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Oil & Gas

SpaceX's IPO: The Road to Success

SpaceX, Elon Musk's company, has filed a confidential application for its highly anticipated U.S. Initial Public Offering, according to a source familiar with the matter. This will make space exploration a mainstream investment topic, rather than a speculative one. Here's a timeline for SpaceX’s path to a blockbuster IPO. Elon Musk launched SpaceX in March 2002 using the money he earned from selling PayPal. SpaceX failed to launch its first rocket, the Falcon 1 in March 2006. SpaceX Falcon 1 successfully launched for the first launch in September 2008. It was the first liquid-fuel rocket developed by a private company...

Oil & Gas

SpaceX is seen as a test that will determine whether mega-IPOs succeed or fail

Elon Musk's spaceX could be the break-through that global IPO market needs. Saudi Aramco was the last company to debut on the market with a valuation of over one trillion dollars in 2019. SpaceX has all the ingredients the IPO market?has been looking for to end a long-term drought of mega-deals. It is a company with a valuation over "trillion dollars", a CEO who enjoys cult like retail support, and exposure to a?high-growth?industry. Investors' appetite for an IPO of this magnitude is still uncertain. Analysts and experts say that the company's success is unique, so it could only have a...

Oil & Gas Refining

SpaceX's IPO: The Road to Success

Bloomberg News reported that Elon Musk’s SpaceX filed confidentially for its highly anticipated U.S. IPO, bringing the billionaire closer to having a publicly traded company within his empire. Here's a timeline of SpaceX’s journey towards its blockbuster IPO. Elon Musk founded SpaceX in March 2002 using the money he earned from the sale of PayPal. SpaceX launched its first rocket in March 2006, but it failed. September 2008 - Falcon 1 was launched successfully by SpaceX for the first launch and became the world's first liquid-fuel rocket. SpaceX signed its first major contract in December 2008 with NASA for the...

Oil & Gas

SpaceX is seen as a test that will determine whether mega-IPOs succeed or fail

Elon Musk's SpaceX may be the answer to the global IPO market's long-term struggle. Saudi Aramco was the last company to have a IPO at a valuation of over one trillion dollars in 2019. SpaceX, with its "over-trillion-dollar valuation", CEO who has a cult following in retail and exposure to a fast-growing industry is what the IPO'market" has been looking for to end a long-term drought of mega-deals. Investors' appetite for such a large?listing? is still uncertain. Analysts and experts say that the company's success is unique, so it could only have a limited impact on the broader market sentiment....

Oil & Gas

Trackers report that PetroChina fills Singapore's shortfall in crude oil with crude stored in China.

PetroChina supplied a rare shipment of nearly?2million barrels of crude from its storage facility in China to the refinery it owns half of, located in Singapore. The?firm is attempting to fill'shortfalls caused by the iran war. According to tanker trackers Vortexa & Kpler the tanker New Merit delivered 1.8 million barrels in crude oil to Dalian, northeast China, in mid-March. It then transported it to Singapore Jurong Island, where PetroChina & U.S. giant Chevron run a joint venture refinery. Sources declined to name themselves as they were not authorized to speak to the media. China exports crude oil very rarely....

Oil & Gas

Poland's Orlen signss preliminary agreement on the acquisition of GA Polyolefins

Orlen, the Polish state-owned refiner, announced on Wednesday that it had signed a preliminary agreement with Grupa Azoty (the Polish state-controlled chemical group) under which it would acquire 'all remaining shares in Grupa azoty polyolefins. The transaction involves the purchase of GAP shares and the provision of financing by Orlen to complete GAP’s restructuring. It has a value of $1.35 billion ($364.23 millions). The transaction was in line with expectations. Orlen had been viewed as the "natural candidate" to take over the Polyolefins Project and stabilize it. Erste Group analyst Cezary Bernatek wrote in a client note. He added, "We'd...

Oil & Gas

McGeever: Central banks will diverge from 2022 if the energy shock intensifies.

When the world was faced with a sudden surge in inflationary forces in 2021-22 due to a severe shock in supply and spikes in energy prices, all major central banks reacted?together. This is unlikely to happen again. Five years ago, supply disruptions caused by pandemics led to a united - but belated cycle of interest rate hikes among the world's largest central banks. This cycle accelerated in response to the skyrocketing prices of energy triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By the time the European Central Bank raised rates in July 2022 (and the Bank of Japan did not), every...

Oil & Gas

Brent reaches record monthly increase as Houthi attack escalates Gulf conflict

The oil prices continued to rise on Monday. Brent is on track for a monthly record after the Yemeni Houthis launched their first attack on Israel, escalating the Iran War. Brent futures were up 66?cents (0.6%), or $113.23 per barrel, at 1031 ET (1431 GMT), after closing 4.2% higher Friday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate?futures rose $2.2 or 2.2% to $101.83 following a 5.5% gain in the previous session. Brent's price has risen by 58% in the last month. This is the highest monthly increase since 1988. Brent also outperformed gains during the Gulf War of 1990. U.S. Crude, on the...

Oil & Gas

Oil prices set to fall the most in a single week since 6 months

Oil prices dropped on Friday, and were on track to have the steepest weekly drop?in the past six months. This was after U.S. president Donald Trump announced that talks with Iran on a 'peaceful end' had been going well and he would pause his attacks on Iran’s energy plants for ten days. Brent futures dropped 84 cents or 0.8% to $107.17 a barrel at 0353 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Futures lost $1.02 or 1.1% to $93.46 a barrel. On a weekly basis, both benchmarks traded 4.6% lower despite Brent increasing 5.7% and WTI gaining 4.6% Thursday due to fears...

Oil & Gas

Rubio calls Iraqi Kurdish leader to discuss future of Kurdish people in Iraq

The 'State Department' reported that U.S. Secretary Marco?Rubio met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on a Thursday. He reportedly expressed "gratitude" for the KRG allowing oil from Iraq to reach international markets, including Kurdistan in Iraq. The State Department issued a statement saying that "the secretary expressed his gratitude to Kurdistan Regional Government, for allowing oil from Iraq to reach the global markets, including the 'Iraq Kurdistan Region. The Iran War has risen oil prices and shook global markets. The State Department said Rubio had "offered his sincere condolences to families of those Peshmerga who were...

Oil & Gas

Oil shock, war, and uncertainty: McGeever: Time to increase US equity outlook

It might seem odd to be more bullish about stocks at a time when the U.S. economy is masked by a fog of war, and oil costs $100 per barrel. From a valuation perspective, the case is compelling. Barclays strategists outlined this?this past week, when they increased their S&P500 price?and earning forecasts. They are not the only bulls. They argue that corporate America won't be able to escape the economic impact of the Iran war or energy shock. However, it is still in a relatively good position. Take technology, the engine that has driven Wall Street's recent boom. Recent concerns...

Oil & Gas

Constellation's executive claims that grid operator told the company Three Mile Island cannot be connected until 2031

The U.S. grid operators PJM and Constellation Energy have told Constellation Energy the 'former Three -Mile Island nuclear /power?plant' in Pennsylvania will likely not be able connect to the grid before 2031. This is four years later than originally planned. Constellation is working to restart operations at its nuclear power plant, which will be renamed Crane Clean Energy Center to "feed Microsoft data centres". Constellation's chief?external and growth officer, David Dardis said that the company will be ready to produce electricity at the plant before its goal of 2027. It is also in talks with the grid operator PJM interconnection...

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuels

Are central banks selling Treasuries to the public? McGeever

Are central banks selling Treasuries in the midst of the controversial U.S. war in "the Middle East"? It's likely yes, but the situation is complex. The foreign Treasuries in the custody of the New York Federal Reserve have just fallen to their lowest level in 16 years, below $3 trillion. This indicates that foreign central banks are dumping assets at a 'increasingly fast pace. The decline in Fed "custody' holdings, as I wrote last Monday, has been eye-catching. Deutsche Bank strategists estimate the $75 billion drop in the four-week period ending March 19, pointed to $60 billion net selling by...

Fossil Fuels

Fuel prices in Africa spike as Iran War hits supply

African governments have increased fuel prices sharply as global oil 'prices are surging due to the Iran War. This could spark inflation on the continent. Most African countries import a large amount of petroleum products. This leaves them vulnerable to disruptions in supply. South Africa, the continent's biggest economy, reduced its fuel tax for a month on Tuesday to curb future price increases in April. This came after business and trade union groups pressed the government to act. CONSIDERING FURTHER ACTIONS The National Petroleum Authority in Ghana raised the'mandatory minimum prices floors' for the April 1-15 price window. This pushed...

Fossil Fuels

Markets jittery as oil prices rise over 1% amid Mideast unrest

Brent futures extended gains following a'record monthly % increase in March. Middle East volatility continued to keep markets jittery, despite reports suggesting that the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran could be coming to an end. Brent front-month contract for June rose $1.40 or 1.4% to $105.37 a barrel at 0430 GMT. Brent logged a monthly gain record of 64% in march, according to LSEG's data dating back to June 1998. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), crude futures for the month of May increased by $1.59 or 1.6% to $102.97 per barrel. Brent futures for June delivery recovered some...

Crude Oil

Refined Products

Refined Products

Automakers unveil new EVs for US market despite sales downturn

The New York Auto Show saw major automakers unveil new 'electric vehicles' on Wednesday, despite weak consumer demand and sales that have plummeted since Washington removed the $7,500 tax credit for EVs. Kia announced that it will'start selling its lower-priced EV3 to the United States in later this year. Subaru also offered a three-row EV called the "Getaway", which can seat seven. The Japanese automaker will launch its family EV SUV in the U.S. later this year or early next year. It is their fourth EV. The U.S. electric vehicle market is becoming more competitive, but the recent rise in...

Oil & Gas Refining

Sources say that Rodriguez is preparing to take over Citgo's board.

Four sources said that Delcy Roddez, interim president of Venezuela, is preparing to take control of the U.S. subsidiaries owned by state oil company PDVSA, including Citgo Petroleum. The move could exacerbate a tug-of-war for control of the seventh largest U.S. refiner. Two sources claim that Rodriguez is still working on her list of board members to be approved by the Treasury. Some names were not received well in Washington. The sources say that if the executives are approved by the Treasury, then the Office of Foreign Assets Control would issue a license. One of the sources said that Treasury...

Refined Products

US retail sales were strong in February, but the Iran war is expected to affect spending

Retail sales in the United States increased the most since'seven months' in February, as motor vehicle purchases recovered and temperatures rose. However, rising gasoline prices due to the Middle East war could limit spending in months ahead. Commerce Department's delayed report from?Wednesday indicated that the economy had been on a solid footing before?the U.S. and Israel war with Iran. The conflict that began at the end February has caused global oil prices to surge by more than 50%. This week, the average national retail gasoline price surpassed $4 for the first time since more than three year. Economists have warned...

Refined Products

Argentina delays fuel tax increases in order to reduce the impact of global prices pressures

In a Wednesday decree, the Argentine government announced that it would delay the implementation of tax increases scheduled for liquid fuels, carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This was done in response to the global instability brought about by the U.S./Israeli war on Iran. The decree stated that the move was intended to "support economic growth by sustainable fiscal measures". The decree also stated that the measure would delay the anticipated?tax increase on liquid fuels, carbon dioxide, and other gases for a month, to the end of April. The decree added that this is the second step taken by President Javier...

Refined Products

Retail sales in the US increased by a solid amount in February

Retail sales in the U.S. increased in February, as motor vehicle purchases rebounded. Temperatures also warmed. However, rising gasoline prices due to the war in the Middle East may?cripple spending in upcoming months. The Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported on Wednesday that retail?sales increased 0.6% following a 0.1% decline in January. The economists polled had predicted that retail sales (which are mainly goods and not adjusted for inflation) would rise 0.5% following a 0.2% decline in January. After the government shutdown last year, the?Census Bureau has yet to release data. U.S./Israeli conflict with Iran pushed global oil prices up more...

Refined Products

Fed's Barkin says households and firms still view oil shocks through a "short term lens"

Tom Barkin, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank president, said that businesses continue to believe high oil prices are only a temporary disruption. There is little evidence yet to suggest they have caused consumers to cut back on their spending or changed public expectations of inflation in an alarming way. Barkin said on Tuesday that he had a "short-term" view of the situation based on his weekly credit card spending data and his conversations with executives on pricing, investments and other topics. "Gas expenditure is up, but other spending looks healthy," said Barkin. Barkin is not voting on interest rate policy for...

Refined Products

Powell: Fed will 'wait and watch' to see how war effects economy

Federal Reserve Chair?Jerome Powell said on Monday that the U.S. Central Bank can wait to see the impact of the Iran War on the economy and inflation. He noted that policymakers usually look past shocks like those caused by higher oil prices. Powell told a Harvard University macroeconomics class that he felt his policy was in a "good?place" to watch how the war with Iran will affect the economy and inflation. The Iran war is now in its fifth week, and the U.S. As gasoline prices increase to an average of around $4 per gallon, the Fed is faced with...

Refined Products

Bangladesh seeks US waiver to import Russian diesel as energy crisis deepens

Officials said that Bangladesh approached the U.S. on Monday to request a temporary waiver of sanctions in order to import Russian diesel. Middle East turmoil is disrupting global energy markets and straining fuel supplies. Officials from the energy ministry said that Dhaka had requested a similar waiver to India and proposed imports of up 600,000 metric tonnes of Russian diesel. Monir Chowdhury is a joint-secretary at the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources. State-run agencies have increasingly relied on the volatile market to fill in the energy gap. The 175 million strong nation is dependent on imports to meet?95% its...

Refined Products

US consumer confidence hits three-month low after war fuels inflation fears

U.S. consumer confidence fell more than anticipated in March, reaching a three-month low as inflation fears and the war in the Middle East cast a cloud over the economy's?outlook. The decline reported by 'University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers Friday' occurred across a range of age and political party groups. Middle- and high-income consumers, as well as stockholders, saw the largest decreases. Oil prices have risen by more than 30% since the U.S. - Israel war against Iran, which has lasted for a month. AAA data showed that retail gasoline prices rose $1, to average $3.98 a gallon. The S&P...

Refined Products

After a cliffhanger, Slovenia's Prime Minister launches coalition negotiations

Robert Golob, Slovenia's prime minister, launched talks on a broad alliance with political party leaders on Friday following an inconclusive election. He pledged urgent measures to assist the Alpine country's?economy cope with rising energy costs. After the March 22 elections, Golob's Freedom Movement has won 29 parliamentary seats. This is one more than the right leaning Slovenian Democratic Party led by populist former premier Janez Jansa. Either party needs coalition partners in order to achieve a majority of 90 seats, which makes smaller parties potential kingmakers. Golob, the incumbent, has invited all the parties that have won parliamentary seats -...

Refined Products

US consumer sentiment falls to a 3-month low in march

A survey on Friday showed that U.S. consumers' sentiment sank to a?low of three months in March, as the war?in?the Middle East increased oil prices and sparked volatility on financial markets. This prompted a re-evaluation of?the prospects for?the U.S. economy. Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan reported that its Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 53.3 in December from 55.5 in January. The economists surveyed by?forecast the index to ease to 54.0. In February, it was 56.6. Joanne Hsu is the director of Surveys of Consumers. She said that consumers with higher incomes, stock wealth and who were affected...

Refined Products

Oil prices drop as Trump stops attacks on Iranian energy facilities

Oil prices dropped in the early morning trade of Friday, and have been down for a volatile week after U.S. president Donald Trump announced that talks with Iran on ending the war are going "very well", and that he will pause his attacks on Iran's energy facilities for 10 days. Brent futures dropped 90 cents or 0.8% to $107.11 per barrel as of 0024 GMT. U.S. West Texas intermediate futures also fell 83 cents or 0.88% to $93.65 a barrel, reducing gains from a previous bullish session. Brent gained 5.7% on Thursday while WTI gained 4% on fears of a...