Thread: ForexMart's Forex News

June 8. New obstacles in concluding a deal for Musk's purchase of Twitter​​​​​​​

The uncertainty surrounding the deal to buy Twitter by Elon Musk may lead to the disruption of plans to attract an additional $ 2-3 billion from third-party investors.

At the moment, Musk's attempts to organize new financing of the transaction have been suspended. In total, the entrepreneur planned to invest $ 33.5 billion in the transaction, and to attract the rest (of the total $ 44 billion) from outside investors.

It is clarified that Musk intended to receive additional financing from a group of private investment companies led by Apollo Global Management Inc in exchange for preferred shares of Twitter.

However, back on April 15, Twitter's board of directors adopted a shareholder rights protection plan, which was supposed to prevent an undesirable takeover of the company by Musk. On April 25, the parties still managed to agree on a deal. According to the agreements, Musk will buy Twitter for $ 44 billion ($54.2 per share).

But in May, the conclusion of the deal was again in question: Elon Musk stated his desire to make sure that spam and fake Twitter accounts account for less than 5%. And the day before yesterday, on June 6, Musk accused Twitter that the company refuses to provide this information and thus violates the agreement on the deal.

June 9. Oil prices continued to rise after reaching highs the day before​​​​​​​

Oil quotes continued to remain stable on Thursday after rising to three-month highs the day before ($124.40). The current price of Brent is $123.41 per barrel.

The market continues to analyze statistical data on the volume of raw materials stocks in the United States and on China's foreign trade for May. The volume of Chinese exports jumped by 16.9% year-on-year last month amid the lifting of many covid restrictions in the country.

Yesterday, the US Department of Energy reported an unexpected increase in oil reserves in the country by 2.02 million barrels to 416.76 million barrels. It is clarified that this is due to an increase in imports to the country to 1.9 million barrels per day (against 0.08 million barrels a week earlier).

At the same time, gasoline reserves decreased by 812 thousand barrels and amounted to 218.18 million barrels. The drop in gasoline stocks was a consequence of the beginning of the automobile season in the United States, when demand for fuel is traditionally high.

Fuel consumption in the country in the reporting week exceeded 20 million barrels per day (and for the same period, these are the highs from the pre-2019 year).

In general, the confirmation of high demand and low inventory levels reinforced investors' confidence in maintaining the deficit and were able to push oil quotes up. Some analysts predict that once fixed above the level of $120 per barrel, oil will be able to go higher – with a target in the area of $130-135 per barrel.

June 15. Industrial production in China increased by 0.7% in May

According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics, the volume of industrial production in China in May increased by 0.7% compared to the same month in 2021 against the background of the weakening of quarantine coronavirus measures in the country. Analysts on average expected a decline of 0.7% last month. In April, industrial production in China fell by 2.9%.

In particular, manufacturing output rose 0.1% after falling 4.6% in April. The output of chemical products and raw materials increased by 5%, food products – by 1.6%, communication equipment – by 7.3%. The growth of mining production in May slowed to 7% from 9.5% in April, electricity generation – from 1.5% to 0.2%.

In the first five months of this year, Chinese industrial production increased by 3.3% compared to the same period in 2021.

The National Bureau of Statistics of China also presented statistics on retail sales in May. The decline in sales slowed to 6.7% year-on-year after falling 11.1% in April. Analysts had expected a decrease of 7.1%. It is noted that sales have been declining for the third month in a row amid restrictions to combat a new outbreak of coronavirus. In the period from January to May, retail sales decreased by 1.5%.

Unemployment in China fell to 5.9% in May, compared with 6.1% in April. The target unemployment rate in the country today is 5.5%.

June 14. Bitcoin remains below $23 thousand

On Tuesday, the price of bitcoin continues to remain in the area of local lows: the current price of BTC is $22153. During the day, the cryptocurrency even dropped to $20,834, for the first time since December 2020.

Analysts note that against the background of falling quotations, the capitalization of the cryptocurrency market has fallen below $1 trillion and is now $959.1 billion.

The price of bitcoin has been declining for seven consecutive trading sessions. During all this time, the cryptocurrency has lost about 27% of its value. The strongest decline occurred at the beginning of this week – at the same time there were sales on the world stock markets. Yesterday, for example, the main US stock indexes fell by 2.8-4.7%, and the indices of Asia and Europe today show multidirectional dynamics.

In total, since the beginning of June, bitcoin has fallen in price by more than 28%, in spring its value has dropped by 26%, since the beginning of the year – by half. At the beginning of January, bitcoin cost $ 46.2 thousand.

Economists note that the crypto market is also under pressure after one of the largest multifunctional players in this area, Celsius Network, on Monday suspended the possibility of withdrawing funds due to a liquidity crisis.

June 16. The Swiss Central Bank raised the rate for the first time in 15 years

Today, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) made an unexpected decision to raise the deposit rate for the first time since September 2007. The rate was raised immediately by 50 basis points, and currently it is minus 0.25% per annum. The previous rate level (minus 0.75% per annum) has been held since 2015.

The regulator noted that the purpose of tightening monetary policy is to prevent the spread of inflation to goods and services in Switzerland. Also, the Central Bank does not exclude the possibility of further rate hikes to stabilize inflation in a range that ensures price stability in the medium term.

After the announcement of the results of the Central Bank meeting, the Swiss franc rate soared against the euro: to 1.0204 euros from 0.9631 euros the day before. Against the US dollar, the franc rose by 1.26% and was trading near 0.982.

June 17. Bitcoin is approaching the $20 thousand mark

Bitcoin continues to demonstrate a persistent «bearish» trend, approaching the main psychological threshold of $20 thousand. The current bitcoin quote paired with the US dollar is $20880.

The pressure on the most popular cryptocurrency continues to be exerted by sales on the world market and the mass withdrawal of investors from risky assets. For example, the Nasdaq index closed more than 4% lower on Thursday, and the S&P 500 fell 3.25%. The Dow Jones index fell below the key threshold of 30,000 points for the first time in more than a year, falling by 2.42%.

The French CAC 40 index ended the day down 2.39%, while the German Dax index fell 3.31%.

Yesterday, European investors were surprised by an unexpected rate hike of 0.50% by the Swiss National Bank. As you know, the central bank of Switzerland is one of the most «dovish» regulators, and the rate was raised for the first time in the last 15 years.

However, despite all the negative factors, analysts also highlight a positive moment in the dynamics of the cryptocurrency – the fact that bitcoin has not yet tested the threshold of $20 thousand. And if the asset manages to return to the $25k area, it could lead to a new upward rally (as at the end of 2020, when BTC rose sharply to a historic high above $60k).

June 21. The Bank of England urged not to use monetary policy to stabilize the pound​​​​​​​

Hugh Pill, chief economist at the British central Bank, said that the Bank of England should focus its monetary policy on the main goal of controlling inflation, rather than trying to stabilize the exchange rate or economic activity.

Pill also noted that the regulator should pay attention to what is happening in the foreign exchange market and in other central banks, but at the same time realistically assess their capabilities.

«Monetary policy is an inaccurate tool, not a panacea,» the economist stressed.

A day earlier, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Catherine Mann, suggested that a more significant increase in interest rates in the short term could compensate for the weakening of the pound caused by inflation.

In December, the Bank of England became the first of the key central banks to raise the cost of borrowing after the pandemic and has since raised the key rate five times, bringing it to 1.25%. Pill suggested that further policy tightening may be required in the coming months, as inflation is approaching 11%.

June 22. Inflation in the UK has updated the maximum in more than 40 years

According to the Office for National Statistics of the UK, in May consumer prices jumped by 9.1% compared to the same month last year. As a result, inflation in the country accelerated to the highest in more than 40 years. The current indicator coincided with analysts' forecasts.

In April, the annual inflation rate was recorded at 9%.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices in May rose by 0.7% compared to last month after a jump of 2.5% in April. Experts expected an average increase of 0.6%.

Analysts note that the increase in inflationary pressure in the UK is mainly due to higher prices for food and energy, including electricity, gas and gasoline.

Prices excluding food, alcohol, tobacco and energy (core inflation, CPI Core) in May increased by 5.9% in annual terms and by 0.5% monthly. In April, their growth was 6.2% and 0.7%, respectively.

Retail prices (RPI index) soared by 11.7% year-on-year after rising by 11.1% a month earlier. It is worth noting that it is the RPI index that is used by British employers when negotiating salaries.

June 23. The Asian market fell after Powell acknowledged the risk of a recession​​​​​​​

The stock market of the Asia-Pacific region on Thursday morning is mainly reduced. Investors continue to assess the prospects for monetary policy after the head of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell acknowledged the risk of a recession.

In particular, the Japanese Nikkei 225 fell to 26.039 points, the South Korean KOSPI fell to 2.314. The Australian ASX 200 fell to 6.425. Hong Kong Hang Seng – to 21.008.

The Chinese Shanghai Composite is growing – up to 3.320.15 points. Shenzhen Component – up to 12.514.73.

Investors’ fears intensified after Jerome Powell said that a recession in the US economy is a very likely outcome. A sharp increase in interest rates can lead to an economic downturn.

At the same time, Powell acknowledged that the rate will continue to rise, but the Open Market Committee (FOMC) is monitoring the incoming data, which implies strict control over the situation, and monetary policy tightening will not be carried out solely on autopilot.

July 4. Germany records first monthly trade deficit since 1991

The German authorities announced that in May, for the first time in 30 years, a trade deficit of almost €1 billion was formed.

According to the German Federal Statistical Office, in May, against the background of sanctions, the country's exports amounted to €125.8 billion, while imports reached €126.7 billion. For many years, Germany exported more goods than it imported into its territory. Analysts note that this is the first such case in the history of Germany since 1991.

The change in the economic situation in the country began after the start of the military special operation of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine and against the background of Western sanctions imposed in this regard.

After the introduction of restrictions, the trade turnover between Germany and Russia sharply decreased: in March exports decreased by 62%, in April – by another 9.9%. The recovery of indicators was noted only in May – exports increased by 29.4%. At the same time, imports from Russia to Germany continue to decline: in April it fell by 16.4%, in May – by another 9.8% (up to € 3.3 billion). One of the most significant areas in which there has been a reduction is the energy market.

Recall that as part of the package of anti-Russian sanctions, Germany decided to abandon the purchase of oil from the Russian Federation, and now the country is urgently looking for ways to replace Russian gas. However, it is still impossible to completely abandon Russian raw materials: without gas supplies from Russia to Germany, there will be enough for only 1.5 months.

July 6. The strike in Norway ended after the authorities intervention

The strike of representatives of the oil and gas industry in Norway ended after the intervention of the country's government in the situation. Experts note that if the strike is delayed, gas exports from the country could be reduced by more than half.

The strike was mainly attended by the management staff of offshore platforms – workers demanded higher salaries than the planned level.

As you know, Norway ranks second after Russia in terms of natural gas supplies to the European Union, providing about 25% of its needs. The strike, which began on Tuesday night, has already led to a reduction in daily gas exports from the country by 1%. Analysts estimate that by Saturday the drop would have reached 56%.

Following this, the cost of gas in Europe also jumped, to the highs of March. Prices in the region have risen to record levels, as many power plants run on natural gas.

Yesterday, Norwegian Labor Minister Martin Mies Persen held a meeting with oil companies and employee representatives, after which the union decided to end the strike.

«When a conflict can have such serious social consequences for the whole of Europe, I have no choice but to intervene in the conflict,» Persen said.

The minister also noted that the EU and the UK are completely dependent on the energy partnership with Norway, so it is extremely important to prevent a reduction in gas production.

July 5. Gas prices in Europe may rise to $2000​​​​​​​

Experts suggest that the cost of natural gas in Europe may rise to $2,000 per thousand cubic meters if the strikes of Norwegian employees of oil and gas companies drag on. Norwegian workers have started a strike tonight demanding higher wages.

«If in the very near future the Norwegian Organization of Managers and Managers (Lederne) does not agree with the trade unions to raise workers' salaries, the cost of gas will easily rise to $ 2,000 and above,» the economists note.

Yesterday, gas prices in Europe rose to $1800 per thousand cubic meters in anticipation of strikes, for the first time since the beginning of March. Already today, the cost of «blue fuel» continues to grow: the current price is $1873 per thousand cubic meters of gas.

Experts also note that the situation is worsened by the comments of European politicians that after the planned repair of the Nord Stream, supplies may not resume.

After the strike was announced, the Norwegian oil and gas group Equinor announced that it was suspending production at three fields with a total hydrocarbon production of about 89 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day, of which 27.5 thousand are natural gas. Tomorrow, the company plans to close three more fields, where 264 thousand barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas are produced per day.

July 7. What will affect the markets today: July 7, 2022

Last night, the minutes of the US Federal Reserve meeting for June were published. According to the document, another increase in the interest rate by 0.75 percentage points is expected.

The protocol also showed that officials are in favor of a transition to a «restrictive policy» in case of continued increased inflationary pressure. The Fed has already acknowledged the likelihood of a recession in the US economy, but the regulator wants to achieve a «soft landing», which means lower inflation without job cuts. After the publication of the protocol, the shares of technology companies rose, stabilizing the market as a whole.

What other events will be able to influence the dynamics of the market today, July 7?

Applications for unemployment benefits

First, it is worth paying attention to the data on the number of applications for unemployment benefits in the United States. The monthly Non-Farm Payrolls report will be published tomorrow (it is expected that 268 thousand jobs will be created in the economy, which is lower than the May figure of 390 thousand). But first, the States will provide statistics on weekly applications for unemployment benefits. According to the forecast, this number will remain at the level of 230 thousand compared to a week earlier. The number of open vacancies will amount to 11.25 million vacancies, which exceeds the expected 11 million.

Crude oil reserves

The main event of this week was the fall in crude oil prices below the level of $ 100 per barrel. A report from the US Department of Energy on crude oil reserves in the country will be published today. Analysts expect a decline to the level of 1.04 million barrels.

Levi Strauss Earnings

Levi Strauss & Co, a well-known clothing and footwear manufacturer in the United States, is expected to report earnings of 23 cents per share on revenue of $1.4 billion. In addition, bank reporting will begin next week, and Wall Street's attention will be drawn to the business conditions for large lenders (as it assesses the long-term damage from sustained price increases).

July 8. Germany faces new energy risks​​​​​​​

The energy crisis in Europe continues to develop, reaching unprecedented proportions. First, Russia's military operation in Ukraine dealt a blow to the country's energy and economy, which led to severe disruptions in the supply of raw materials and hydrocarbons to Europe.

An additional risk for the German energy sector is the current shallowing of the Rhine River in Germany. As it’s known, the river supplies coal for thermal power plants and other needs.

The fact that now the water level in the main transport artery is extremely low suggests that barges will not be able to load thermal coal in full. And this will be a strong blow to the utilities of Germany, as they are already facing a shortage of ships.

Experts note that periodically the Rhine shallows, which restricts navigation along the river and forces to reduce the amount of cargo transported. For example, a barge with a capacity of 2500 tons has the ability to take on board only 1600 tons.

The country's energy companies are gradually starting to prepare for winter, but the prolonged drought observed in Germany in recent weeks may lead to delays in the supply of resources.