Archive for Financial News – Page 169

Brent advances ahead of OPEC+ decision

By JustMarkets

  • Brent enters squeeze ahead of OPEC+ decision
  • Will cartel deliver or disappoint?
  • Supply cuts from OPEC+ could trigger 400-point rally
  • Brent in ascending triangle and above 21-day SMA

Oil extended gains on Thursday as market focus shifted towards the OPEC+ meeting that was postponed from last week due to internal disagreements.

Brent prices punched above $83 this morning after jumping almost 4% over the last two sessions after a severe storm in the Black Sea region sparked supply concerns. While this development has kept oil prices buoyed, the looming virtual OPEC+ meeting today is likely to influence the global commodity’s outlook.

Given the sharp selloff in oil prices since mid-September, OPEC+ could make further changes to an agreement that already limits supply into 2024. Indeed, oil has been hammered by concerns about weaker economic growth and expectations of a supply surplus in 2024. However, discord over output quotas for African oil-producing countries could act as an obstacle that leads to further delays in negotiations.

  • Oil prices may weaken if the cartel fails to reach an agreement on production quotas for 2024 or disappoint market expectations for deeper supply cuts.
  • Should OPEC+ move ahead with deeper supply cuts, this could lend oil bulls fresh support – pushing the global commodity higher as a result.

Technically speaking...

Since the November 16th low at $77.08, the black gold has rallied within an ascending triangle for over 600 points and as of the time of writing sits above its 21-day SMA at around $83.

According to Thomas Bulkowski in his book “Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns”, ascending triangles perform better with upward breakouts, with a 70% chance of meeting their breakout target, and a 17% breakeven failure rate. 

Brent bulls may take any deeper production cuts as bullish and rally to the following key resistance levels.

•            $83.66: the 261.8 Fibonacci level

•            Its 50-day SMA

•            $88: A significant price level

The Fibonacci level is drawn from the September 26 low to the September 28 high on a daily time frame.

However, if widely reported disagreements over these quotas continue, we could see brent oil prices fall to test the following support levels.

•            $81.67: the 61.8 Fibonacci level

•            $81.00: the rising trend line capturing lows from November 16th.

            $75.47: the 423.6 Fibonacci level

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Global bonds rally: investors urged to review portfolios

By George Prior

As global bonds soar at the quickest pace since the 2008 financial crisis, investors need to review their investment portfolios to ensure they are on track for risk tolerance and return objectives.

This is the call-to-action warning from Nigel Green, the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations, as sovereign and corporate debt has hit 4.9% this month, the most since it surged 6.2% in December 2008, according to Bloomberg.

He comments: “This rapid jump is attributed to growing speculation that central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, have largely concluded their interest rate hiking cycles.

“The expectation of stable or lower interest rates is prompting investors to seek the relative safety and yield offered by bonds.”

For global investors, the soaring bond market presents both challenges and opportunities.

“Those with significant allocations to fixed-income securities are reaping the benefits of capital appreciation as bond prices rise inversely to yields.

“However, the flip side is the potential for diminishing future returns as yields trend lower. Investors must carefully reassess their fixed-income portfolios to ensure they align with their risk tolerance and return objectives in this shifting environment.”

The bond market rally also has implications for equity markets and overall risk appetite.

Nigel Green says: “As interest rates stabilise or decline, the appeal of higher-yielding assets, such as dividend-paying stocks, will rise. Conversely, sectors that traditionally perform well in a rising rate environment, such as financials, could face headwinds.”

Against this backdrop, investors also face the ongoing challenge of the ‘search for yield.’

With traditional safe-haven assets offering lower returns, “there’s legitimate reason to explore riskier investments in pursuit of higher yields,” says the deVere Group CEO.

Two officials from the US central bank, who were consistently calling for higher interest rates to curb inflation last year, indicated on Tuesday that they are now happy to hold interest rates steady. This strengthens expectations that the Fed’s current hiking agenda is finished.

Many experts also believe that central banks in the UK and eurozone, and elsewhere, could also be done with hiking rates for now.

“The current surge in global bonds, reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis, signals a significant shift in the monetary policy landscape. For investors around the world, this trend requires a careful reassessment of investment strategies across asset classes,” he concludes.

About:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of more than 70 offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

RBNZ kept interest rates at the same level. Inflationary pressures are easing in Australia

By JustMarkets

At Tuesday’s close, the Dow Jones Index (US30) increased by 0.24%, while the S&P 500 Index (US500) was up by 0.10%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed positively by 0.29% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrials (US30) index rose to a 3-month-high. Stocks rose on Tuesday thanks to dovish comments from Fed spokesman Waller, which lowered the 10-year T-note yield and reinforced expectations that the Fed has stopped raising interest rates. At the same time, the likelihood of a rate cut from the US Fed starting in May-June 2024 is increasing. Fed funds futures suggest about 85 bps of cumulative interest rate cuts by December 2024.

Economic news from the US on Tuesday was mixed for the dollar. On the bearish side, the Richmond Fed’s November manufacturing survey fell from 8 to 5. In addition, the Conference Board’s US Consumer Confidence Index for November rose by 2.9 to 102.0, stronger than expectations of 101.0. Today, the US will release its GDP report for the quarter. The data is expected to be revised upward, which could temporarily support the dollar and put pressure on stock indices.

Warren Buffett confidant Charlie Munger died Tuesday at the age of 99. Munger would have turned 100 on January 1. Despite a well-developed succession plan at the conglomerate, analysts believe such a man will be impossible to replace.

Equity markets in Europe traded yesterday without any dynamics. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.16%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) fell by 0.21% on Tuesday, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) jumped by 0.70%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed negative by 0.07%.

Germany will release inflation data today. Consumer prices are expected to fall from 3.8% to 3.5% y/y. Lower inflationary pressures may have a negative impact on the euro as it will weaken the ECB’s hawkish rhetoric on inflation.

The representative of the ECB Governing Council and President of the Bundesbank Nagel said yesterday that it is premature for the ECB to discuss interest rate cuts. This complements ECB chief Lagarde’s words on Friday that the ECB has done enough, and now is the time to keep rates at current levels and analyze economic data.

Oil rose on Wednesday amid investor caution ahead of a crucial OPEC+ meeting to decide production policy in the coming months, while supply disruptions caused by a storm in the Black Sea supported prices. OPEC+ will hold an online meeting of ministers on Thursday to discuss production targets for 2024 after the meeting was postponed from November 26. According to some OPEC+ sources, the talks will be difficult, and it is possible that countries may not be able to agree on further production cuts. This would be a negative signal for oil.

Asian markets were mostly down yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) decreased by 0.12% for the day, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) was down by 0.96%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.98%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was up by 0.29%.

The Central Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) left the money rate unchanged at 5.5% on Wednesday but noted that inflation remains too high and that further policy tightening may be needed if price pressures do not ease. The “hawkish” tone of the statement surprised many in the market, leading to a rise in the New Zealand dollar and bond yields. The new center-right government said Wednesday it will begin the legislative process to return the central bank to a single mandate for inflation targeting. The change would remove the requirement for the RBNZ to consider employment levels when setting the money rate and focus solely on inflation.

Australian inflation fell more than expected in October as commodity prices fell and core inflation also declined, confirming the central bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged next week. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday showed the inflation rate fell to 4.9% (5.2% expected) from 5.6% annually. However, financial markets still believe the RBA will maintain its hawkish rhetoric in December. The probability of a further rate hike to 4.60% in the first half of next year is around 50%.

Bank of Japan board spokesman Adachi said it was premature to discuss an exit from negative interest rates, suggesting it could take all next year to determine whether wages will rise enough to abandon ultra-loose monetary policy. The remarks by Adachi, who is considered one of the board’s dovish policymakers, came amid growing market expectations on Wednesday that the BoJ could take short-term interest rates out of negative territory as early as January.

Main market quotes:

S&P 500 (US500) 4,554.89 +4.46 (+0.098%)

Dow Jones (US30) 35,416.98 +83.51 (+0.24%)

DAX (DE40) 15,992.67 +26.30 (+0.16%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 7,455.24 −5.46 (−0.073%)

USD index 102.74 −0.46 (−0.45%)

Important events for today:
  • – Australia Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • – RBNZ Interest Rate Decision at 03:00 (GMT+2);
  • – RBNZ Monetary Policy Statement at 03:00 (GMT+2);
  • – RBNZ Press Conference at 04:00 (GMT+2);
  • – German Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 15:00 (GMT+2);
  • – US GDP (q/q) at 15:30 (GMT+2);
  • – US Crude Oil Reserves (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+2);
  • – US FOMC Member Mester Speaks at 20:45 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The RBA may take a less hawkish stance. Canadian dollar strengthens amid strong economic data

By JustMarkets

At Monday’s stock market close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) was down by 0.16%, while the S&P 500 Index (US500) was down by 0.20%. The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed negative 0.07% on Monday.

Monday’s US economic news was weaker than expected and was bearish for both the dollar and the broad equity market. October new home sales fell by 5.6% m/m to 679.000, which was weaker than expectations of 721.000. In addition, the Dallas Fed’s November forecast for overall business activity in the manufacturing sector unexpectedly fell by 0.7 to a 4-month low of minus 19.9, which was weaker than expectations for an increase to minus 16.0. In terms of technical analysis, a divergence has formed in the US stock indices, indicating an impending correction.

Shopify (SHOP) shares rose by more than 3% yesterday after the company reported that merchants set a Black Friday record with sales totaling $4.1 billion. Adobe Analytics (ADBE) raised its Cyber Monday sales forecast to $12.4 billion from an initial forecast of $12 billion after reporting that US shoppers spent a record $9.8 billion online on Black Friday. Additionally, Salesforce Inc. (CRM) data showed that US online sales on Black Friday were up by 9% year-over-year.

As of today, markets are forecasting a 6% probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on December 12-13 and a 12% probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the January 30-31, 2024 FOMC meeting. Markets also factor in a 15% probability of a minus 25 bps rate cut at the March 19-20, 2024 FOMC meeting and a 57% probability of the same 25 bps rate cut at the April 30-May 1, 2024 FOMC meeting.

The Canadian dollar gained bullish momentum, helped by a better-than-expected retail sales report and a rebound in risk sentiment in the broader market. Canadian retail sales for September rose by 0.6% m/m vs. expectations of 0.0% and a previous decline of 0.1%. Retail sales, excluding automakers, rose by 0.2% vs. a previous decline of 0.2%. The Canadian dollar is a commodity currency and is well positioned for further strength if OPEC+ countries agree this week on additional production cuts.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) was down by 0.39%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) decreased by 0.37% on Monday, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) fell by 0.03%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed negative 0.37%.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey suggested that an interest rate cut is unlikely in the foreseeable future and warned that the second half of the fight against inflation will be hard work. Officials, including chief economist Huw Pill, have emphasized the risk of continued domestic price pressures, as seen in indicators such as wage growth and service sector inflation. As recently as early last week, markets were leaning towards a rate cut next June as the economic outlook deteriorated. Now, they are not considering a rate cut from the current 5.25% until August 2024.

Crude oil prices settled at mixed levels on Monday. Disagreements among OPEC+ representatives over oil production levels have caused the group to postpone this Thursday’s meeting and are weighing on oil prices. Saudi Arabia, which has unilaterally cut oil production by 1.0 million bpd since July, is now asking other OPEC+ members to lower oil production levels, which has prompted a backlash from some African oil producers, including Angola and Nigeria. OPEC+ delegates have said they are moving toward a compromise but have yet to reach an agreement.

Asian markets were mostly down yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) was down by 0.53% for the day, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) lost 1.57%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.20% on Monday, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 0.76%.

Falling retail sales in Australia have raised hopes of weaker inflation, which may prompt the Reserve Bank to take a less hawkish stance. RBA Governor Michele Bullock said Australian inflation is largely replicating overseas trends and that the bank needs to be more cautious in raising rates to reduce price pressures.

Hong Kong’s exports rose last month for the first time in more than a year on improved trade with mainland China, lending some optimism to the financial hub’s economic outlook. Overseas shipments rose by 1.4% year-on-year to HK $379.9 billion ($48.8 billion) in October. This marked the first month of export growth since April 2022. Imports rose by 2.6% year-on-year to HK $405.6 billion. This was the first increase since June 2022. The trade deficit amounted to HK $25.8 billion. Hong Kong recently downgraded its economic growth forecast for this year, indicating that the financial center still faces tough times amid a faltering post-pandemic recovery. Gross domestic product is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2023, down from the previous forecast that saw the economy growing between 4% and 5%.

Main market quotes:

S&P 500 (US500) 4,550.42 −8.92 (−0.20%)

Dow Jones (US30) 35,333.40 −56.75 (−0.16%)

DAX (DE40) 15,966.37 −63.12 (−0.39%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 7,460.70 −27.50 (−0.37%)

USD index 103.19 −0.21 (−0.20%)

Important events for today:
  • – Australia Retail Sales (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • – Japan BoJ Core CPI (m/m) at 07:00 (GMT+2);
  • – US CB Consumer Confidence (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+2);
  • – US FOMC Member Bowman Speaks at 17:45 (GMT+2);
  • – Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks (m/m) at 18:00 (GMT+2);
  • – US FOMC Member Barr Speaks at 20:05 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

USDInd slips below weekly support

By ForexTime 

  • USD Index busy with a D1 downtrend
  • Broken weekly support may turn to resistance level
  • H4 bearish scenario triggered if 103.060 price level breached
  • Three potential targets identified on the H4 chart.
  • Bearish scenario invalidated if prices push back above 103.510

Dollar bears could be enticed to drag prices lower after the USD Index slipped below a weekly support level.

This development may signal the resumption of the downtrend, especially if the new weekly resistance level strengthens the bearish resolve –  causing the negative momentum to build as a result.

The H4 chart confirms the overall bearish dominance with the Momentum Oscillator below the 100 baseline in negative terrain and the price being lower than the 50 Exponential Moving Average.

If the weekly resistance level holds and the price reaches the 103.060 level, a short opportunity will be triggered.

Attaching a modified Fibonacci tool to a trigger level just below the last lower bottom at 103.060 and dragging it to just above the last lower top, three possible targets can be established:

The first potential target is at 102.611 (Target 1). This target will help with risk management.

The second price target is likely at 102.027 (Target 2).

The third and last price target is possible at 101.487 (Target 3), just before the next weekly support level.

If the price at 103.510 is broken, this scenario is no longer appropriate.


Forex-Time-LogoArticle by ForexTime

ForexTime Ltd (FXTM) is an award winning international online forex broker regulated by CySEC 185/12 www.forextime.com

The inflow of funds into global funds indicates that investors expect further growth of indices

By JustMarkets

At the close of the stock market on Friday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) increased by 0.33% (+1.22% for the week), while the S&P 500 Index (US500) added 0.06% (+1.10% for the week). The NASDAQ Technology Index (US100) closed Friday negative by 0.11% (+1.06% for the week).

Economic news from the US had a negative impact on the dollar on Friday after S&P reported that activity in the US manufacturing sector contracted more than expected in November, but activity in the service sector increased more than expected in November. The S&P US Manufacturing PMI for November fell by 0.6 to 49.4, weaker than expectations of 49.9. However, the Services PMI for November unexpectedly rose by 0.2 to a 4-month high of 50.8, which was better than expectations of a decline to 50.3. The dollar’s 0.52% decline provided indirect support for the stock. But Nvidia’s (NVDA) drop on Friday had a negative impact on the broad technology sector. The company told customers in China that it is delaying the launch of a new artificial intelligence chip until the first quarter of next year. Apple’s stock price also fell by nearly 1% after Counterpoint Research data showed that iPhone sales in China from October 30 to November 12 fell by 4% from a year ago.

Bank of America said EPFR Global data showed inflows into global equity funds totaled about $49 billion in the two weeks through November 21, the largest in 2 years. This suggests that hedge funds and investors continue to invest in the market with the expectation that the rally will continue into December.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly up on Friday. The German DAX (DE40) gained 0.22% (+0.72% for the week), the French CAC 40 (FR40) gained 0.20% (+0.70% for the week), the Spanish IBEX 35 (ES35) jumped by 0.42% (+1.91% for the week), the British FTSE 100 (UK100) closed positive by 0.06% (-0.21% for the week). European indices were supported by a rally in the Euro Stoxx 50 to a 3-month high after ECB President Lagarde said ECB policymakers may suspend the policy tightening campaign. ECB President Lagarde said on Friday that the central bank has already done enough, and the ECB is now at a stage where it can pause and assess the consequences of tightening its policy. ECB Governing Council spokesman Villeroy de Gallo also complemented Lagarde, saying, “Excluding surprises, I don’t think the ECB will raise interest rates again.”

British consumers have become more optimistic about the outlook for the economy and their personal finances this month, but their sentiment remains far from pre-crisis levels. GfK’s benchmark consumer confidence index rose to minus 24 in November from October’s three-month low of minus 30.

Gulf stock markets ended Sunday lower amid Friday’s drop in oil prices, although Saudi Arabia’s index was ahead of the trend. Oil, a catalyst for Gulf financial markets, fell on Friday as the release of some hostages in Gaza reduced geopolitical risk in the Middle East. OPEC+ countries moved closer to a compromise with African oil producers on production levels for 2024 after disagreements over those targets forced the oil-producing group to postpone a key meeting. The market also expects Saudi Arabia to extend an additional voluntary production cut of 1 million bpd that expires at the end of December.

Asian markets were mostly down last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) gained 0.84% for the week, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) declined by 0.65% over 5 trading days, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) ended the week down by 0.38%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) ended the week negative by 0.12%. On Monday, most Asian stocks fell on weak cues from China. Recent data showed that China’s largest economic engine remains under pressure, leading investors to become impatient for more stimulus measures from Beijing.

Friday’s consumer price news in Japan showed that price pressures remain above the Bank of Japan’s 2.0% target level, which could prompt the central bank to exit ultra-soft monetary policy sooner than expected. Activity in Japan’s manufacturing sector contracted this month at the sharpest pace in 9 months, dovish for BoJ policy. Japan’s index of leading indicators for September was revised upward by 0.2 to 108.9 from the previously announced reading of 108.7. Jibun Bank’s PMI for Japan’s manufacturing sector for November fell by 0.6 to 48.1, the sharpest contraction in 9 months.

S&P 500 (US500) 4,559.34 +2.72 (+0.06%)

Dow Jones (US30) 35,390.15 +117.12 (+0.33%)

DAX (DE40) 16,029.49 +34.76 (+0.22%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 7,488.20 +4.62 (+0.06%)

USD index  103.42 −0.51 (−0.49%)

News feed for 2023.11.27:
  • – US Building Permits (m/m) at 15:00 (GMT+2);
  • – Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks (m/m) at 16:00 (GMT+2);
  • – US New Home Sales (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The USD Experiences a Downturn as EUR/USD Rises

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The EUR/USD currency pair saw an uptick, reaching 1.0944 at the onset of the final week of November. This movement indicates a weakening of the US dollar against the Euro.

Key to this shift is the upcoming release of the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a crucial measure watched closely by the US Federal Reserve. The Core PCE index, reflecting the primary personal spending of US citizens, is a significant indicator for the Federal Reserve in shaping its credit and monetary policies. The index had previously shown a 0.3% month-over-month increase, but expectations for October point to a potential slowdown to a 0.2% rise.

A slowdown in inflation, as indicated by the Core PCE index, could lead to a softer stance from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate hikes. This prospect could further contribute to the weakening of the US dollar. From a broader perspective, a decrease in inflation is generally viewed positively for the economy, as it eases financial pressures on consumers and businesses.

Technical Analysis of the EUR/USD Currency Pair

In the H4 chart of the EUR/USD pair, a consolidation pattern around 1.0940 has emerged, suggesting a potential breakout. The analysis predicts an upward move to 1.0990, followed by a possible pullback to 1.0940, and then another rise to 1.1030. This bullish outlook is supported by the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator, which shows its signal line above zero and oriented upwards.

Similarly, the H1 chart for the EUR/USD pair displays a narrow consolidation around 1.0940. The market is anticipated to break upwards from this range, possibly reaching a local target of 1.0990. Upon hitting this level, a correction back to 1.0940 is expected. The Stochastic oscillator, with its signal line currently above 80, suggests the potential for a downward adjustment towards 50, supporting this forecast.

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

China attractive in 2024 as Beijing becomes more proactive on property?

By George Prior 

China will be a more attractive investment destination for global investors in 2024 despite the economic warning signs, predicts the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations.

The bullish predictions from Nigel Green of deVere Group come as Beijing on Thursday confirmed additional financial support for China’s beleaguered property market and developers, including hard-hit Country Garden.

Shenzhen, China’s main industrial hub, has also unveiled new homebuying measures to further support the critical market.

It also comes as Reuters exclusively reports that government advisors are to recommend 2024 growth targets of 4.5-5.5%.

The deVere CEO says: “The marked slowdown of the world’s second-largest economy, home to 1.4 billion people, has been a huge international narrative for the last two years.

“China’s share of the global economy has dropped by 1.4% in this period – the largest drop since the 1960s.

“This matters for not only China but the rest of the world as it’s the largest trading partner of 140 countries and regions globally.”

Much of the focus has been on the downturn of the country’s property market, which makes up a considerable proportion of the economy, and the demographic and unemployment challenges that the economy faces.

But the economic red flags are beginning to flash less brightly say some experts and this will not go unnoticed by global investors.

“The property sector’s drag on China GDP has shrunk from 4% in 2022 to currently less than 2%,” says Nigel Green.

“In addition, Beijing’s further support of the market announced on Thursday shows it is committed to contributing to stability, boosting liquidity, preventing systemic risks, and avoiding contagion.

“Against this backdrop of the government’s increasingly proactive policies, such as stimulus measures and targeted reforms, it is likely that China will again become a more attractive destination for global investors.”

There are other ‘pull factors’ involved too which are expected to be zoomed in upon next year.

“Investors, including multinationals, have shunned the world’s second-largest economy in the last couple of years, but this could change again as the fundamentals come back into focus,” notes the deVere CEO.

“China is transitioning from an export economy to a consumption one that, ultimately, will be more sustainable. Indeed, the country’s burgeoning middle class could create the largest consumption market in the world in the next decade.

“As China moves up the value chain, it is directly acquiring more and more foreign brands, market networks and technologies that will further strengthen its position for global investors.”

He continues: “There’s still enormous potential for infrastructure growth, as its urbanization strategy is still in its infancy and the scope is massive.

“Plus, the reform of state-owned companies could blow apart monopolies and create major investment opportunities.”

The deVere Group chief executive also stresses that China is the world leader in sectors of “the fourth industrial revolution, including clean energy, electric vehicles and industrial robots.”

The Chinese government’s debt could also be noted as a positive. China’s debt to GDP ratio is about 110%, compared to the Japanese and US governments which are around 260% and 120%, respectively.

“China continues to face serious challenges, but the economic woes are starting to look less stark than they have over the last two years as Beijing appears to be becoming increasingly proactive on the essential property sector.

“This is likely to draw the attention of investors in 2024,” concludes Nigel Green.

About:

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of more than 70 offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

Oil Producer Adds Reserves and Exploration Upside Across Africa

Source: Stephane Foucaud  (11/17/23)

Stephane Foucaud at Auctus Advisors sees over 90% upside for Panoro Energy based on increased reserves, new exploration potential, and improving fundamentals.

Norway-based Panoro Energy ASA (PEN:OSE; 1PZ:FRA) provided an operational update highlighting increased reserves and new exploration upside across its African oil assets, noted Auctus Advisors in a November 17 research report.

Analyst Stephane Foucaud reiterated a Buy rating and NOK$50 price target on Panoro Energy.

Expanded Resource Estimates in Gabon

According to Foucaud, the operator of Panoro’s Dussafu permit offshore Gabon now estimates 10 million barrels of oil in place above initial expectations, adding 4-5 million barrels of recoverable resources.

This is in addition to the recent 6-7 million barrel discovery at Hibiscus South, both driving increased reserve potential.

New Exploration Prospects Identified

Panoro also plans to drill the 29 million barrel Bourdon exploration prospect on the Dussafu permit. The company sees further upside at its Ceiba field in Equatorial Guinea and added the Akeng Deep prospect.

The analyst believes these opportunities, along with expanded reserves, support his unchanged valuation.

Production Impacted by Temporary Issues

While Panoro produced 10,000 barrels per day in Q3, exceeding estimates, short-term electrical submersible pump (ESP) problems temporarily impacted the Dussafu wells.

This will defer some production to late 2023 and early 2024 before new wells boost output.

Significant Upside Based on Improving Fundamentals

Auctus’ NOK$50 price target implies over 90% upside potential for Panoro Energy. The firm’s valuation is based on increasing reserves, new exploration prospects, and attractive EV/DACF multiples.

In summary, the analyst sees the company’s expanded resources and lower leverage supporting significant share price appreciation.

 

Important Disclosures:

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Disclosures for Auctus Advisors, Panoro Energy ASA, November 17, 2023

Panoro Energy ASA (“Panoro” or the “Company”) is a corporate client of Auctus Advisors LLP (“Auctus”). Auctus receives, and has received in the past 12 months, compensation for providing corporate broking and/or investment banking services to the Company, including the publication and dissemination of marketing material from time to time.

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Author The research analyst who prepared this research report was Stephane Foucaud, a partner of Auctus.

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The election of Javier Milei and the challenges of an impoverished Argentina

By Matheus de Oliveira Pereira, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) 

In December 2001, Argentina experienced one of the most dramatic moments in its history. The collapse of convertibility – the monetary stabilisation plan that established parity between the dollar and the peso – brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets to protest against the government’s confiscation of their money, the “corralito”.

In an already historic moment, then-President Fernando de la Rúa fled the Casa Rosada in a helicopter after resigning, to the disbelief of the demonstrators occupying Plaza de Mayo.

Almost 22 years later, the Argentinian population seems to have finally found a figure who could effectively express the “let them all go” slogan that marked that December.

Javier Milei, a far-right economist and founder of the La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, was elected president of Argentina by defeating Peronist Sergio Massa in the second round held last Sunday.

The more than ten-point lead between Milei and Massa once again called into question the credibility of the polling institutes, which had been predicting a tight race defined by narrow margins. However, there were signs this picture was wrong since the first round. In the first round of voting in October, the sum of the votes given to Milei and Patrícia Bullrich already exceeded Massa’s vote by around 15%.

Victory in 20 of the country’s 23 provinces

In the end, Milei managed to retain more than 80% of Bullrich’s votes and expanded his electoral base by more than 324,000 votes compared to the right-wing’s performance in the first round. The result was a resounding victory, with Milei beating Massa in 20 of the country’s 23 provinces, as well as the federal capital, Buenos Aires. In traditional anti-Peronist strongholds, such as Mendoza, the difference was over 40%, but Milei won in five of the eight provinces currently governed by Peronism.

Understanding the reasons behind this situation is an endeavour that will last for some years. In a preliminary analysis, the results can be read as the expected end of an atypical electoral cycle in which a society punished by a decade of economic stagnation and various failed stabilisation plans decided to punish the traditional political forces. In other words, faced with the rejection of known formulas, the unknown was embraced.

The striking fact is that this discontent has found its main representative in Javier Milei. Milei is an aggressive figure, visibly unprepared, without firm social foundations and who has become known more for idiosyncrasies than for the defence of a project or a track record in politics.

Extreme and rabid campaigning

Milei ran a campaign in his image and likeness: histrionic, extreme and angry, symbolised by the chainsaw with which he sought – metaphorically, one hopes – to destroy the “caste”, the expression by which he referred to the country’s politicians. To this, he added half a dozen slogans (“dollarisation”, “freedom”, “end the Central Bank”), about which little explanation was given, and built the successful campaign that took him to the Casa Rosada.

Understanding this phenomenon requires consideration of transformations underway in Argentine society, ranging from the changes wrought by communication in the internet age to the advance of job insecurity and the marginalisation of large parts of the population from markets and formal state protection networks.

In this sense, it must be recognised that Milei has shown a greater ability to read the current situation than his opponents. He understood that fatigue with the government would not be represented in gradual formulas, as proposed by the coalition Juntos por el Cambio, and made room for accepting a shock therapy proposal.

In this respect, the proposal to dollarise the economy proved a smart electoral move, as it won over younger voters, who have no memory of the collapse of the 1990s and feel the direct impact of a stagnant economy just as they enter the labour market.

Whilst it is necessary to broaden the effort to understand the roots of this result, it is also necessary to reflect on its implications moving forward.

‘Change needs to be drastic, with no middle ground’

Milei himself seems to be aware that his agenda is less feasible than he made it out to be during the campaign. During his victory speech, Milei made no reference to dollarisation or the abolition of the Central Bank, but he made it clear the path he intends to follow is one of shock therapy. He stated: “The changes we need are drastic. There is no room for gradualism, there is no room for middle ground.”

Implementing this shock agenda represents a politically very complex operation. Passing laws and projects that require a qualified majority will require agreements with sectors of Peronism, but the challenge doesn’t end there. The adoption of shock therapy tends to produce very costly effects in terms of employment and income, which could unleash waves of protests that could jeopardise the country’s already difficult governability.

In this context, Milei’s political sustainability will depend on building a network of support that goes beyond votes in the House and Senate and makes a name for itself on the streets.

Will Milei be restrained?

To what extent Milei will be able to make these articulations without losing his anti-system legitimacy is unknown.

Another open question, and a potentially more serious one, concerns the impact of Milei’s presidency on Argentina’s democratic institutions. At the moment, there seems to be an expectation in the country’s traditional circles that the president-elect will be moderate, restrained by the weight of the office, and that his virulent tone is more a candidate’s speech than an expression of temperament.

However, one of the lessons to be learned from the experiences of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil is that expectations of moderation are frustrated by far-right politicians. The notion that the Republican Party or the armed forces would contain Trump and Bolsonaro, respectively, was not only wrong, but what we saw was a radicalisation of these actors, who mostly adhered to the authoritarian projects of their leaders.

Authoritarian DNA

To deny the authoritarian DNA of Milei’s project, as the traditional Argentinian right has done, is to close one’s eyes to the obvious in order to avoid facing one’s own contradictions. In the campaign committee, posters with Milei’s face were accompanied by the phrase “the only solution”.

Now, if a figure claims to be the only solution to the country’s problems, all those who oppose that solution automatically become part of the problem.

How the new Argentine president intends to deal with this scenario is something we’ll soon find out, but the clues offered by Milei and Argentine history suggest that the vibrant capacity for mobilisation that distinguishes Argentine society may be more necessary than ever.The Conversation

About the Author:

Matheus de Oliveira Pereira, Pesquisador do INCT – INEU e do GEDES, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.