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[UWC Neeraj]

Once again a one day rally?

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian stocks rose for a fourth day in row with the composite Asian stock index rising 0,48 %, confirming Friday’s positive sentiment from the rallies in Europe and United States following the EU-summit. The Euro/USD is falling back from its Friday peak trading at 1.2626. Brent crude is at 97,00 and Gold 1591.

Stocks ended the first half year of 2012 with a bang after the EU summit contrary to expectations, seems to have taken steps towards solving the 30 months debt crisis. European leaders agreed to stabilize the region’s troubled banks. Under pressure to avoid a catastrophic breakup of the Euro, it was reached agreement to inject funds directly into stricken banks and to intervene to drive bond interest rates down. During the last week, interest rates on Spanish and Italian bonds passed the 7 % threshold, which is seen as crucial.

A single banking supervision system for the Euro-zone banks around the European Central Bank (ECB) is seen as the first step towards a European banking union. Member states that comply with the austerity measures would be supported by the already created rescue mechanisms, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). With regards to the content of concrete measures, all eyes will the week be on the ECB.

At first glance it seems that the big winners from Europe’s latest euro-saving summit are the leaders of France, Italy and Spain with Germany’s Angela Merkel forced on the defensive. This is probably an over simplification. Merkel’s biggest concession seems to be that she has given the permanent rescue fund, ESM power to inject aid directly into stricken banks. Merkel signalized, however, willingness to adopt this step days before the summit, but preferred of tactical reasons to keep it low key.

The big question this week is whether the boost of optimism after the summit shall develop into something more permanent than a one-day rally. New industrial production figures for China are again down, and markets are neither optimistic in front of the release of US job figures Friday.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

EURO slide may continue

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian shares rose for the fifth consecutive days with the MSCI index up 0,78 %. Simultaneously the US manufacturing production index (MPI) surprisingly dropped. US manufacturing contracted for the first time in nearly three years resulting in immediate drops in US stock market.
Markets, however, rebound during the session on renewed expectations of monetary easing. The protracted euro zone debt crisis has a devastating effect on the global markets. The sluggish manufacturing data, however, gave investors hopes that major central banks will take further steps to support the fragile economy.

The EURO got a welcomed boost after the EU-summit with 1,7 % rally to 1,27. Euro fall back to 1,2570 yesterday, but has recovered to 1.2599 in morning trade. But there are still political uncertainties and doubts regarding the European Central Bank’s following up. Two Northern European member states, Finland and Netherlands, expressed yesterday strong hesitations as to the financial impact the summit decisions would have on their own economies. Leading economists see the initiatives to support Spanish and Italian banks and measures to dampen upward bond interest rates as just temporary. It might have saved the common currency for now, but the Euro’s downward slide is with great likelihood going to continue.

The Australian dollar gets a boost this morning. Oil prices are up on EU sanctions against Iranian oil and Norwegian oil strike. Gold has again broken through the 1600 threshold trading at 1604. Silver is also stronger. USD/JPY is trading at 79,695.

The English Barclay’s boss, Bob Diamond, is under continued pressure to resign after a market rigging labor scandal. Barclay was given a 450 million Euro fee. The scandal which most probably also involve other major international banks have created an uproar and demands for criminal fraud cases against the bosses involved. Before meetings in the British Parliament today, Barclay has countered indicating that regulators as well were involved. In the US one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world, British GlaxoSmithKline has settled a health fraud case for USD 3 Billion.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Rate rigging hits banking system

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Barclays Bank’s rate rigging scandal has strongly hit the international banking community, and is threatening to affect several reputed banks. J. P. Morgan, UBS and Citibank are among those rumored to be next in line. Excessive salaries and bonuses have for long put question marks with the healthiness of a banking sector more known for its greediness than the quality of their business. Barclays Chief Executive, Bob Diamond, quit his position yesterday, and is today facing a grilling session with and under committee of the British House of Commons.

As part of an offensive defense, Barclays yesterday released a 2008 internal memo implicating the deputy governor of the Bank of England in the scandal. The Deputy Governor, Paul Tucker, had according to the to the memo implicitly encouraged Barclays to massage the interest rates figures lower during the peak of the financial crisis. In order to present a better picture of the bank’s financial position. Tucker had in his turn received calls from senior government officials.

Libor, which is the interest rate set for inter bank transactions involve up to USD 500 trillion in daily trades, and is seen a reliable and trustworthy barometer. The manipulations now revealed might have a devastating effect on the banking system and seriously undermine its trustworthiness.

The rally in the markets, which started last week with EUs decisions to support ailing banks in Spain and Italy, continue. Asia is up for the sixth day, and experiences its longest lasting rally since last December.
Investors are betting that the decreased manufacturing data from US and China along with other gloomy macro and micro economic figures on top of the crisis in Europe, will force central banks into actions.
Monetary easing is expected and encourages the market rally. US stocks rose before taking half day off for Fourth of July celebrations. Oil prices are up. Brent has been trading above the critical USD 100 barrel level for the last 24 hours. NYMEX is above 84. Currencies are stabile waiting for central bankers decisions. Euro/USD is at 1.2592.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Diamond blames traders for rigging

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Grilled by a parliamentarian committee Barclays, Bob Diamond, yesterday blamed traders for “reprehensible behavior” and acquitted himself and top management for all responsibility for the Libor, interest rate rigging scandal. The rigging has sent shock waves through the international financial system. Diamond claimed that he had been shocked by the bank’s mail revelations. Member of the investigative committee found his claims not plausible.

A five-day stock rally in Asia fizzled out this morning before the European Central Bank’s interest rate decision later today. The Euro/USD is under renewed pressure trading at 1.2529, on widespread expectations that ECB will cut interest rate to support the economy in a fragile euro zone in deep recession. Oil prices are falling slightly with Brent hovering around the USD 100 mark. Gold is stabilizing on 1616.

The USD index shows that dollar is gaining toward most currencies. The Yen is falling; USD/JPY is at 79,855. The strengthening of USD is expected to continue until the markets see how ECB intends to respond to debt crisis in the Euro zone. British Pounds, GBP, is also under pressure in front a Bank of England decision on interest rate today. The Swedish Central Bank yesterday kept interest rate at 1,5 % leading to heavy pressure on the Swedish Krone.

It is expected that ECB is going to cut its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 0,75 %. There are also rumors that ECB will restart purchases of troubled euro zone bonds under its Securities Markets Program (SMP) to push down especially Italy and Spain’s borrowing costs. ECB is also considered to use the long-term refinancing operation mechanism, LTRO, to inject additional funds into the financial system.

This would be a form of quantitative easing as the US Government did to prop up their banks and financial institutions following the financial crack down in 2008/2009. In Asia, an international credit rating agency upgraded the creditworthiness of the Philippines, which has had a record strong economic growth this year.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Despite cuts shares falling

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Both the European (ECB) and the Chinese Central Banks yesterday cut their interest rates to encourage economic growth, but to no avail. Both European and American markets reacted by sending stocks down. Asian stocks also slipped despite the new stimulus steps taken by the central banks. The Bank of England kept its interest rate at the low 0,25 % as an indication that there are limited tools left in the central banks arsenal for further monetary actions.

The Chinese interest cut is the second in one month, increasing investors fear that the Chinese economy is sinking faster than earlier expected. The non-farm payrolls numbers that the US Labor Department is expected to release today, is neither giving raise to market optimism. US employers have most likely hired more labor last month, but not enough to allay worries that Europe’s debt crisis is shifting the global economy into low gear.

ECB’s decision to cut interest rate with 25 basis points to 0,75 immediately led to new pressure on the Euro, which is trading at 1.2384. The American dollar is strengthened against many currencies. A decision from the Swedish Central Bank to keep the interest rate at the same level, led to a rally in Swedish krones at the expense of the EURO.

While commodities and precious metals are trading down; gold is at 1605, Brent crude is continuing to trade above the critical 100-dollar level pr. Barrel. In addition to implementation of EU sanctions on oil import from Iran, the US has increased its military presence in the straits of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to mine to block oil transports from the Middle East, if further sanctions were executed.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Cyprus tries to play hard ball (06/07/2012)

WEEKLY MARKET REVIEWS
Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

As the fifth country inside the euro zone, Cyprus, which this month also took over the chairmanship of the European Union, has asked for a bail out for its debt stricken banks.

At a press conference together with the Head of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso on Friday, the island’s president Demetris Christofias, again plaid the Russian card and stressed that Russia is still a candidate for stepping in and bail out his country.

With the “mother land” Greece’s misery in fresh memory, Christofias, don’t want “Greek austerities” to be impressed upon Cyprus. He has continuously stressed that Cyprus is facing a banking and not a sovereign crisis. Therefore, Cyprus feels free to ask whatever country for help. And then why not Russia which generously have helped out before; as they did two years ago. Then the loan was on 2,1 Billion Euro. This time the price tag has increased to 6,1 Billion Euro to save Cypriot banks which have acted irresponsible.

Christofias is playing hard ball logic, but that does not stand up to European orthodoxy. Cyprus is member of the European family, and EU-countries inside the Euro zone are treated equally with regards to bail-outs. Why should Cyprus be given better loan terms and conditions by going outside the zone and ask a third country for help? Barosso then gave Christofias a frosty answer. That Christofias is the only communist leader in the European Union does not help either.

For European bureaucrats principles are more important than practical realities. The medicines ordained for Greece, Spain, Ireland and Portugal have to be the same for Cyprus. To ask for better terms and conditions in Russia, represent a serious break with the EU code of conduct and their “solidarity”.

Barosso was tiff lipped. Neither did it make any impression when Minister of Finance, Vassos Shiarly, stressed that Cyprus had been forced to take extremely big losses on the Euro zone’s haircuts for Greece. Cyprus creditors had a 80 % loss equal to 4,2 Billion Euro, a quarter of Cyprus’ GDP. Cyprus demonstrated disproportionate European solidarity then so why not a little generosity now?

But this kind of logic does simply not work in relation to a striving periphery in Southern Europe. Striving member countries in the outskirts start to awaken to the harsh reality that the EU and the EURO are something quite different from the European dream they had before entry.

Copyright: United World Capital

EURO LOWEST IN TWO YEARS

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Growth worries after sluggish US job data, took the Euro/USD to its lowest level in two years. The Euro dropped to 1.2225 in early Asiantrade to recover somewhat. It is now trading at 1.2292. Asian shares fall. The MCXI index is down 1,50 %. Cooling inflation numbers from China deepened worries about slower economic growth. The Euro fell as deep as to 1,2225 in early trade in Asia. The US dollar vexes muscles and is gaining towards all currencies. Oil prices are relatively strong with Brent trading at 98,89.

Commodity linked currencies as the Australian and New Zealand dollars, which is a good barometer on the risk appetite in the market, hit one-week lows. The British pound, GBP, is trading below 1,55 towards the USD. Commodity prices continue to fall as do precious metals. Gold is at 1580. Silver just above 27.

Euro zone finance ministers are meeting in Brussels today in an effort to follow up the EU summit decisions a week ago. On the top of the agenda is a rescue plan for Europe’s struggling banks. Bailout requests from Spain and Cyprus shall be considered. The new Greek government has signaled renegotiations in an effort to obtain better terms and conditions to sugar its austerity measures towards a critical public.

The earnings season in the US start with quarterly report cards from blue chip stocks as Alcoa and J. P. Morgan next week. There is no big optimism. Europe’s crisis continues to draw much attention, but with little clarity as to how the euro zone’s debt and banking problems will be fixed. That in spite of numerous meetings as the Finance ministers coming up today.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Euro 30 billion for Spanish bail-out

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro zone ministers of finance yesterday night decided to transfer Euro 30 Billion as a bail out of the striving Spanish banks. The first tranche shall be released in August. By injecting the bail-out funds directly into the banks, this is a banking and not a sovereign state bail out as is the case with Greece. The ministers simultaneously are considering a similar bail-out of Euro 6,1 Billion to the striving Cypriot banks. This is eventually going to be executed in September.

The bail-out of the Spanish banks are a direct following up of decisions taken by the EU-summit ten days ago. It came after the interest rate on Spanish bonds yesterday again went through the critical 7 % level. The initiative of the finance ministers helped to stabilize the Euro, which during early trading on Monday hit its lowest level in 2 years. Euro/USD is trading at 1.2300. The USD has weakened marginally over the last 24 hours. The Japanese Yen has strengthened. USD/JPY is at 79,495. Oil prices have fallen. Brent is at 98,65. Gold and silver stabile with an upward trend.

Stock exchanges in Europe, US and Asia continues to fall. The giant alloy producer, Alcoa, started the quarterly season by reporting better than expected results due to new orders from the car and airplane industry. Chinese numbers for import and export in June show weaker domestic demand, which seems to indicate that the GDP shall fall below 8 % when figures are released in a week. Import figures rose with 6 % much below experts forecasts. Export rose 11 %, higher than forecasts, but lower than May’s 14 %. China has once again a record surplus on its trading balance.

The Finance ministers’ decision has calmed markets somewhat, but there are increasing signs that Europe’s economic and monetary union may be fragmenting faster than policy makers can repair. Spanish, Greek and Italian banks have seen a deposit flight gaining pace. Whether a euro zone agreement to lend Madrid Euro 30 of the 100 Billion requested, will reverse these flows, is still an open question. It is expected that national bond rates and the Euro shall come under renewed pressure during the week.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Grim sentiments impact markets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian and Australian stocks dropped for the fifth day in row Wednesday as concerns over Italy’s debt, profit warnings and US corporate earnings damaged regional sentiment. Dow Jones Industrial average closed down 0,78 % on fear that the global economic slowdown will erode corporate earnings.

The EURO/USD fall yesterday, but has recovered trading at 1.2257 in Asia. The Japanese yen continues to strengthen: USD/JPY at 79,3227. The strong yen put pressure on Japanese exports and the Nikkei. Gold dropped from 1600 yesterday, trading at 1573. Oil prices are slightly down. Brent at 98,35. There are no major changes in the overall currencies picture.

Europe returned to the forefront of investors concerns when Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti, indicated that he will ask European governments to permit that the bailout fund to buy Italian bonds. Monti insisted, however, that Italy do not need a bailout in the scale of Greece. His comments come, however, just weeks after claims that Italy would not ask its European partners to buy Italian debts.

US experienced a new broker scandal when the Iowa-based PFGBest was the latest future broker to collapse. Regulators accused PFG and its owner for over the last two years misappropriating customer funds. In England, new aspects of The Barclays scandal are revealed, portraying a banking culture of greed and mutual accusations.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Oil prices increase on stimulus expectations

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Oil prices jumped 2 % yesterday on hopes for stimulus measures and falling US storages. Brent rose above the 100 dollar mark pr. Barrel, and NYMEX traded at 85,50. Euro/USD is continuing its downward trend at 1.224. Higher unemployment figures from Australia put the Aussie dollar under pressure. The South Korean Central bank has written down interest rate in an effort to encourage growth.

While the direction of future Federal Reserve initiatives remains unclear, investors seem to expect that China shall undertake new measures to boost its economy. China is expected to release new GDP numbers on Friday. Preliminary figures indicate that GDP expansion would be the weakest in 3 years. China has reduced interest rate twice during the last month, and new stimulus measures are expected.

Minutes from Federal Reserve’s meeting in June suggest that the US economy has to worsen before FED is going to consider a third round of bond buying. Such a step would weaken the dollar and re-energize the appetite for risk and dollar nominated commodities. The European debt crisis and the grim outlook for the world economy have dramatically decreased the demand for most commodities.

Oil has been hit hard falling 25 – 30 % from its high in the beginning of the tear. The positive movement in oil prices over the last days help by shrinking US-storages, a Norwegian oil strike and Iranian worries, might indicate a turnaround in other commodities. US quantitative easing would surely contribute to such a rebound.

The euro zone crisis starts to take new tolls. The CEO of Bank of Cyprus, the biggest bank in the island, resigned yesterday amidst increasing criticism for his bank’s strong exposure to Greece. It is simultaneously announced that state coffers are running out of funds. There is no money left to pay civil servants salaries for August.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Short relief after China’s 3Q GDP

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Chinese last GDP figures fall to its lowest level in three years. After a long period of double digit growth, China had in last quarter a GDP growth on 7,6 %. The numbers came in slightly better than analyst expectations, and created a short-lived relief rally on Asian stock exchanges, which turned up after six days of losses. The GDP numbers also gave a boost to the Australian dollar.

A weaker real estate market and slowing exports had a negative impact on the GDP numbers. Investments are, however, positive and rose expectations for stronger growth in the last half year of 2012. The government policies change to pro growth and stronger emphasize on the domestic market, has led investors to believe that China shall continue to stimulate growth.

The Euro zone received a new blow yesterday when the international rating agency Moodys downgraded Italy to the same level as Kazakhstan and Bulgaria. The downgrading put the EURO under renewed pressure. Euro/USD falls below 1.22. It has recovered and trades at present at 1.2207. EURO hit 1.2166 during Thursday’s trading. The Yen is again up against the dollar, USD/JPY trading at 79,28. American and European stock markets were down yesterday.

Oil prices are demonstrating some strength. Brent reached 101 yesterday and is presently trading at 100,77. US crude, NYMEX, is trading at 85,88 a barrel. Gold is 1571 after hitting a low on 1555 yesterday. Silver is up trading at 27,20 after falling to 26,55 yesterday.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Asian shares extend rally

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian shares extended their rally on Monday on increased hopes for a smooth Chinese landing. Visiting the Southern, Western province of Sichuan, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao raised the prospect of more stimuli if needed. The composite Asian stock index, MCSI, continues 0,3 % up after jumping 1 % on Friday. Euro/USD is inching up at 1.2242 after trading at 1.2169 on Friday. Japan is closed for holidays, but the Yen is, nevertheless, gaining ground, trading up 0,2 % against USD at 79,0955. Brent crude stays above 102 Gold is flat at 1589.

With worries about China off the boil, market concerns are shifting back to the United States and the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. The attention this week is on quarterly results. A slew of US corporate earnings are expected. The main focus is, however, on FED Chairman, Ben Bernanke’s semi-annual testimony to the US Congress on the economy set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

After central banks in Europe, China, South Korea and Brazil all have lowered their interest rates to stimulate growth, markets will seek clues on the Fed’s stance over a stronger monetary policy to support US recovery. Bernanke has earlier stated that the FED will take further easing measures only if necessary.

After the international rating agency Moody’s downgraded Italy to near junk status last week, the outcome of the Italian bond auctions on Friday were better than expected. Three years bond yields were at lowest levels since May. 10-year yields rose to near 6 %. Reflecting investor’s jitters over the Euro, currency speculators last week raised their bets in favor of the US dollar, boosting their positions against the Euro to their highest in one month.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Grimmer outlook for global economy

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Both Brent crude (103,57) and NYMEX (88,57) rose for the fourth straight session Monday. Oil is up on expectations on stimulus measures for a slowing world economy. Tension on Iran creates increased worries for oil supplies and crude storages in the US is down.

Stocks rise and the dollar eased as investors await Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s testimony to Congress. EURO/USD trading at 1.2292 as investors covered short positions and hunted for bargains. Australian dollar is up on expectations (1.0300 vs USD) that further Chinese stimulus shall increase demand for coal and other commodities exported to China.

US retail sales numbers came weaker than expected yesterday. Together with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) new low forecast for global growth in 2013, the weaker retails has increased investors expectations for FED monetary stimulus. IMF is predicting 8,5 % economic growth for China and reduces India’s growth to 6,5 %. IMF has a grim outlook for both the US and Euro zone.

In its midyear “health check” on the global economy, IMF said that emerging markets were dragged down by the economic turmoil in Europe. IMF has reduced their global forecast for 2013 from 4,1 to 3,9 %. Its outlook for 2012 is kept at 3,5 %.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Mixed message fails to impress markets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Ready, but not yet, was the FED’s Chairman Ben Bernanke’s mixed message in a Congressional hearing yesterday. Bernanke offered a gloomy view of the economic prospects, but gave no concrete clues on whether FED is moving one-step closer to a fresh round of monetary stimulus.

Bernanke’s testimony failed to make any impact on global markets. US exchanges mainly concentrated on companies’ earnings where several blue chips came in with better results than expected. Both Coca Cola and the banking group, Goldman Sachs, beat profit forecasts. Tin Asia the Japanese Nikkei was up 0,3 % mainly due to a slight fall in the Yen. USD/JPY is trading above 70 this morning at 79,005.Other Asian exchanges are mixed with no clear direction. Copper prices, a sensitive barometer for growth, are up after four negative days on expectations for growth stimulus.

Bernanke’s statement had no impact on the Euro/USD which continues to hover close to 1,23 at 1.2281. The Australian dollar is still strong close to four weeks high. The British pound, GBP is also showing a stronger trend. Oil prices are falling from yesterdays high, but still steady. Brent crude stays above 103 with NYMEX close to 89. Gold and Silver are striving to find a clear direction. Gold trading at 1579 after reaching 1598 and falling back to 1573 yesterday.

The financial news is dominated by the British parliamentarian hearings on Barclays Bank and the libor scandal. Adding to the bad image of banks internationally, American regulators have accused one other of the world banking giants, HSBC, for comprehensive money laundering of Mexican drug cartel money and for involvement in shadowy terrorist weapon deals.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Shares rally on US earnings

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian shares rallied on Thursday on better than expected quarterly results from heavy weights IBM and stronger US-housing numbers. The MSCI, Asian Pacific Index, is up 1,6 % and the South Korea’s Kospi bounced nearly 2 %. Japan’s Nikkei is up 1 % in spite of a stronger Yen. USD/JPY is trading at 78,65. Oil prices are high on increased tensions in the Middle East. Brent reached above USD 105 pr. Barrel and NYMEX is for the first time in weeks trading above 90.

US stocks are at highest levels since May helped by IBM, Bank of America and Honeywell. Analysts had expected negative figures from the leading chip-maker Intel. Results were weak, but not shocking. That helped sentiments, which also received a boost from housing figures raising hopes that the market is flattening out. There are still strong expectations that the Federal Reserve shall take active measures to stimulate growth. These expectations contributed to yesterday’s rally.

During his Congressional testimony, FED head Ben Bernanke kept the door open for measures if needed, but downplayed the risk a double-dip recession. The prospect for possible FED actions weakened the dollar and made investors look for riskier assets like the Australian dollar, which yesterday rose to a 11 week high. Economic growth stimulus shall give a boost to the commodity sector with Australia one of the biggest commodity exporters.

A similar upward trend as investors see in the commodity market with oil and copper on the raise is apparent in light commodities. Corn has skyrocketed over the last weeks on the drought in the US and a rapid increasing global population hungry for food.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

US-data and earnings fight for upper hand

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

After a string of good corporate quarterly results, US- factory activities contracted for a third straight month in July as new claims for jobless aid surged last week. The tech sector with companies as IBM, eBay and Google presented strong earnings and lifted the S&P to a two and a half month high. Nasdaq gained 0,80 %. Dow Jones ended also slightly up after a mixed session where earnings were fighting dismal economic macro news for attention, raising new hopes for an injection of economic stimulus.

Asian shares were down this morning after a strong week posting its biggest weekly gain since January. Oil prices reached a 8-week high as Middle East tensions stoked supply concerns. Brent crude traded close to USD 108 barrel and NYMEX jumped to 92 on fear that the serious internal situation in Syria might spill over and tempt an Israeli/American strike on Iran. The rally in soft commodities as corn and soybean continues. Copper prices, which have traded upwards this week, fall in Asia trade. Gold is steady on 1582.

The Euro zone crisis was back in focus as the German Bundestag discussed emergency aid for the Spanish banks. Spain has tried to distinguish between their 100 Billion Euro bail-out package for their struggling banks and the country’s sovereign debt. The debate made abundantly clear that the Spanish state in the end is fully responsible for support given to its bank through different EU emergency mechanism. The demands for austerity measures have created strong reactions in Spain with mass demonstrations in Barcelona and Madrid.

The Euro is under continued pressure falling towards the USD to 1.2258. The Euro fall to a record low level against the Australian dollar. USD/JPY is keeping up its high levels trading at 78,605. The Libor scandal continues. A group of banks investigated for interest-rate rigging, are looking to pursue a group settlement with regulators. This rather than to face a Barclays style backlash. Barclay settled with British regulators paying a USD 453 million penalty.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

EURO/YEN at 12 years low

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Euro fell to 12 years low against JPY in Asian trading this morning. The Euro zone sovereign debt crisis and the survival of the Euro are back in the headlines after two of Spain’s indebted regions sought financial assistance from the central government in Madrid. This comes in addition to the 100 billion Euro bail out sought for Spain’s struggling banking sector. The last developments have increased fears that the fourth biggest economy in the euro zone will be forced to follow Greece, Portugal and Ireland for sovereign bail outs. The Euro saw its lowest levels in years also against the USD trading at 1.2112. USD/JPY is at 78,191, down 0,41 %.

The troika consisting of representative from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), European Central Bank (ECB) and European Commission (EU) is back Greece today to control whether Greece has been able to live up to their austerity obligations. The new Samaras government which is supported by the former ruling party PASOK and a small center left party, has been off to a slow start since the elections a month ago. New privatizations have been announced, but nobody really believes in Greece’s intentions.

In Berlin Angela Merkel issued a strong warning, stressing that if Greece was not able to live up to its obligations the country would be forced to leave the Euro. With Spanish regions asking central aid in addition to the banks, the scene is set for a dramatic development. Madrid, Barcelona, and other big cities saw mass demonstrations and clash between demonstrators and police during the weekend. This constitutes a bad omen to the bond auction today. Last week the interest rate on long term Spanish bonds fell to 7,2 %, below the critical 7 % floor.

In Asia, stocks fall strongly on worries on the Euro zone and a renewed report of slowing Chinese growth. A central bank analyst predicted 7,4 % growth in the third quarter, lower than the 7,6 % growth in the second quarter which most observers saw as a bottom and a token that the decline in GDP is flattening out. MSCIs broadest index for Asia-Pacific shares fell two percentages. Mining stocks were especially hard hit. Oil prices also fell moderately. Brent crude is at 105,56. NYMEX at 90.51. The speculations on weaker growth in China have put commodities under pressure.

The bad news from Asia is expected to have a negative impact when markets open in Europe and USA where futures are pointing down. The earning seasons continue with Apple on Tuesday and Facebook reporting results on Thursday.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Euro drops on Spanish fears

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro fall to multiyear lows versus the Yen and the dollar on Tuesday on fears that Spain shall be forced to ask for a full-scale international bailout; and renewed rumors that Greece might have to leave the Euro. The international rating agency Moody’s changed its outlook on German, Luxembourg and the Netherlands to negative, warning that Europe’s top rated AAA countries may have to increase support for indebted Spain and Italy. Euro/USD is trading at 1.21.26 after dipping even lower Monday and in Tuesday morning trade. Analysts predict that the Euro might drop as low as to 1,10 during the next half year.

The Spanish bond auction saw a 7,50 record high interest rate on ten years bond after two of Spain’s regions, Valencia and Catalonia sought help under a 18 billion Euro program aimed at helping regional finances. More regions are said to follow suit. The Euro also hit record lows against the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand dollars. A European Central Bank statement stressing that Greek bonds are not eligible as collateral, did neither serve to support the euro. The Euro fall to a three and a half years low against British pounds, GDP and saw half year bottom levels against Norwegian and Swedish crowns.

The Asian stock market stabilized Tuesday after yesterday’s steep fall. The South Asian Pacific index, MSCIX, fall 0,8 % after a second negative day in New York. McDonald delivered a disappointing result and fall 2,8 %. With one third of the companies reporting quarterly results, 67 % have reported better than expected results. That helped market sentiments last week, but McDonald’s results did not change this week’s negative trend.

Oil prices fell sharply on Monday down for a second day on worries that Spain is heading for a bailout and the euro-zone debt crisis is spreading. This prompted investors to sell assets perceived as risky boosting the dollar and US treasuries. Brent fell more than 3 % to 103,50 and NYMEX to 88 USD pr. Barrel. Gold is steady on 1576. The last developments in global markets have increased the likelihood that US Federal Reserve shall undertake monetary measures to stimulate the economy. That shall probably boost precious metals as gold and silver. Statistics presented by one of the biggest global banks, HSBC, indicates better July factory numbers from China, an indication the Chinese government stimulus have started to work.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Apple misses earning targets

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Apple, the world most valuable technological company, fell short of markets expectations when it presented its quarterly results yesterday. Shares dropped more than 5 percent. A sagging European economy and a pause in iPhone sales ahead of a new version saw revenues slip from previous quarter. The rare miss highlights how the Apple brand is becoming less resistant to economic and product cycles that for a long time have plagued rivals. Net income jumped 21 % to USD 8,8 billion, 10 percent below expectations. The steepest fall was registered in Asia.

Stock markets continued to fall for a fourth day in Asia. Technology stocks were hardest hit. The fall followed stock losses in Europe and the United States. The Euro wobbled above multi-year lows against major currencies. Euro/USD fell to 1.2068 trading at 1.2074 in the morning. Spain’s ten years bonds hit a record low interest rate on 7,64 % increasing fears that Spain might need a sovereign bail-out. Greece seems unlikely to meet terms conditional to its aid package. This has led to renewed speculation of a breakup of the Euro zone.

The Japanese Nikkei fell to a seven-week low before trimming winter session losses to 1 %. Grain prices, the big commodity winner over the last weeks, have dropped on profit taking the last two days. Better weather forecasts in drought stricken areas; have given some relief to the outlook for US crops. Copper hit a month low with a further easing in NYMEX, US crude oil to USD 88,36 a barrel. Brent crude steadied around 103,50. Oil investors are following the development in the Middle East with increased fear.

The outlook for commodities is closely linked to Europe. The continued downward pressure on the Euro might, however, lead investors to seek towards traditional safe havens as precious metals, this also taking the weak state of the US economy into consideration. Gold is trading at 1582 in the morning up from yesterday’s low seventies. Silver has over the last weeks several times hit back from a technical resistance level on 26 – 26,50, trading at 27,02 in the morning.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

USA: Cocktail from News and Quarterly Results

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

On Wednesday, July 25, the stock market of the USA showed multidirectional dynamics against an exit of weight of quarterly results, statements of representatives of FRS and European Central Bank, and also the publication of statistical data. Therefore, the representative of FRS with a vote in FOMC - Sara Raskin declared that at the next meeting the question of purchase of bonds on balance of Federal Reserve System will be considered. On this message expectation of investors, concerning introduction of the new program of quantitative mitigation inflamed with new force.

As to the Old World, here the member of executive council of the European central bank Evald Novotny reported about existence of arguments in favor of granting to the ESM banking license. This statement was apprehended by investors with a positive since increase of potential of Stabilization Fund could help to fight more effectively against debt crisis, especially in case of the request of Spain for the international financial help.

The statistics on housing sector in the USA appeared disappointing. Therefore, sales of new housing in June were reduced from 0,382 million month earlier to 0,350 million while analysts predicted decrease only to 0,370 million.

In the middle of the week, some large companies of the USA reported financial results of the past quarter. Thus, Apple and ConocoPhillips firms absolutely disappointed investors, while the reporting of Boeing pleased expectations.

Following the results of the trading session the indicator of "blue chip" the index of Dow Jones Industrial Average grew up for 0,465 % and was closed on a level of 12676,05 points, the index of the wide market S&P 500 went down for 0,031 % to level 1337,89 points, and the index of the hi-tech companies Nasdaq "grew thin" for 0,306 % to a level 2854,24 points.

Oil has been rising in price yesterday. This morning prices of "black gold" are slightly pointing down and traded on a level of 104.00 for Brent and 88.61 on Light a barrel. Oil has risen despite the unexpected and significant increase in its reserves in the U.S. for the last week, most probably in connection with the statements of the Ewald Nowotny – the representative of ECB on the advisability of granting the European Financial Stability Fund ESM banking license.

The euro is strengthening against dollar due to the coming news background and is traded this morning on a level of 1.2146 rebounding from the support level of 1,20 to which the pair came down the day before. But, nevertheless, the growth is sluggish and does not dispose to open "long positions" at current levels.

Today we are expecting a block of information on the U.S. labor market, the statistics on U.S. real estate market and data on orders for durable goods. As well as the season of the presentation of quarterly results continue, reports will provide Amazon.Com, Facebook Inc. which expected earnings per share are $ 0,12, France Telecom SA, New York Times Co., Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC, Starbucks Corp., Statoil ASA, Volkswagen AG.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

Speech of Mario Dragi inspired the world markets, but it is not obvious for how long time.

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS
by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

On Thursday, July 26, the stock market of the United States finished trading session by considerable growth of the main indexes. Following the results of session the indicator of blue counters of Dow Jones Industrial Average raised on 1,67 % to level of 12887,93 points, the S&P500 increased by 22,13 points or 1,65 % to a mark of 1360,02 points, and the Nasdaq reached a point 2893,25 points.

The external background for the American session was extremely favorable taking into account comments of the president of European Central Bank at investment conference in London. Mario Dragi declared that all necessary measures will be taken for rescue of euro, "believe me, it will be enough". On concepts of investment community the statement of the Dragi means that from European Central Bank it is possible to expect intervention in a situation in the debt market for the purpose of knocking down of profitability of debt papers of Spain and Italy.

The markets also count that Bernanke will keep the promise to stimulate economy growth in spite of the fact that the yesterday's figure on unemployment could reduce this probability. The number of addresses decreased to 353 thousand while 380 thousand were expected. Meanwhile, more important figure will be presented today. Data on gross domestic product of the USA, as expected, will finally strengthen or will weaken a factor of FRS of the USA. Let's remind that from meeting of FOMC 31 of July-1 of August investors wait for decisions, significant for the financial markets. Besides gross domestic product, figure data on consumer inflation in Germany is coming today.

The optimistic spirit on world markets remains in the morning, after yesterday's rally, however, players will wait for new drivers of growth in case of which absence "bulls" risk to get under a wave of fixing of profit. On Friday important news can arrive from a meeting of the Greek prime minister with "Troika" of creditors. Investors in general are ready to continue purchases that only really disappointing news can change.

Copyright: United World Capital