Bitcoin has surged to a record high amid rising interest from investors and claims that the volatile cryptocurrency is on the way to becoming a mainstream payment method.

Having quadrupled in value during 2020, bitcoin began 2021 strongly by breaking through the $30,000 (£22,000) mark for the first time, less than three weeks after first trading above $20,000.

On Sunday, it hit a new high of more than $34,800, on the 12th anniversary of the bitcoin network being created.

Bitcoin hits record high on 12th anniversary of its creation
Cryptocurrency passes $30,000 as financial institutions express growing interest

(Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that $600 stimulus checks could begin arriving in people's bank accounts as soon as this evening.

Mnuchin tweeted that payments may begin to arrive by direct deposit as early as Tuesday evening, and will continue arriving into next week. The government will begin mailing out paper checks on Wednesday for people without government-registered bank accounts.

(Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that $600 stimulus checks could begin arriving in people's bank accounts as soon as this evening.

Mnuchin tweeted that payments may begin to arrive by direct deposit as early as Tuesday evening, and will continue arriving into next week. The government will begin mailing out paper checks on Wednesday for people without government-registered bank accounts.

Post removed.Why?

Post removed.Why?

NEW YORK: China and Japan, the two largest non-U.S. holders of Treasuries, reduced their holdings in October, data from the U.S. Treasury department showed on Tuesday, continuing a trend of the last few months.

China's holdings of Treasuries fell to $1.054 trillion, the lowest since January 2017, cutting its load of U.S. government debt for five straight months.

Japan, the world's largest holder of Treasuries at $1.269 trillion, also pared back its holdings for a third straight month.

The decline in Japan's and China's stockpile of Treasuries was offset by a surge in holdings from Belgium and the UK, two countries used as financial centers for some of the biggest sovereign debt holders.

NEW YORK: China and Japan, the two largest non-U.S. holders of Treasuries, reduced their holdings in October, data from the U.S. Treasury department showed on Tuesday, continuing a trend of the last few months.

China's holdings of Treasuries fell to $1.054 trillion, the lowest since January 2017, cutting its load of U.S. government debt for five straight months.

Japan, the world's largest holder of Treasuries at $1.269 trillion, also pared back its holdings for a third straight month.

The decline in Japan's and China's stockpile of Treasuries was offset by a surge in holdings from Belgium and the UK, two countries used as financial centers for some of the biggest sovereign debt holders.

NEW YORK: China and Japan, the two largest non-U.S. holders of Treasuries, reduced their holdings in October, data from the U.S. Treasury department showed on Tuesday, continuing a trend of the last few months.

China's holdings of Treasuries fell to $1.054 trillion, the lowest since January 2017, cutting its load of U.S. government debt for five straight months.

Japan, the world's largest holder of Treasuries at $1.269 trillion, also pared back its holdings for a third straight month.

The decline in Japan's and China's stockpile of Treasuries was offset by a surge in holdings from Belgium and the UK, two countries used as financial centers for some of the biggest sovereign debt holders.

WASHINGTON (Dec 16): The U.S. Treasury could label several countries currency manipulators before President Donald Trump leaves office, analysts say, as the coronavirus pandemic skews trade flows and widens U.S. deficits with trading partners.

Currency experts say Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan and Switzerland all risk being found in violation of the three U.S. criteria for currency manipulation in the Treasury Department’s long-delayed report on the foreign exchange practices of major trading partners. They expect the report within days.

WASHINGTON (Dec 16): The U.S. Treasury could label several countries currency manipulators before President Donald Trump leaves office, analysts say, as the coronavirus pandemic skews trade flows and widens U.S. deficits with trading partners.

Currency experts say Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan and Switzerland all risk being found in violation of the three U.S. criteria for currency manipulation in the Treasury Department’s long-delayed report on the foreign exchange practices of major trading partners. They expect the report within days.

WASHINGTON (Dec 16): The U.S. Treasury could label several countries currency manipulators before President Donald Trump leaves office, analysts say, as the coronavirus pandemic skews trade flows and widens U.S. deficits with trading partners.

Currency experts say Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan and Switzerland all risk being found in violation of the three U.S. criteria for currency manipulation in the Treasury Department’s long-delayed report on the foreign exchange practices of major trading partners. They expect the report within days.

NEWS“It’s Now At 4.04!” – USD Drops To All Time Low Against MYR This Year

https://worldofbuzz.com/its-now-at-4-04-usd-drops-to-all-time-low-against-myr-this-year/

NEWS“It’s Now At 4.04!” – USD Drops To All Time Low Against MYR This Year

https://worldofbuzz.com/its-now-at-4-04-usd-drops-to-all-time-low-against-myr-this-year/

First topglov. Second hartalega. Third kossan. Next time, who???

https://focusmalaysia.my/markets/kossan-becomes-3rd-glove-maker-hit-by-covid-19/

Kossan becomes 3rd glove maker hit by COVID-19
By Cheah Chor Sooi
2 hours ago
in Featured, Markets, Top

KOSSAN Rubber Industries Bhd has joined the list of glove makers with workers who are infected by COVID-19.

This follows the widely reported outbreak of COVID-19 infection among the workforce of Top Glove Corp Bhd and Hartalega Holdings Bhd.

According to TA Securities Research, a screening test on Dec 4 – and completed on Dec 10 – on the company’s 7,000-strong workforce revealed 427 positive cases (eight locals and 419 foreigners) at its K2 production facility in Meru, Klang

The FDA says Pfizer’s Covid vaccine is safe and effective. But trial participants warn of intense symptoms after second shot
PUBLISHED TUE, DEC 8 20203:31 PM ESTUPDATED TUE, DEC 8 20208:40 PM EST

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/pfizer-moderna-covid-vaccine-side-effects-trials.html

The FDA says Pfizer’s Covid vaccine is safe and effective. But trial participants warn of intense symptoms after second shot
PUBLISHED TUE, DEC 8 20203:31 PM ESTUPDATED TUE, DEC 8 20208:40 PM EST

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/pfizer-moderna-covid-vaccine-side-effects-trials.html

The FDA says Pfizer’s Covid vaccine is safe and effective. But trial participants warn of intense symptoms after second shot
PUBLISHED TUE, DEC 8 20203:31 PM ESTUPDATED TUE, DEC 8 20208:40 PM EST

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/pfizer-moderna-covid-vaccine-side-effects-trials.html

Select Language​▼
MALAYSIACORPORATE
TOP STORIES
Currency
(Updated)
Ringgit to strengthen to 3.80-3.90 against US dollar in 2021 — Rakuten Trade
Tan Siew Mung
/
theedgemarkets.com

December 07, 2020 12:16 pm +08


-A+A
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): Rakuten Trade Research foresees the ringgit (MYR) to strengthen to the range of 3.80 to 3.90 against the US dollar (USD) in 2021 as it expects Chinese yuan (renminbi or RMB) sentiment to improve against the greenback's.

The research house’s head of research Kenny Yee said in a briefing he envisages the new US administration to be less volatile next year, hence expecting regional currencies to strengthen against the US dollar.

“We expect China to lead Asia as the new US administration is seen as a better business partner than Trump’s.

“As the MYR/USD movement is the closest with RMB/USD, we foresee the MYR to strengthen against the USD to possibly the 3.80/90 levels in 2021,” he said.

Select Language​▼
MALAYSIACORPORATE
TOP STORIES
Currency
(Updated)
Ringgit to strengthen to 3.80-3.90 against US dollar in 2021 — Rakuten Trade
Tan Siew Mung
/
theedgemarkets.com

December 07, 2020 12:16 pm +08


-A+A
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): Rakuten Trade Research foresees the ringgit (MYR) to strengthen to the range of 3.80 to 3.90 against the US dollar (USD) in 2021 as it expects Chinese yuan (renminbi or RMB) sentiment to improve against the greenback's.

The research house’s head of research Kenny Yee said in a briefing he envisages the new US administration to be less volatile next year, hence expecting regional currencies to strengthen against the US dollar.

“We expect China to lead Asia as the new US administration is seen as a better business partner than Trump’s.

“As the MYR/USD movement is the closest with RMB/USD, we foresee the MYR to strengthen against the USD to possibly the 3.80/90 levels in 2021,” he said.

Select Language​▼
MALAYSIACORPORATE
TOP STORIES
Currency
(Updated)
Ringgit to strengthen to 3.80-3.90 against US dollar in 2021 — Rakuten Trade
Tan Siew Mung
/
theedgemarkets.com

December 07, 2020 12:16 pm +08


-A+A
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): Rakuten Trade Research foresees the ringgit (MYR) to strengthen to the range of 3.80 to 3.90 against the US dollar (USD) in 2021 as it expects Chinese yuan (renminbi or RMB) sentiment to improve against the greenback's.

The research house’s head of research Kenny Yee said in a briefing he envisages the new US administration to be less volatile next year, hence expecting regional currencies to strengthen against the US dollar.

“We expect China to lead Asia as the new US administration is seen as a better business partner than Trump’s.

“As the MYR/USD movement is the closest with RMB/USD, we foresee the MYR to strengthen against the USD to possibly the 3.80/90 levels in 2021,” he said.

https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/12/04/non-halal-section-in-brand-new-supermarket-boarded-up-after-protest-by-local-assemblyman/

China slaps Australia with eye-watering 200% tax on wine exports as trade war erupts

China slaps Australia with eye-watering 200% tax on wine exports as trade war erupts

China slaps Australia with eye-watering 200% tax on wine exports as trade war erupts

China dumps US Treasuries for fifth consecutive month, sending holdings to lowest level since February 2017

China’s holdings of US government debt have fallen to their lowest level since February 2017, following a fifth successive month of net US Treasury sales in September, according to a US government report.

China sold US$6.22 million of US Treasury securities in September, lowering its total holdings to US$1.062 billion, according to the latest monthly Treasury International Capital (TIC) report from the US Department of the Treasury.

Analysts cautioned that the reduction in China’s US Treasury holdings was not necessarily a sign it was reducing its overall US dollar-denominated securities holdings, since it could buy other assets such as stocks or corporate bonds instead.

According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance, China snapped up 27.7 billion yen (US$2.7 billion) worth of Japanese debt in September, resulting in 2.4 trillion yen of purchases over the first nine months in the year, up 73 per cent from the same period in 2019.

China lost its status as the largest foreign holder of US Treasury securities to Japan more than a year ago, in the midst of a bitter trade war between the two superpowers that some speculate could descend into an all-out financial war.

Ongoing discussions among Chinese academics have suggested that Beijing’s ongoing rotation of its US$3.14 trillion foreign exchange reserves could point to further shedding of as much as 20 per cent of its remaining US Treasury holdings.

China dumps US Treasuries for fifth consecutive month, sending holdings to lowest level since February 2017

China’s holdings of US government debt have fallen to their lowest level since February 2017, following a fifth successive month of net US Treasury sales in September, according to a US government report.

China sold US$6.22 million of US Treasury securities in September, lowering its total holdings to US$1.062 billion, according to the latest monthly Treasury International Capital (TIC) report from the US Department of the Treasury.

Analysts cautioned that the reduction in China’s US Treasury holdings was not necessarily a sign it was reducing its overall US dollar-denominated securities holdings, since it could buy other assets such as stocks or corporate bonds instead.

According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance, China snapped up 27.7 billion yen (US$2.7 billion) worth of Japanese debt in September, resulting in 2.4 trillion yen of purchases over the first nine months in the year, up 73 per cent from the same period in 2019.

China lost its status as the largest foreign holder of US Treasury securities to Japan more than a year ago, in the midst of a bitter trade war between the two superpowers that some speculate could descend into an all-out financial war.

Ongoing discussions among Chinese academics have suggested that Beijing’s ongoing rotation of its US$3.14 trillion foreign exchange reserves could point to further shedding of as much as 20 per cent of its remaining US Treasury holdings.

China dumps US Treasuries for fifth consecutive month, sending holdings to lowest level since February 2017

China’s holdings of US government debt have fallen to their lowest level since February 2017, following a fifth successive month of net US Treasury sales in September, according to a US government report.

China sold US$6.22 million of US Treasury securities in September, lowering its total holdings to US$1.062 billion, according to the latest monthly Treasury International Capital (TIC) report from the US Department of the Treasury.

Analysts cautioned that the reduction in China’s US Treasury holdings was not necessarily a sign it was reducing its overall US dollar-denominated securities holdings, since it could buy other assets such as stocks or corporate bonds instead.

According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance, China snapped up 27.7 billion yen (US$2.7 billion) worth of Japanese debt in September, resulting in 2.4 trillion yen of purchases over the first nine months in the year, up 73 per cent from the same period in 2019.

China lost its status as the largest foreign holder of US Treasury securities to Japan more than a year ago, in the midst of a bitter trade war between the two superpowers that some speculate could descend into an all-out financial war.

Ongoing discussions among Chinese academics have suggested that Beijing’s ongoing rotation of its US$3.14 trillion foreign exchange reserves could point to further shedding of as much as 20 per cent of its remaining US Treasury holdings.

Sinopharm JVCo to sponsor 10,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine for frontliners
Hafiz Yatim
/
theedgemarkets.com

November 17, 2020 18:37 pm +08

Sinopharm JVCo to sponsor 10,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine for frontliners
Hafiz Yatim
/
theedgemarkets.com

November 17, 2020 18:37 pm +08

Sinopharm JVCo to sponsor 10,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine for frontliners
Hafiz Yatim
/
theedgemarkets.com

November 17, 2020 18:37 pm +08

Thailand protests: More than 40 injured as clashes rock Bangkok
18 November 2020 Asia

Protesters were attempting to reach parliament on Tuesday, where lawmakers were debating possible changes to the constitution.

They hurled smoke bombs and bags of paint at police, who retaliated with water cannon and tear-gas solution.

The proposed constitutional changes have been one of the core demands of the months-long protest movement.

Others included reforms to the monarchy and the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha - a former general who seized power in a 2014 coup.

But the BBC's Jonathan Head, who was at the scene, said many activists were worried that parliament would dismiss most of their demands - in particular, the one calling for reform of the monarchy.

Legislators are expected to vote on whether to accept any of the proposed changes by Wednesday evening local time.

Thailand protests: More than 40 injured as clashes rock Bangkok
18 November 2020 Asia

Protesters were attempting to reach parliament on Tuesday, where lawmakers were debating possible changes to the constitution.

They hurled smoke bombs and bags of paint at police, who retaliated with water cannon and tear-gas solution.

The proposed constitutional changes have been one of the core demands of the months-long protest movement.

Others included reforms to the monarchy and the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha - a former general who seized power in a 2014 coup.

But the BBC's Jonathan Head, who was at the scene, said many activists were worried that parliament would dismiss most of their demands - in particular, the one calling for reform of the monarchy.

Legislators are expected to vote on whether to accept any of the proposed changes by Wednesday evening local time.

U.S. retail sales lose speed as pandemic, lack of fiscal stimulus weigh
By Lucia Mutikani


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October and could slow further, restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support.

U.S. retail sales lose speed as pandemic, lack of fiscal stimulus weigh
By Lucia Mutikani


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October and could slow further, restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support.

U.S. retail sales lose speed as pandemic, lack of fiscal stimulus weigh
By Lucia Mutikani


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October and could slow further, restrained by spiraling new COVID-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support.

Larangan menjual minuman keras mulai Okt 2021

DEWAN Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) memperkenalkan garis panduan baru mengenai lesen minuman keras yang mula berkuat kuasa semalam. Antara lain, garis panduan tersebut menetapkan bahawa kedai runcit dan kedai serbaneka tidak lagi dibenarkan menjual produk minuman keras mulai 1 Oktober tahun depan.

‘Berkuat kuasa 1 Oktober 2021 tiada lagi lesen baru LMK (minuman keras yang memabukkan) di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina. Untuk LMK sedia ada di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina, pembaharuan dibenarkan sehingga 30 September 2021 sahaja,’ kata garis panduan itu.

Mereka masih dibenarkan menjual bir setelah larangan berkuat kuasa, tetapi hanya dari jam 7 pagi hingga 9 malam. Pemilik premis mesti memastikan minuman beralkohol dipamer berasingan dari minuman lain, dan mengunci ruang rak pameran selepas jam 9 malam.

Pasar raya, hypermarket, hotel, bar, dan pub masih dibenarkan menjual minuman keras, tetapi mesti memastikan bahawa pelanggan berusia sekurang-kurangnya 21 tahun.

Larangan menjual minuman keras mulai Okt 2021

DEWAN Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) memperkenalkan garis panduan baru mengenai lesen minuman keras yang mula berkuat kuasa semalam. Antara lain, garis panduan tersebut menetapkan bahawa kedai runcit dan kedai serbaneka tidak lagi dibenarkan menjual produk minuman keras mulai 1 Oktober tahun depan.

‘Berkuat kuasa 1 Oktober 2021 tiada lagi lesen baru LMK (minuman keras yang memabukkan) di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina. Untuk LMK sedia ada di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina, pembaharuan dibenarkan sehingga 30 September 2021 sahaja,’ kata garis panduan itu.

Mereka masih dibenarkan menjual bir setelah larangan berkuat kuasa, tetapi hanya dari jam 7 pagi hingga 9 malam. Pemilik premis mesti memastikan minuman beralkohol dipamer berasingan dari minuman lain, dan mengunci ruang rak pameran selepas jam 9 malam.

Pasar raya, hypermarket, hotel, bar, dan pub masih dibenarkan menjual minuman keras, tetapi mesti memastikan bahawa pelanggan berusia sekurang-kurangnya 21 tahun.

Larangan menjual minuman keras mulai Okt 2021

DEWAN Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) memperkenalkan garis panduan baru mengenai lesen minuman keras yang mula berkuat kuasa semalam. Antara lain, garis panduan tersebut menetapkan bahawa kedai runcit dan kedai serbaneka tidak lagi dibenarkan menjual produk minuman keras mulai 1 Oktober tahun depan.

‘Berkuat kuasa 1 Oktober 2021 tiada lagi lesen baru LMK (minuman keras yang memabukkan) di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina. Untuk LMK sedia ada di kedai runcit, serbaneka, ubat Cina, pembaharuan dibenarkan sehingga 30 September 2021 sahaja,’ kata garis panduan itu.

Mereka masih dibenarkan menjual bir setelah larangan berkuat kuasa, tetapi hanya dari jam 7 pagi hingga 9 malam. Pemilik premis mesti memastikan minuman beralkohol dipamer berasingan dari minuman lain, dan mengunci ruang rak pameran selepas jam 9 malam.

Pasar raya, hypermarket, hotel, bar, dan pub masih dibenarkan menjual minuman keras, tetapi mesti memastikan bahawa pelanggan berusia sekurang-kurangnya 21 tahun.

Post removed.Why?

Post removed.Why?

Dump the dollar, stick with stocks and corporate bonds, Morgan Stanley advises heading into 2021
Keep the faith, trust the recovery," Morgan Stanley writes in a bullish investor outlook for 2021.

A base case for the S&P 500 to reach 3,900 by the end of 2021
A 10-year U.S. Treasury yield at 1.45% by the end of next year
The U.S. Dollar Index to weaken about 4% by the end of 2021
A preference for high-yield credit over investment grade and leveraged loans over high-yield bonds

Dump the dollar, stick with stocks and corporate bonds, Morgan Stanley advises heading into 2021
Keep the faith, trust the recovery," Morgan Stanley writes in a bullish investor outlook for 2021.

A base case for the S&P 500 to reach 3,900 by the end of 2021
A 10-year U.S. Treasury yield at 1.45% by the end of next year
The U.S. Dollar Index to weaken about 4% by the end of 2021
A preference for high-yield credit over investment grade and leveraged loans over high-yield bonds

Dump the dollar, stick with stocks and corporate bonds, Morgan Stanley advises heading into 2021
Keep the faith, trust the recovery," Morgan Stanley writes in a bullish investor outlook for 2021.

A base case for the S&P 500 to reach 3,900 by the end of 2021
A 10-year U.S. Treasury yield at 1.45% by the end of next year
The U.S. Dollar Index to weaken about 4% by the end of 2021
A preference for high-yield credit over investment grade and leveraged loans over high-yield bonds

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202011150009

https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202011150009

NEWS INTERNATIONAL
Violent clashes in U.S. after Trump backers’ protest

He appeared to acknowledge publicly for the first time that Biden won the election, but made clear he would not concede
After several thousand supporters of President Donald Trump protested the election results and marched to the Supreme Court, nighttime clashes with counter-demonstrators led to fistfights, at least one stabbing and more than 20 arrests.

Several other cities on Saturday also saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College and popular vote victory as legitimate. Cries of “Stop the Steal” and “Count Every Vote” rang out despite a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result.

Trump’s motorcade
The demonstrations in the nation’s capital went from tense to violent during the night and early Sunday. Videos posted on social media showed fights, projectiles and clubs as Trump backers sparred with those demanding they take their “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hats and banners and leave. A variety of charges, including assault and weapons possession, were filed against those arrested, officials said. Two police officers were injured and several firearms were recovered by police.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
Violent clashes in U.S. after Trump backers’ protest

He appeared to acknowledge publicly for the first time that Biden won the election, but made clear he would not concede
After several thousand supporters of President Donald Trump protested the election results and marched to the Supreme Court, nighttime clashes with counter-demonstrators led to fistfights, at least one stabbing and more than 20 arrests.

Several other cities on Saturday also saw gatherings of Trump supporters unwilling to accept Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College and popular vote victory as legitimate. Cries of “Stop the Steal” and “Count Every Vote” rang out despite a lack of evidence of voter fraud or other problems that could reverse the result.

Trump’s motorcade
The demonstrations in the nation’s capital went from tense to violent during the night and early Sunday. Videos posted on social media showed fights, projectiles and clubs as Trump backers sparred with those demanding they take their “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hats and banners and leave. A variety of charges, including assault and weapons possession, were filed against those arrested, officials said. Two police officers were injured and several firearms were recovered by police.