Brent crude prices edged closer to $51 a barrel, the highest level in two months, after US stockpiles fell more than analysts expected.

The global oil price benchmark rose 1.27 per cent to $50.84 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices, the benchmark for the US, were trading 1.52 per cent higher at $48.62 per barrel.

US inventories dropped by 7.2m barrels in the week to 21 July while analysts expected a decline of just 2.6m barrels, according to official data published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) today.

Brent crude prices edged closer to $51 a barrel, the highest level in two months, after US stockpiles fell more than analysts expected.

The global oil price benchmark rose 1.27 per cent to $50.84 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices, the benchmark for the US, were trading 1.52 per cent higher at $48.62 per barrel.

US inventories dropped by 7.2m barrels in the week to 21 July while analysts expected a decline of just 2.6m barrels, according to official data published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) today.

Brent crude prices edged closer to $51 a barrel, the highest level in two months, after US stockpiles fell more than analysts expected.

The global oil price benchmark rose 1.27 per cent to $50.84 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices, the benchmark for the US, were trading 1.52 per cent higher at $48.62 per barrel.

US inventories dropped by 7.2m barrels in the week to 21 July while analysts expected a decline of just 2.6m barrels, according to official data published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) today.

[NEW YORK] The US dollar fell on Wednesday, touching its lowest level in more than a year against a basket of currencies after the release of the Federal Reserve's policy statement following its July meeting.

The Federal Open Market Committee announced no changes to monetary policy, as expected. Policymakers said, however, that the US central bank would begin implementing balance sheet normalisation "relatively soon".

That marked a change from the committee's previous statement that it would begin to reduce its US$4.5 trillion bond holdings "this year".

The US dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, fell to 93.396, its lowest since June 23, 2016.

[NEW YORK] The US dollar fell on Wednesday, touching its lowest level in more than a year against a basket of currencies after the release of the Federal Reserve's policy statement following its July meeting.

The Federal Open Market Committee announced no changes to monetary policy, as expected. Policymakers said, however, that the US central bank would begin implementing balance sheet normalisation "relatively soon".

That marked a change from the committee's previous statement that it would begin to reduce its US$4.5 trillion bond holdings "this year".

The US dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, fell to 93.396, its lowest since June 23, 2016.

BANK OF AMERICA: The US dollar is overvalued, and there are 'substantial risks' to a big rally from here
AKIN OYEDELEJUL 25, 2017, 09.26 PM
FacebookLinkedinWhatsAppTwitterGoogle+
ice climbing Oli Scarff/Getty
The US dollar is the worst performing G10 currency this year, down 8% versus its major peers. But it's still expensive relative to its history, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
"T he currency remains overvalued by about 10 percent compared with its long-term equilibrium and about 12 percent above its 20-year average in real effective term," said Athanasios Vamvakidis, the global head of G10 FX strategy, in a note on Tuesday.

BANK OF AMERICA: The US dollar is overvalued, and there are 'substantial risks' to a big rally from here
AKIN OYEDELEJUL 25, 2017, 09.26 PM
FacebookLinkedinWhatsAppTwitterGoogle+
ice climbing Oli Scarff/Getty
The US dollar is the worst performing G10 currency this year, down 8% versus its major peers. But it's still expensive relative to its history, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
"T he currency remains overvalued by about 10 percent compared with its long-term equilibrium and about 12 percent above its 20-year average in real effective term," said Athanasios Vamvakidis, the global head of G10 FX strategy, in a note on Tuesday.

BANK OF AMERICA: The US dollar is overvalued, and there are 'substantial risks' to a big rally from here
AKIN OYEDELEJUL 25, 2017, 09.26 PM
FacebookLinkedinWhatsAppTwitterGoogle+
ice climbing Oli Scarff/Getty
The US dollar is the worst performing G10 currency this year, down 8% versus its major peers. But it's still expensive relative to its history, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
"T he currency remains overvalued by about 10 percent compared with its long-term equilibrium and about 12 percent above its 20-year average in real effective term," said Athanasios Vamvakidis, the global head of G10 FX strategy, in a note on Tuesday.

Senate Health-Care Debate Opens With Rejection of McConnell Plan

Brent crude oil rise to $50/barrel and above

Chinese crude oil imports are expected to exceed 400 million tons this year, and to further rise next year, Zhang Haichao, vice president of Sinopec Group, told Reuters on Tuesday.

The estimate provided by Zhang means that Chinese demand for foreign crude would rise by 400,000 bpd, and for the first time ever, rising imports could make China the world’s top crude oil importer on an annual basis, according to Reuters.

Chinese customs data has revealed that the world’s second-largest consumer of crude oil imported 8.55 million bpd during the first half of the year, or 212 million tons in total – a 13.8-percent annual increase. The growth in imports comes on the back of higher refinery runs after a maintenance period, as well as dwindling local crude production.

Brent price back to $50/barrel

Chinese crude oil imports are expected to exceed 400 million tons this year, and to further rise next year, Zhang Haichao, vice president of Sinopec Group, told Reuters on Tuesday.

The estimate provided by Zhang means that Chinese demand for foreign crude would rise by 400,000 bpd, and for the first time ever, rising imports could make China the world’s top crude oil importer on an annual basis, according to Reuters.

Chinese customs data has revealed that the world’s second-largest consumer of crude oil imported 8.55 million bpd during the first half of the year, or 212 million tons in total – a 13.8-percent annual increase. The growth in imports comes on the back of higher refinery runs after a maintenance period, as well as dwindling local crude production.

Brent rise to $50 above.

Chinese crude oil imports are expected to exceed 400 million tons this year, and to further rise next year, Zhang Haichao, vice president of Sinopec Group, told Reuters on Tuesday.

The estimate provided by Zhang means that Chinese demand for foreign crude would rise by 400,000 bpd, and for the first time ever, rising imports could make China the world’s top crude oil importer on an annual basis, according to Reuters.

Chinese customs data has revealed that the world’s second-largest consumer of crude oil imported 8.55 million bpd during the first half of the year, or 212 million tons in total – a 13.8-percent annual increase. The growth in imports comes on the back of higher refinery runs after a maintenance period, as well as dwindling local crude production.

The unseen started to pull down the price to scarepeople away to sell at lower price to him/her. Afterthat, Fly to the sky.

Like playing slot. When the slot fund full, it will trigger a jackpots. It is the matter of time.

If break 1.20, may up to 1.30 and above.

The dollar index is on a two-week losing streak, and some strategists expect further downside.

The index, which measures the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, including the euro, fell Friday to its lowest level since June 2016. The slide came as the euro surged against the greenback and a string of negative news flowed out of Washington early in the session.

When asked if he would buy the U.S. dollar at this juncture, given its beaten-down condition, Crossing Wall Street blog editor Eddy Elfenbein said, "I'm not, and I've got to say, it is an ugly chart, and I think it's going to get even uglier."

"The dollar seems to go down a little bit just about every single day," he said Friday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." He said last week's weakness was due in part to the euro's strength following remarks from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

Draghi did not mention "the strength of the euro as being a problem, sort of like the dog that did not bark, and when central bankers give a green light, traders are in the habit of following along. I think it is going to continue to get worse for the dollar and then, of course, we have a Fed meeting coming our way next week," Elfenbein said.

Higher interest rates typically tend to increase the value of that country's currency relative to that of foreign currencies. But that's not always the case, said Chris Verrone, head of technical analysis for Strategas Research Partners.

"In five of the last six times the Fed has raised rates, you've seen the dollar go lower, not higher," Verrone said Friday on "Trading Nation." "So this price action really hasn't been that abnormal from what history tells us should happen. I think the question here is, tactically, do we set up for a bounce? Look to 92.5, 93 for support in the near term."

On Monday, the dollar index was trading at 93.91, and has declined more than 8 percent this year.

The dollar index is on a two-week losing streak, and some strategists expect further downside.

The index, which measures the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, including the euro, fell Friday to its lowest level since June 2016. The slide came as the euro surged against the greenback and a string of negative news flowed out of Washington early in the session.

When asked if he would buy the U.S. dollar at this juncture, given its beaten-down condition, Crossing Wall Street blog editor Eddy Elfenbein said, "I'm not, and I've got to say, it is an ugly chart, and I think it's going to get even uglier."

"The dollar seems to go down a little bit just about every single day," he said Friday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." He said last week's weakness was due in part to the euro's strength following remarks from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

Draghi did not mention "the strength of the euro as being a problem, sort of like the dog that did not bark, and when central bankers give a green light, traders are in the habit of following along. I think it is going to continue to get worse for the dollar and then, of course, we have a Fed meeting coming our way next week," Elfenbein said.

Higher interest rates typically tend to increase the value of that country's currency relative to that of foreign currencies. But that's not always the case, said Chris Verrone, head of technical analysis for Strategas Research Partners.

"In five of the last six times the Fed has raised rates, you've seen the dollar go lower, not higher," Verrone said Friday on "Trading Nation." "So this price action really hasn't been that abnormal from what history tells us should happen. I think the question here is, tactically, do we set up for a bounce? Look to 92.5, 93 for support in the near term."

On Monday, the dollar index was trading at 93.91, and has declined more than 8 percent this year.

The dollar index is on a two-week losing streak, and some strategists expect further downside.

The index, which measures the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies, including the euro, fell Friday to its lowest level since June 2016. The slide came as the euro surged against the greenback and a string of negative news flowed out of Washington early in the session.

When asked if he would buy the U.S. dollar at this juncture, given its beaten-down condition, Crossing Wall Street blog editor Eddy Elfenbein said, "I'm not, and I've got to say, it is an ugly chart, and I think it's going to get even uglier."

"The dollar seems to go down a little bit just about every single day," he said Friday on CNBC's "Trading Nation." He said last week's weakness was due in part to the euro's strength following remarks from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.

Draghi did not mention "the strength of the euro as being a problem, sort of like the dog that did not bark, and when central bankers give a green light, traders are in the habit of following along. I think it is going to continue to get worse for the dollar and then, of course, we have a Fed meeting coming our way next week," Elfenbein said.

Higher interest rates typically tend to increase the value of that country's currency relative to that of foreign currencies. But that's not always the case, said Chris Verrone, head of technical analysis for Strategas Research Partners.

"In five of the last six times the Fed has raised rates, you've seen the dollar go lower, not higher," Verrone said Friday on "Trading Nation." "So this price action really hasn't been that abnormal from what history tells us should happen. I think the question here is, tactically, do we set up for a bounce? Look to 92.5, 93 for support in the near term."

On Monday, the dollar index was trading at 93.91, and has declined more than 8 percent this year.

That why people who fear cannot earn big money. Just untung sedikit-sedikit.

Copper up on China growth, weak US dollar
JULY 24, 20177:51AM
Maytaal AngelReuters
Copper has hit a 4-1/2 month peak, fuelled by strong growth in top copper consumer China, a weak US dollar and worries about supply disruptions.

The dollar hit a two year low versus the euro, as the single currency rallied on bets the European Central Bank would tweak its policy stimulus in the autumn.

A weaker dollar makes dollar-priced copper cheaper for non-US investors.

Also helping copper, China's economy expanded faster-than-expected in the second quarter, data showed Monday, setting the country on course to comfortably meet its 2017 growth target.


"Overall demand in China is not that bad at all," said Richard Fu, head of Asia and Pacific at LME Floor Member AMT.

"In general global economic figures are improving, there's supply disruptions here and there, plus the Chinese want to cut metal production in order to tackle pollution and over-capacity," he added.

FUNDAMENTALS

* LME COPPER: Three-month LME copper rose 1.17 per cent to $US6,028 a tonne by 0956 GMT, having earlier hit its highest since March 1 at $US6,042.50.

* INVENTORIES: Copper inventories in Shanghai Futures Exchange-monitored warehouses fell 4.9 per cent from last Friday to their lowest since January.

* PERU STRIKES: Unionised workers in Peru, the world's second-biggest copper producer, began a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against labour reforms, but significant disruptions to output were not expected.

* WAGE TALKS: Union-represented workers and management at Antofagasta's Zaldivar copper mine failed to reach a wage deal on Thursday and agreed to extend government-mediated talks into next week.

* COPPER DEFICIT: The global world refined copper market showed a 53,000 tonnes deficit in April, compared with an 18,000 tonnes deficit in March, industry data showed.

* CHINA FORECASTS: The Asian Development Bank raised its 2017 and 2018 growth forecasts for China and other countries in the region.

* ALUMINIUM OUTPUT: Daily average primary aluminium output excluding China rose to 70,300 tonnes in June, from 70,000 tonnes in May, industry data showed.

"Although sweeping production cuts were announced in recent months, especially in China, they have not been implemented so far or have been offset by new capacities. We see no justification for the high aluminium price," said Commerzbank in a note.

* SPREADS: Discounts of cash copper, aluminium and lead to their three-month contracts were near multi-year highs, signalling ample nearby supply. , ,

* US ECONOMY: Jobless claims fell more than expected to the lowest level in nearly five months, suggesting strong job gains that should continue to underpin economic growth.

* TRUMPCARE: Republicans failed to resolve differences on healthcare legislation, fuelling doubts that President Donald Trump can deliver promised economic stimulus that would boost demand for metals.

Copper up on China growth, weak US dollar
JULY 24, 20177:51AM
Maytaal AngelReuters
Copper has hit a 4-1/2 month peak, fuelled by strong growth in top copper consumer China, a weak US dollar and worries about supply disruptions.

The dollar hit a two year low versus the euro, as the single currency rallied on bets the European Central Bank would tweak its policy stimulus in the autumn.

A weaker dollar makes dollar-priced copper cheaper for non-US investors.

Also helping copper, China's economy expanded faster-than-expected in the second quarter, data showed Monday, setting the country on course to comfortably meet its 2017 growth target.


"Overall demand in China is not that bad at all," said Richard Fu, head of Asia and Pacific at LME Floor Member AMT.

"In general global economic figures are improving, there's supply disruptions here and there, plus the Chinese want to cut metal production in order to tackle pollution and over-capacity," he added.

FUNDAMENTALS

* LME COPPER: Three-month LME copper rose 1.17 per cent to $US6,028 a tonne by 0956 GMT, having earlier hit its highest since March 1 at $US6,042.50.

* INVENTORIES: Copper inventories in Shanghai Futures Exchange-monitored warehouses fell 4.9 per cent from last Friday to their lowest since January.

* PERU STRIKES: Unionised workers in Peru, the world's second-biggest copper producer, began a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against labour reforms, but significant disruptions to output were not expected.

* WAGE TALKS: Union-represented workers and management at Antofagasta's Zaldivar copper mine failed to reach a wage deal on Thursday and agreed to extend government-mediated talks into next week.

* COPPER DEFICIT: The global world refined copper market showed a 53,000 tonnes deficit in April, compared with an 18,000 tonnes deficit in March, industry data showed.

* CHINA FORECASTS: The Asian Development Bank raised its 2017 and 2018 growth forecasts for China and other countries in the region.

* ALUMINIUM OUTPUT: Daily average primary aluminium output excluding China rose to 70,300 tonnes in June, from 70,000 tonnes in May, industry data showed.

"Although sweeping production cuts were announced in recent months, especially in China, they have not been implemented so far or have been offset by new capacities. We see no justification for the high aluminium price," said Commerzbank in a note.

* SPREADS: Discounts of cash copper, aluminium and lead to their three-month contracts were near multi-year highs, signalling ample nearby supply. , ,

* US ECONOMY: Jobless claims fell more than expected to the lowest level in nearly five months, suggesting strong job gains that should continue to underpin economic growth.

* TRUMPCARE: Republicans failed to resolve differences on healthcare legislation, fuelling doubts that President Donald Trump can deliver promised economic stimulus that would boost demand for metals.

Copper prices grind away at overhead resistance

21st July, 2017 11:32 AM by Will Adams
FastMarkets

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are up by an average of 0.5% this morning, Friday July 21. Tin is bucking the trend with prices off 0.1% at $20,090 per tonne, while the rest have gains of between 0.4% for aluminium and 0.7% for zinc, with three-month copper prices up 0.6% at $6,009 per tonne. Copper seems to be grinding away at overhead supply.

Volume has been average with 6,334 lots traded as of 07:22 BST.

This comes after a day of consolidation on Thursday when copper, lead and tin closed slightly higher, aluminium and zinc closed off around 0.3% and nickel dropped 1.5% to $9,510 per tonne.

U.S. Dollar Sunk by Wave of Buying in Aussie, Euro
23 hours agoByJames Hyerczyk
The U.S. Dollar hit its lowest level against a basket of currencies since August 2016 last week as a boatload of negative factors piled up against the Greenback, causing investors to lose confidence in the currency.
September U.S. Dollar Index futures finished the week at 93.679, down 1.251 or -1.32%.
U.S. Dollar Index
Weekly September U.S. Dollar Index
The dollar was under pressure at the start of the week because dovish comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen and disappointing consumer inflation and retail sales the previous week lowered the chances of a third Fed rate hike later in the year.
Last week’s selling pressure came in waves. The first wave of selling was fueled by a steep rally in the Australian Dollar that was caused by hawkish comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The second wave of selling was attributed to hawkish comments from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, which drove the Euro to a multi-year high.

U.S. Dollar Sunk by Wave of Buying in Aussie, Euro
23 hours agoByJames Hyerczyk
The U.S. Dollar hit its lowest level against a basket of currencies since August 2016 last week as a boatload of negative factors piled up against the Greenback, causing investors to lose confidence in the currency.
September U.S. Dollar Index futures finished the week at 93.679, down 1.251 or -1.32%.
U.S. Dollar Index
Weekly September U.S. Dollar Index
The dollar was under pressure at the start of the week because dovish comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen and disappointing consumer inflation and retail sales the previous week lowered the chances of a third Fed rate hike later in the year.
Last week’s selling pressure came in waves. The first wave of selling was fueled by a steep rally in the Australian Dollar that was caused by hawkish comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The second wave of selling was attributed to hawkish comments from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, which drove the Euro to a multi-year high.

U.S. Dollar Sunk by Wave of Buying in Aussie, Euro
23 hours agoByJames Hyerczyk
The U.S. Dollar hit its lowest level against a basket of currencies since August 2016 last week as a boatload of negative factors piled up against the Greenback, causing investors to lose confidence in the currency.
September U.S. Dollar Index futures finished the week at 93.679, down 1.251 or -1.32%.
U.S. Dollar Index
Weekly September U.S. Dollar Index
The dollar was under pressure at the start of the week because dovish comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen and disappointing consumer inflation and retail sales the previous week lowered the chances of a third Fed rate hike later in the year.
Last week’s selling pressure came in waves. The first wave of selling was fueled by a steep rally in the Australian Dollar that was caused by hawkish comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The second wave of selling was attributed to hawkish comments from European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, which drove the Euro to a multi-year high.

Net total asset: RM0.59

218% = up to RM 0.50

Us dollar index is 93.97 down from previous close 94.24

Washington: The United States is closely and carefully following the border standoff between India and China, the Trump Administration said today urging the two countries to engage in dialogue to "reduce tension".

"This is a situation that we are following closely and carefully. I'd have to refer you to the governments of India and China for more information on that," State Department Spokesman Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference.


Responding to a question, she said the Indians and Chinese are talking on those issues.

"They're going to talk to one another," she said ahead of the Beijing visit of the National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval to attend the BRICS meeting on July 27 and 28.

"We would encourage them to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," Ms Nauert said.

India yesterday said it is ready for talks with China with both sides first pulling back their armies to end the tense standoff in the Sikkim sector, stressing the need for a "peaceful resolution" of border issues.

Bottom falling out of US dollar: Drops to near 2-year low vs the euro, 2017 loss now 10%
The dollar hit a nearly two-year low against the euro, after the European Central Bank signaled it could start discussing in the fall a plan to pare back its bond purchases.
The dollar was also under pressure because of concerns the Russian investigation could slow down tax reform and other pro-growth policies of the Trump administration.
One strategist said there's no longer any resistance against dollar weakening.
Patti Domm | @pattidomm

Bottom falling out of US dollar: Drops to near 2-year low vs the euro, 2017 loss now 10%
The dollar hit a nearly two-year low against the euro, after the European Central Bank signaled it could start discussing in the fall a plan to pare back its bond purchases.
The dollar was also under pressure because of concerns the Russian investigation could slow down tax reform and other pro-growth policies of the Trump administration.
One strategist said there's no longer any resistance against dollar weakening.
Patti Domm | @pattidomm

NEW ISSUE OF SECURITIES (CHAPTER 6 OF LISTING REQUIREMENTS) : FUND RAISING PRINSIPTEK CORPORATION BERHAD ("PCB" OR THE "COMPANY") PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF UP TO 10% OF THE ISSUED SHARES IN PCB

KUALA LUMPUR: AmInvestment Research sees the ringgit trading around 4.12 to 4.15 to the US dollar on Friday following several concerns affecting the greenback.

In a note to clients, the research house pointed out that it appears that the US$ is on the hit due to (1) concerns the Russian investigation may slowdown tax reform & other growth policies; (2) the potential story of Euro tapering; and (3) slower interest rate hike cycle by the Fed.

“These noises somewhat support our view that the intraday trade for ringgit against the US$ could reach around 4.12-4.15 from our fundamental analysis during our computation.

KUALA LUMPUR: AmInvestment Research sees the ringgit trading around 4.12 to 4.15 to the US dollar on Friday following several concerns affecting the greenback.

In a note to clients, the research house pointed out that it appears that the US$ is on the hit due to (1) concerns the Russian investigation may slowdown tax reform & other growth policies; (2) the potential story of Euro tapering; and (3) slower interest rate hike cycle by the Fed.

“These noises somewhat support our view that the intraday trade for ringgit against the US$ could reach around 4.12-4.15 from our fundamental analysis during our computation.

Remember, now be your friends, future at be your enemy. Now your enemy, future may be your friends. No forever friends or enemy.

India join US side against China.

July 20, 2017 10:00 am JST
In a signal to China, India joins US-Japan naval exercises
Beijing's ramped-up Indian Ocean activity has New Delhi on 'full alert'
AKIRA HAYAKAWA, Nikkei staff writer
MUMBAI India is stepping up its guard against China on the high seas as well. In the Indian Ocean, on the sea route in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, a joint exercise was recently conducted by Japan, the U.S. and India.

The Indian navy sent an aircraft carrier to the event for the first time, and the exercise was carried out in mid-July with the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense warship Izumo, a helicopter carrier.

The joint exercises have been conducted intermittently since 2007, and the three countries all say they are not targeted at any specific country. However, they apparently hope to send a message to China. In particular, "India has been on full alert for China's move," according to a person involved in the joint exercise, as the Indian navy has spotted a dozen Chinese warships and other vessels as well as submarines in the Indian Ocean in past two months.

China has been increasingly active around the Indian Ocean in recent years. A Chinese submarine entered the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka in 2014. In the east, port construction led by China is under way in Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the west, the port of Gwadar in southern Pakistan was built with Chinese support, and Chinese warships and other vessels have called there. The Chinese navy has set up a base in Djibouti in Africa as well.

At the U.S.-India summit in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding cooperation in defense and security. In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Modi agreed to strengthen cooperation in naval security.

July 20, 2017 10:00 am JST
In a signal to China, India joins US-Japan naval exercises
Beijing's ramped-up Indian Ocean activity has New Delhi on 'full alert'
AKIRA HAYAKAWA, Nikkei staff writer
MUMBAI India is stepping up its guard against China on the high seas as well. In the Indian Ocean, on the sea route in China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, a joint exercise was recently conducted by Japan, the U.S. and India.

The Indian navy sent an aircraft carrier to the event for the first time, and the exercise was carried out in mid-July with the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense warship Izumo, a helicopter carrier.

The joint exercises have been conducted intermittently since 2007, and the three countries all say they are not targeted at any specific country. However, they apparently hope to send a message to China. In particular, "India has been on full alert for China's move," according to a person involved in the joint exercise, as the Indian navy has spotted a dozen Chinese warships and other vessels as well as submarines in the Indian Ocean in past two months.

China has been increasingly active around the Indian Ocean in recent years. A Chinese submarine entered the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka in 2014. In the east, port construction led by China is under way in Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the west, the port of Gwadar in southern Pakistan was built with Chinese support, and Chinese warships and other vessels have called there. The Chinese navy has set up a base in Djibouti in Africa as well.

At the U.S.-India summit in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding cooperation in defense and security. In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Modi agreed to strengthen cooperation in naval security.

China’s tanks and soldiers ‘READY FOR WAR’ as army hurtles to border
CHINA has sent thousands of tanks and vehicles to its border amid fears of a looming explosive war.




7
By Henry Holloway / Published 19th July 2017
People's Liberation ArmyGETTY
CHINA: People's Liberation Army forces have been shipped a disputed border
Beijing has deployed the People’s Liberation Army to its western frontier over a deepening feud with rival India.

Military hardware has been shipped on freight trains to the Sikkim province as conflict looms.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours have been at each others throats as they both stake a claim to disputed lands on the border.

Soldiers and ground vehicles have been deployed as China carries out live fire drills in the Himalayas.

China’s tanks and soldiers ‘READY FOR WAR’ as army hurtles to border
CHINA has sent thousands of tanks and vehicles to its border amid fears of a looming explosive war.




7
By Henry Holloway / Published 19th July 2017
People's Liberation ArmyGETTY
CHINA: People's Liberation Army forces have been shipped a disputed border
Beijing has deployed the People’s Liberation Army to its western frontier over a deepening feud with rival India.

Military hardware has been shipped on freight trains to the Sikkim province as conflict looms.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours have been at each others throats as they both stake a claim to disputed lands on the border.

Soldiers and ground vehicles have been deployed as China carries out live fire drills in the Himalayas.

Quickly run. Yes. Yes. Come to papa at 0.09.

Chase them all. Scare them all.

0.09 is coming. Yes.

PETALING JAYA: With scale being an increasingly important factor in the local banking industry, talk has now emerged that Alliance Financial Group Bhd (AFG) could be looking to merge with Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB).

The twist, though, is that AFG, which is the smallest financial institution in Malaysia in terms of asset size, could be the acquirer in the potential merger and acquisition (M&A) exercise, instead of being the target company to be acquired, according to UOBKayHian Research.

“Scale has always been a stumbling block for AFG. Without scale, the group has to stay competitive by targeting niche segments, while investments would require longer payback periods without the benefits of economies of scale ... as such, it is not surprising that the latest market rumours involve a potential merger with HLB and AFG being the potential acquirer,” the brokerage wrote in its report.

HLB is the fifth-largest lender by assets in Malaysia. The 64%-owned unit of Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd is listed as the main earnings driver for its parent company.

Meanwhile, AFG last Thursday dismissed speculation that it was the subject of a merger. The bank, which saw some changes in shareholding, said it was financially sound and looking to lift its returns to shareholders.

In rationalising the potential M&A between AFG and HLB, UOBKayHian said completion of the exercise would result in a quantum leap in AFG’s scale, with its branch network increasing from 94 to 394 branches. This would outpace Malayan Banking Bhd’s 363 domestic branches.

In addition, the merged entity would be valued at RM266bil in terms of total assets. This would make it the fifth-largest institution after the merged RHB Bank Bhd-AMMB Holdings Bhd.

“Such a merger will likely be near-term dilutive, but the potential synergies that can be derived from the quantum leap in scale and cross-selling opportunities arising from a low level of customer duplication and expertise would be highly beneficial for AFG over the longer term,” UOBKayHian explained.

“Given AFG’s small scale, duplication can be well-contained and the cultural similarities of both banks will ensure lower execution risk post-merger,” it said.

AFG’s strength lies in the small and medium enterprise (SME) segment, which provides for a strong SME CASA (current and savings account) base, whereas HLB’s strength is within the more affluent consumer segment, which provides for a strong retail deposit base.

“In terms of structural similarities, both banks have a fairly strong liquidity franchise and cost discipline, with HLB having a slightly stronger asset quality edge,” UOBKayHian said.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The outlook for the U.S. dollar turned even more bearish on Tuesday after healthcare reform legislation again failed to pass in Congress, casting further doubt on whether the Trump administration will be able to progress to tax reform, infrastructure improvements, and banking deregulation.

The U.S. dollar index .DXY that tracks the greenback's strength against major currencies slid to an 10-month low in the wake of setback to President Trump's agenda.

And with the euro and yen both gaining on the possibility that the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan will raise interest rates later this year as their economies improve, the dollar's decline of the past five months may well continue.

"The prospects for the dollar have turned bearish for the rest of year," said Minh Trang, senior currency trader at Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, California.

By Hideyuki Sano
TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. dollar sank to a 10-month low against a basket of major currencies on Tuesday, hobbled by uncertainty over the pace of the Federal Reserve's policy tightening and worries that President Donald Trump will fail to deliver healthcare reforms.
The dollar's index against a basket of six major currencies sank to a 10-month low of 94.75. From its 14-year peak of 103.82 touched on Jan. 3, it has lost 8.4 percent.
Two more Republican Senators, Jerry Moran and Mike Lee, announced their opposition on Monday to a revised Republican healthcare bill, delivering a serious blow to the legislation.
"If the bills won't pass, there will be no money for tax cuts. The implementation of his fiscal policy will be difficult," said Bart Wakabayashi, Tokyo Branch Manager of State Street.
Friday's weak reading on U.S. inflation and retail sales also fanned speculation that the Fed may not have justification for another rate hike by the end of this year, despite policymakers' projection for such a move.
Money market instruments are now pricing in less than 50 percent chance of a rate increase during the rest of the year.
In contrast, central bank policymakers in the euro zone, the UK and Canada have recently signaled they could adjust their policies, with the Bank of Canada raising rates last week for the first time since 2010.

By Hideyuki Sano
TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. dollar sank to a 10-month low against a basket of major currencies on Tuesday, hobbled by uncertainty over the pace of the Federal Reserve's policy tightening and worries that President Donald Trump will fail to deliver healthcare reforms.
The dollar's index against a basket of six major currencies sank to a 10-month low of 94.75. From its 14-year peak of 103.82 touched on Jan. 3, it has lost 8.4 percent.
Two more Republican Senators, Jerry Moran and Mike Lee, announced their opposition on Monday to a revised Republican healthcare bill, delivering a serious blow to the legislation.
"If the bills won't pass, there will be no money for tax cuts. The implementation of his fiscal policy will be difficult," said Bart Wakabayashi, Tokyo Branch Manager of State Street.
Friday's weak reading on U.S. inflation and retail sales also fanned speculation that the Fed may not have justification for another rate hike by the end of this year, despite policymakers' projection for such a move.
Money market instruments are now pricing in less than 50 percent chance of a rate increase during the rest of the year.
In contrast, central bank policymakers in the euro zone, the UK and Canada have recently signaled they could adjust their policies, with the Bank of Canada raising rates last week for the first time since 2010.