WOTS Friday 6/29/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,182.0000 | 1,167.7000 | 1,174.7000 | | 13:41 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,909.5000 | 22,599.0000 | 22,734.0000 | | 08:55 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.6305 | 6.5965 | 6.6008 | | 18:16 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3028 | 0.3017 | 0.3020 | | 18:00 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.3120 | 1.3051 | 1.3118 | | 18:16 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,396.0000 | 14,217.3000 | 14,242.3000 | | 18:14 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Baghdad/ Iraq TradeLink: Tomorrow, Saturday, is the last day in the life of the Iraqi parliament, if it
did not vote on its fourth amendment.
Legaal experts believe that the parliamentary term is a “contract” between the MPs and the Iraqi people, so the MPs have no permission to extend the contracted period.
Though the re-checking the ballot boxes will start the next week, some political sources said that the blocs agreed to keep the situation as it is though the election was “forged and not right”.
Other sources believed that the re-checking will not “rectify” the electoral process which was paralyzed with the volume of forgery, so they expected that great number of the coming MPs in the next parliaments were “forgery elements not occupying their posts by the will of the people”.
Some other sources expected that a special session will be held today evening, though it is a holiday, predicting a “psychological shock”, including the cancellation of the elections or re-checking the ballot boxes by 100%.
Sadr Orders Scale Down of Affiliated Militia
Security forces start a large security operation in Kirkuk
Friday June 29, 2018 KIRKUK /
A security source in Kirkuk, on Friday, the start of a wide security plan to secure all cities and outskirts of the province.
The source told Al-Ghad Press that "we have started implementing a plan we have called (the Kirkuk security plan) that includes joint and moving airliners through dividing the city into sections and conducting inspections."
The plan is a joint action of the anti-terrorism agency and the national intelligence and security services and intelligence," he said. "The plan also includes similar work in the parties with the redeployment and changing of the positions of the federal police and popular mobilization." وThe source pointed out that the plan "aims to increase the security of the center of Kirkuk and its parties." d
Low oil prices amid escalating trade disputes
29/06/2018
The price of oil fell on Friday amid growing trade disputes between the United States and other major economies, although crude markets are still in short supply due to supply disruption, rising demand and imminent US sanctions on Tehran.
US WTI hit $ 73.18 a barrel by 0708 GMT, down 26 cents, or 0.4 percent, from the previous settlement.
West Texas Intermediate crude <WTI> hit its highest level since November 2014, at $ 74.03 a barrel on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures were 16 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $ 77.69 a barrel.
The decline came on Friday, amid escalating trade disputes between the United States on the one hand and major economies including China, India and the European Union on the other.
In addition, the US government is trying to block access to world oil markets to Iran when its sanctions are fully applied to Tehran in November.
Many top Iranian oil buyers, including Japan, India and South Korea, have already expressed their intention to stop importing Iranian crude unless Washington gives them an exemption from sanctions.
Until then, Asia seems to be getting as much oil as Iran, with tracking data from other ships and government showed that imports of major oil buyers in Asia from Iranian crude rose to an eight-month high in May.
China, India, Japan and South Korea imported 1.8 million bpd from Iran last month. That is about 15 percent higher than a year ago
West Texas Intermediate crude <WTI> hit its highest level since November 2014, at $ 74.03 a barrel on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures were 16 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $ 77.69 a barrel.
The decline came on Friday, amid escalating trade disputes between the United States on the one hand and major economies including China, India and the European Union on the other.
In addition, the US government is trying to block access to world oil markets to Iran when its sanctions are fully applied to Tehran in November.
Many top Iranian oil buyers, including Japan, India and South Korea, have already expressed their intention to stop importing Iranian crude unless Washington gives them an exemption from sanctions.
Until then, Asia seems to be getting as much oil as Iran, with tracking data from other ships and government showed that imports of major oil buyers in Asia from Iranian crude rose to an eight-month high in May.
China, India, Japan and South Korea imported 1.8 million bpd from Iran last month. That is about 15 percent higher than a year ago
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi parliament speaker Salim al-Jubouri said Saturday was the last day of the current parliament's mandate, according to the constitution, unless he extended his term for another specific term.
He stressed that the absence of the legislative power will be a defect in the system of Republican and Iraqi government. In contrast, some MPs considered that the extension of the term of Parliament is contrary to the Constitution. Report by our correspondent Ashraf Mohammed Al - Azzawi. d
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
The US Embassy in Baghdad condemns the killing of the kidnapped by a terrorist
29-06-2018 12:17 AM
The US Embassy in Baghdad, in a leaflet on its official Facebook page, on Thursday expressed its shock and anger at the killing of the eight victims kidnapped by a recent organization.
"The abduction of these brave Iraqis and the killing of them in a hideous way is further proof that Dahesh is still capable and committed to carrying out his despicable crimes," the embassy said in its publication.
The United States offered "condolences to the families of the victims, pledging to continue to work side by side with the Iraqi government to prevent the re-emergence of Dahesh and the fight against terrorism."
Abu Mahdi Engineer from the Iraqi-Syrian border: reinforcements will arrive successively to our positions on the border
Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press:
The head of the popular crowd, Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, from the Iraqi-Syrian border, said Friday that the reinforcements would arrive at our positions on the border.
The deputy chairman of the popular crowd Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis led a delegation of senior military and security commander, on a tour of the Iraqi-Syrian border in a preview of the location of targeting the headquarters of the forces of the crowd on the border," the crowd said in a statement.
اOur forces at the border are on high alert," the engineer said, according to the statement.
The military reinforcements will eventually reach our positions on the border strip," he said.
was awarded a five-year contract with the amount o 86.7 million dollars for supporting the Iraqi Air Force.
The contract will provide logistics support, technical assistance, air craft ground equipment, repairs and training on the six C-130 J air crafts.
It is expected to be completed by the end of June, 2022.
Kirkuk: Seven Iraqi Policemen Killed, Injured in Clash with IS
A security source from the province confirmed the report to Shafaq News, detailing “the troops of the 19th brigade of the Federal Police clashed with the Islamic State militants after besieging them in Helwati village in Hawija,” Iraqi News reported. An unknown number of IS jihadists were also killed during the confrontation, according to the source.d
Iraqi Court Sentences Three IS Convicts to Death
ERBIL — A court in Iraq’s capital ordered the death penalties for three men over membership in the terrorist group of Islamic State (IS).
Spokesperson of the High Judicial Council, Abdul-Sattar al-Bayraqdar, said on Thursday that Central Criminal Court in Baghdad “reviewed a case in which three convicts are accused of joining the Islamic State in Diyala province,” as reported by Iraqi News.
One of the convicts “was [IS’s] head of a military detachment, while another worked within the military and security departments, and the third was the secretary of the weapon stashes in Diyala province.”
Iraqi security forces seized weapons and explosive devices during the arrest of the three men.
Earlier this weak, Bayraqdar revealed that six other death sentences were issued by Dhi Qar court for IS members.
Iraqi Prime Minsiter Haider al-Abadi earlier on Thursday ordered the immediate execution of IS jihadists on the death row.
His order was in retaliation to the group’s execution of eight Iraqi nationals this week
Kauaihn Economic Times:
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Deep insights, broad solutions: How banks can win in the vast housing ecosystem
South China Morning Post
The Washington Post
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
How a 29-year-old is using blockchain and A.I. to cut energy bills by up to 25 percent
CNBC
CNBC
"If you have a very strong belief that the system is not right, the best person to fix it is you," Julius Tan told CNBC Make It. Read the full story
You can avoid—or fix—these 20 common money mistakesMarketWatch
Whether you’re saving, investing, or paying off debt, these common pitfalls can cost you big. Read the full story
How to save up to $50 a day when you rent a car
Renting a car this summer? You may be able to spend a lot less than you think.
Don't let your kid get a credit card until they can pass this test
Money expert Farnoosh Torabi explains how to know when kids are ready for plastic.
This Woman Saved $100,000 in 3.5 Years on a $54,000 Salary. Here's How
Money
Her philosophies can apply to everyone. Read the full story
Wayne T. Essex
Essex and Associates Inc. --- Tax, Accounting, Payroll
New postcard-sized tax Form 1040 is not so simple
The tax postcard also isn't nearly as simple as its smaller size would have taxpayers believe.
The good news about the new postcard-sized Form 1040 is that it is, as promised, smaller.
The bad news is that in condensing the form, the Internal Revenue Service removed many popular above-the-line deductions that survived the actual new tax law itself.
The omission of tax return lines that filers have used for decades means that taxpayers will be forced to search for the deductions and tally them on one of six accompanying work sheets.
Change isn't always better: When Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the radical revamping of the 1040 last week, he touted the reduced-size form as a time-saving change created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
But judging from a sneak peek at the form, it looks to me like the proposed tax return revisions will benefit tax software companies and tax professional's more than individual taxpayers.
There's nothing in the draft form, by itself that will simplify tax season for most filers.
The new 1040 only adds needless complexity and confusion. The longer Form 1040, which all taxpayers have used for decades, is being replaced, with a postcard filing that will only complicate tax filing.
Not just the 1040, but the 1040A and 1040EZ, too: If you think you can avoid the hassle of new added worksheets by simply using one of the other two tax returns, the 1040A or 1040EZ, think again.
The new postcard 1040 will replace not just the long 1040, which has been around since the dawn of the (sort of) modern tax code in 1913, but also the slightly shorter 1040A and the 1040EZ, which was created for folks with, as the name indicates, easy tax situations and no dependents.
Envelope required: Finally, about that postcard tax return. It's not really one.
If you're generous, you could describe it as an over-sized souvenir postcard. The proposed new 1040 is about half a regular page, with tax lines to be completed on both sides. Obviously, it's not designed to be used as a real postcard.
So, if you're a committed paper return taxpayer, you're going to have to put this relatively smaller 1040 into an envelope and use a regular first-class Forever stamp to get it to Uncle Sam's tax collector.
As usual, when the government is involved, they make things more difficult. If you ever needed a professional tax preparer, 2018 is the year.
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold extends bearish skid, at risk of marking worst losing streak in nearly 5 months
MarketWatch
MarketWatch
Gold futures retreats early Thursday and are on pace to notch a fourth consecutive loss, underlining a downtrend that has taken hold of the precious metal that has been walloped by recent momentum in the U.S. dollar. Read the full story
Gold edges higher, but lingers near 6-month trough
Gold prices inched up on Thursday, but hovered close to an over six-month low hit in the previous session.
Gold slips as investors turn to rival safe haven assets
Gold prices hit a fresh six-and-a-half-month low on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar steadied and investors turned to other safe-haven assets.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/
Oil prices top $72 as US crude stockpiles drop by 9.9 million barrels, more than expected
Oil prices rose on Wednesday on a supply disruption in Canada, falling U.S. crude stocks, uncertainty over Libyan exports and after U.S. officials told importers to stop buying Iranian crude from November.
Future of big oil increasingly shaped by fateof global gas
FurtherAfrica
Big Oil’s fortunes are becoming tied more closely to natural gas than ever before. Read the full story
US oil dips as markets well supplied despite strong demand, outages
U.S. oil prices dipped from three-and-a-half year highs on Thursday as physical markets remained well supplied despite record demand and ongoing disruptions.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/
China's about to become the world's top natural gas importer
Business Insider
China is seeing a big increase in its appetite for natural gas. China has recently caught markets by surprise with its gas usage ahead of winter. The International Energy Agency came out with a report saying China will become the world's top natural gas importer by next year. The Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its Gas 2018 annual report on Tuesday that China will become the world's top natural gas importer, boosted by liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, by next year. The Read the full story
How Is Freeport Likely To Be Impacted If Copper Prices Continue To Decline?
Forbes Magazine
Copper prices have displayed significant volatility since the beginning of the current year and the price prediction for the red metal has become increasingly difficult given the current scenario of the U.S.- China trade war. In this note, we will be highlighting the potential impact on Freeport... Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Bank Stocks Extend Their Longest Losing Streak Ever
Investor's Business Daily
Investor's Business Daily
Bank stocks hit a record of losses as the S&P 500 Financials Index fell for the 13th straight day, the longest losing streak on record. Read the full story
Banks just posted the longest losing streak ever, and it could get a lot worse
CNBC
It’s a big bust in the big bank space. The XLF financial ETF's sell-off has caused major technical damage to the charts, according to one market watcher. Read the full story
Citi's plan for its fastest-growing region: Fewer branches, more onlineCNBC
Building digital capabilities has allowed Citibank to grow its consumer banking business in Asia even though it has reduced the number of physical branches. Read the full story
HSBC hopes to attract more customers with a robot named Pepper
MarketWatch
HSBC this week introduced the humanoid helper at a branch in New York. Read the full story
JPMorgan Chase takes smartphone account 'Finn' nationwide
Reuters
JPMorgan Chase & Co said on Thursday that it is now offering a digital bank account for smartphones nationally after testing and refining the app in St. Louis since October. Read the full story
Deep insights, broad solutions: How banks can win in the vast housing ecosystem
McKinsey Insights
Deep insights, broad solutions: How banks can The value of an ecosystem is closely tied to how many connections it can make in the service of customer needs. To strengthen their natural position in housing, banks must broaden their scope without losing their focus on individual consumers. The digital revolution has upended the value and supply chains of many global markets but has made little impact on the very largest: housing. The value of residential real estate is staggering—$24.5 trillion in the United States alone, greater than the Read the full story
Why one proxy for the health of the U.S. economy just logged its worst losing streak ever
MarketWatch
It is unlucky 13 for financials. A popular bet on the banking sector has been extending the worst losing streak ever, underscoring the headwinds facing lenders, Read the full story
How to get your first credit card
Building credit now can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Here are 3 easy ways to get started.
We looked at the 35 most popular travel credit cards—here's our pick for No. 1
Some travel cards come packed with rewards. Others save you hundreds a year. CNBC names the best travel card overall.
Bank mailings surge more than 40% as lenders pull out all the stops to get people to borrow more
CNBC
Homes are being inundated with mail solicitations from companies like Marcus, Elevate and Lending Club, hoping to supply personal loans to consumers. In all, 10 nonbank lenders that Credit Suisse tracks sent out 368 million pieces during May, a volume increase of 10 percent over April and a jump of 41 percent from the same period a year ago, according to Credit Suisse. Read the full story
Deutsche Bank woes a positive for major U.S. banks: investor Kass
Reuters
Hedge fund investor Doug Kass said on Wednesday that he is adding to his already large bank exposure in Citigroup Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America Corp and Wells Fargo & Co as Deutsche Bank AG's problems "will benefit large U.S. money center banks." Read the full story
A Breakdown Of The Loan Portfolios Of The Largest U.S. Banks
Forbes Magazine
The five largest U.S. banks have a combined loan portfolio of almost $3.8 trillion, which represents 40% of the total loans handed out by all U.S. commercial banks. Read the full story
Deutsche Bank's U.S. brokerage fined $1.4 million for reporting problems
Business Insider
FILE PHOTO: A Deutsche Bank sign is seen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Thomson Reuters NEW YORK (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank AG's U.S. securities division agreed to pay a $1.4 million fine to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority on Wednesday to settle charges that it violated reporting and supervisory rules related to equity and municipal bond trades. Deutsche Bank declined to comment on the matter. The German bank did not admit nor deny the charges. FINRA, the U.S. securities Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Thursday
Investing.com
Investing.com
© Reuters. 5 key factors for the markets on Thursday Read the full story
Stocks look shaky, and it could be a warning
CNBC
As the first half of the year comes to an end, the stock market is looking especially wobbly. Read the full story
Wall Street stocks are having an awful year
Axios
It's been a strong year for the U.S. economy, but not for Wall Street stocks. Bottom line: The nation's biggest banks have lost value in 2018, despite generally strong earnings, increased corporate merger activity, rising interest rates and all of them passing their Federal Reserve "stress tests." There is no firm consensus on why it's happening, although higher U.S. Treasury yields are a popular culprit. Data: Yahoo! Finance through market close yesterday; Chart: Lazaro Gamio/Axios Read the full story
‘Godfather’ of chart analysis says stock market now dealing with ‘uglier action’
MarketWatch
Prominent market technician Ralph Acampora is getting a little skittish about recent moves in the stock market, notably in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Read the full story
US Treasury yields slip as trade concerns linger, Trump reveals foreign investment plan
U.S. government debt prices climbed on Wednesday.
Here’s why stock-market investors are so worried about the U.S.-China trade skirmish
MarketWatch
It’s the U.S. battle with China over trade that seems to get the most attention. Here’s why. Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Bitcoin Price Defends $6K as Traders Go Long
CoinDesk
CoinDesk
Bitcoin's technical charts continue to call a drop below $6,000, yet investor activity indicates a corrective rally could be on the cards. Read the full story
Line is launching its own cryptocurrency exchange next month
TNW
Tokyo-based messaging titan Line is gearing up to launch its own cryptocurrency exchange desk – but the service will not be immediately available to all users. In an announcement on its website, the company said its new undertaking, called BITBOX, is set to take off in July. Unfortunately, the service will not be available to users... Read the full story
Bithumb Claims to Have Retrieved $14 Million in Hacked Cryptos
CoinDesk
The Korean exchange says it has clawed back some of the millions lost in a theft of cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, XRP and bitcoin cash. Read the full story
Coinbase CEO Unveils Crypto Charity for the Unbanked
CoinDesk
Coinbase CEO and co-founder Brian Armstrong wants to help the unbanked access financial services with a new charity, GiveCrypto.org. Read the full story
Dan Larimer: EOS Arbitrator 'Damage to Community' Worse Than Thefts
CoinDesk
The CTO of Block.One wants to curtail the controversial EOS arbitrator's role – if not eliminate it entirely. Read the full story
But Why? Crypto Looks for Answers As Facebook Eases Ad Ban
CoinDesk
Facebook recently announced they would lift a ban on crypto advertisements causing widespread speculation on social media over potential next steps. Read the full story
Bitcoin Today: Prices Stick Close to Flat as Traders Favor High-Value Coins
TheStreet
Bitcoin trades close to flat Wednesday. Bitcoin prices remained close to flat Wednesday after tipping into both the red and green in earlier trading. The top cryptocurrency by market value went for about $6,150 in afternoon action. Here's what you need to know in cryptocurrencies for Wednesday, June 27. Facebook Lifts Ban Facebook Inc. (FB) announced that it will at least partially lift a previously enacted ban on cryptocurrency advertisements on its platform. The social media behemoth Read the full story
CURRENCIES
The dollar's status as the world's funding currency is in question
Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance
The president is pushing foreign governments to reconsider holding dollars and U.S. Treasury reserves, analysts warn. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Steady near 11-Month Highs, Trade Uncertainty Caps Gains
Investing.com
© Reuters. Dollar steady near 11-month highs, trade uncertainty caps gains Read the full story
Dollar steady, confusion over US stance on China investment caps upside
The dollar was steady against its rivals on Thursday, though it failed to build on overnight gains.
Dollar gains as US backs softer restrictions on China investment
The euro fell on Wednesday as concern about an escalating trade conflict boosted the dollar and the yen, while the Chinese yuan slumped to a six-month low.
Forex - Sterling Hits 7-Month Lows on Household Debt, Brexit ConcernsInvesting.com
© Reuters. Sterling hits 7-month lows on household debt, Brexit concerns Read the full story
Iran protests set to continue amid collapsing currency, increasing pressure on regime
CNBC
CNBC
Protests began in Iran’s capital on Sunday, sparked by shop owners shutting their doors to voice their anger at the plummeting Iranian rial. Read the full story
The Indian rupee just tumbled to an all-time low
Business Insider
The Indian rupee has hit the lowest level on record against the greenback. The latest selloff coincided with a spike in crude oil prices. India is a major oil importer, and the third-largest source of demand behind the US and China. Emerging markets, including India, have been under pressure in recent months due to higher crude prices, higher global interest rates, and renewed geopolitical tensions. India is a large and rapidly growing economy, and also a major oil importer. And with crude Read the full story
China's yuan is falling against the dollar: Here's what's going on
CNN Money
Could China's currency become a new flashpoint in its trade fight with the United States? Read the full story
The PBOC continues to lower the currency in what analysts say may be an attempt to make exports more competitive as trade tensions escalate Read the full story
Chinese yuan fall sparks fear a trade war could turn into a currency war
CNBC
China’s currency slid to a fresh six-month low against the dollar Wednesday, sparking speculation China could use a weakened yuan as a weapon if tensions with the U.S. turn into an out-and-out trade war. Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH / SCIENCE
The Doctor's Diet: What to Eat According to a Leading Health Expert
Newsweek
Newsweek
Dr. Alessandro R Demaio has cut through the fads to compile the ideal diet. Read the full story
Intermittent fasting: Your questions answered
ABC News
Eating within a window of time has its benefits, experts say. Read the full story
Summer Can Actually Make Your Anxiety Worse & The Reasons Why May Surprise You
Bustle
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: summer is the best season, ever. The clothes are better, the tanning's better, the drinks are better, (Pimms > mulled wine), and post-work socialising is better. But there are of course some downsid… Read the full story
Medications & 6 Other Things That May Lead To Dementia
Bustle
When you're young and in good health, you don't spend much time worrying about how you can preserve your memory and prevent illness for the future. However, there are number of "innocent" habits that you didn't realize can lead to dementia, according… Read the full story
Individuality In Healthcare Is Here - Pair It With Inclusion To Achieve Better Outcomes
Forbes Magazine
As healthcare moves from fee for service to value based outcomes the role of individuality will continue to shift our thinking to how we best serve our patients and communities. Are healthcare leaders ready for this transformative shift in mindset? Read the full story
It's surprisingly hard to seek mental health help. This website can make it easier.
USA TODAY
Thero is a free website that lists qualified mental health professionals. In June, "A Community Thrives" granted the project $50,000 to help it connect victims of tragedies with free mental health help. Read the full story
How Your Genetic Data Could Be Shared Without Your Consent
Forbes Magazine
Should you get to choose if you share your genetic testing information with your relatives, or should your medical center and/or genetic testing company make that decision for you? And how would you feel if your relative shared your personal health and contact information without your consent? Read the full story
The One Natural Mosquito Repellent That Really Works
Health.com
Oil of lemon eucalyptus extract or PMD is a plant-based ingredient that has been proven to prevent mosquito bites. Here's what you need to know about PMD, plus the best mosquito repellents that contain the ingredient. Read the full story
The 6 Healthiest Sugar Substitutes, According to Food Bloggers
Health.com
Skip the refined sugar and go with these sweet substitutes—you can try them out using the recipes below. Read the full story
Sea lice reported on Florida beach
CBS News
Sea lice – microscopic pests that cause rashes underneath bathing suits – have been reported in the Pensacola area Read the full story
USA/CANADA
A new data breach may have exposed personal information of almost every American adult
MarketWatch
MarketWatch
A Florida-based company that few have heard of may have exposed the personal data of nearly every American adult, according to a new report. Read the full story
The meeting signals a growing rapprochement between the United States and Russia. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have pursued the tete-a-tete in hopes of soothing tensions over Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and its aggression in Ukraine and elsewhere, despite retaliatory actions taken by both governments this year. Trump tweeted […] Read the full story
Trump and Putin agree to a summit in hopes of soothing U.S.-Russia tensions
The Washington Post
The meeting is part of growing rapprochement between Washington and Moscow amid the continued U.S. probe into Russian election interference. Read the full story
Trump’s America is outperforming the world as the economy and financial markets buck slowdown trend
South China Morning Post
Nicholas Spiro says the buoyancy of the US economy and stock market, amid declines in other countries, is likely to continue for a while, though trade tensions remain a risk Read the full story
Justice Anthony Kennedy’s Exit Sets the Stage for a Fierce Battle Over His Successor
The Wall Street Journal
Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement, setting the stage for a monumental battle over the nation’s constitutional direction, handing President Trump the chance to cement the Supreme Court’s conservative course and stoking raw passions going into this fall’s battle for Congress. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Puerto Rico makes major push for statehood, calling it a civil rights issue
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The island’s congressional representative filed a bill to make the territory the 51st state. Read the full story
Puerto Rico introduces bill to become US state
ABC News
Puerto Rico's non-voting representative in Congress is introducing a bill that seeks to make the U.S. territory a state by 2021 Read the full story
US VP Pence visits Venezuelans in Brazil who fled turmoil
ABC News
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife have offered toys and American support to Venezuelan migrants who have fled to Brazil Read the full story
A correction is coming for the US, so focus on cheaper emerging markets, asset manager says
CNBC
Contrary to market bulls who have been capitalizing on strong growth in the U.S., Mobius Capital co-founder Carlos Hardenberg says that is precisely where he sees most reason to worry. Read the full story
Investors need to know these key factors about Mexico’s presidential election
MarketWatch
Sunday’s presidential election will give Mexico a new leader, and with unorthodox candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador leading in the polls, market participants are preparing for what his administration could mean for Mexican assets and Nafta. Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
UAE offers its defense in Qatar lawsuit at UN high court
ABC News
ABC News
Accused of discrimination, United Arab Emirates defends itself against lawsuit by Qatar before UN's highest court Read the full story
Prince William visits Jerusalem's Old City sites to end 1st official royal visit
ABC News
ABC News
Prince William spent his last day visiting great-grandmother's tomb. Read the full story
Israel Readies Nuclear Reactors for a Hezbollah or Iranian Missile Strike
Newsweek
The Dimona facility is the oldest nuclear facility still working in the world. Read the full story
Exclusive: India preparing for cut in oil imports from Iran - sources
Reuters
India's oil ministry has asked refiners to prepare for a 'drastic reduction or zero' imports of Iranian oil from November, two industry sources said, the first sign that New Delhi is responding to a push by the United States to cut trade ties with Iran. Read the full story
China's latest conquest: Middle East power broker
CNBC
China has become a key influence in the Middle East amid changing regional dynamics. Read the full story
Iran protests set to continue amid collapsing currency, increasing pressure on regime
Protests began in Iran’s capital on Sunday, sparked by shop owners shutting their doors to voice their anger at the plummeting Iranian rial.
U.N. calls for return of Libyan oil resources to recognized authorities
Reuters
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced concern at developments in Libya's oil crescent on Wednesday, calling for de-escalation and the return of oil resources to recognized authorities, his spokesman said in a statement. Read the full story
AFRICA
InfraCo Africa commits $7.9m to fund hydro power project in Mozambique
FurtherAfrica
FurtherAfrica
InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), has signed a Shareholders Agreement (SHA) with local developer Tora Holding (Tora). Read the full story
Anadarko to decide on investment in Mozambique LNG export terminal in 2019
FurtherAfrica
Anadarko Petroleum Corp said Wednesday the U.S. oil and gas producer expects to finalize its sales and financing agreements in order to make a final investment decision in the first half of 2019 to build the first liquefied natural gas export terminal in Mozambique. Read the full story
ASIA
China tightens funding for real estate and infrastructure firms, limits use of offshore bond proceeds
South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post
Chinese developers have used offshore notes mainly for refinancing this year Read the full story
For China, an intentional weakening of its currency would be ill-timed
CNBC
As trade tensions flare up between the U.S. and China, many investors are asking whether Beijing will look to weaken its own currency to retaliate against Washington tariffs. Read the full story
What China's Recent Bond Defaults Mean For Investors
Forbes Magazine
China's recent corporate bond defaults have sent jitters across stock and bond markets in recent weeks. Should investors worry about the health of Chinese companies? Read the full story
Asian shares flirt with nine-month low on mounting trade war fears
Reuters
Asian stocks slumped to nine-month lows on Thursday on growing worries the U.S. administration's approach to trade is harming global economic growth even as it appeared to be modifying its approach to curb Chinese investments in U.S. technology firms. Read the full story
Trump just backed down from a big trade fight with China
Vox
He’s opting to work with Congress on a more modest measure to restrict Chinese investment in the US. Read the full story
EUROPE
May softens stance on Norway-style EU deal, at odds with cabinet Brexiteers
RT
RT
UK PM Theresa May is leaning towards a Norway-style EU withdrawal deal, which would see Britain accepting single-market membership – at least for goods – as Brexiteers press for a less-restrictive, Canada-style trade agreement. Read Full Article at RT.com Read the full story
May to talk Brexit with EU leaders impatient for progress
ABC News
ABC News
British Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a chiding from European Union leaders over the U.K.'s slow progress in planning for Brexit Read the full story
A $38 trillion financial crunch is looming on the horizon — and it could hit early next year
Business Insider
The Bank of England has warned of a possible financial crunch in the derivatives markets in the event of a hard Brexit. The central bank believes that up to £29 trillion ($38 trillion) of uncleared over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts could effectively cease to function. That's because the UK has committed to a post-Brexit implementation period, but the EU has not yet done so. European derivative markets are linked heavily between the UK and the rest of the continent. A major financial Read the full story
Brexit: May warned over 'disappointing' progress in talks
BBC News US
Theresa May is told she must "intensify" the pace of talks as she prepares to face EU leaders. Read the full story
Bank of England Says Global Financial Markets Risks Are 'Material'
TheStreet
The Bank of England's Financial Stability Report cites rising debt levels, trade tensions and funding casts as evidence that market risks are "material and have risen". The Bank of England warned Wednesday that global financial markets risks were on the increase, owing to rising debt levels in China and political uncertainty in Europe. In its regular report on global financial stability, published Wednesday in London, the Bank's Financial Policy Committee said tightening U.S. dollar funding Read the full story
Schools Reap Brexit 'Dividend' As Language Learning Plummets
Forbes Magazine
More than a third of schools report that attitudes to learning foreign languages have taken a turn for the worse since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union. Read the full story
Five things to expect from the EU summit on June 28-29
Reuters
European Union leaders meet this week to deal with some of the most difficult issues they confront, with migration topping the list. Read the full story
Trump auto tariffs would make steel tariffs ‘look like a company picnic': AutoNation CEO
CNBC
President Trump would certainly be facing a “real trade war” if he were to implement threatened tariffs on European cars and SUVs, says Mike Jackson. Read the full story
EU tariffs have wiped out our tax cut gains: Catoctin Creek co-founder
Fox News
Catoctin Creek co-founder Scott Harris on how the European Union's retaliatory tariffs have offset the company's gains from President Trump's tax cuts. Read the full story
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
CBI closed on Friday and Saturday
Kauaihn Chatter:
6-28-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru tman23 ...reality because of economic pressures in the region …business people tell me that 65 cents is all the region could handle right now with trading partners...
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [It’s the end of June, still thinking sooner or are we looking toward the fall? ] Let's see how these next couple weeks shake out! I'm pretty optimistic about our upcoming timeline.
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [It’s the end of June, still thinking sooner or are we looking toward the fall? ] Let's see how these next couple weeks shake out! I'm pretty optimistic about our upcoming timeline.
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Articles: “Union of Arab Banks Honors the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Ali Alalak as the best governor in the Arab world for the year 2018”; “Special - Ali Mohsen Ismail (Ali Alalak ) Best Governor of an Arab Central Bank .. Who is he ?” A job well done and now banks are all closed in Iraq and don’t re open until the first of July.. - fascinating. Who is he? He will be imo, not a proxy Central Bank Governor much longer.. He appears to have completed the task of economic reforms to date and the next half of the year shall be less a few zeros internationally and locally.. Imo we shall see...
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru sandyf From 2014...In an interview with IraqiNews.com al-Bajari said “The policy to delete zeros from the Iraqi currency is ready to be executed by the Central Bank, however, its implementation will be delayed by 5 years on the basis of the extreme security and political situation of the country.” Redenomination is outside the scope of the CBI and would require a Bill to go through parliament, months at least. Preparation for a redenomination is usually in the range 12 to 18 months prior to the preferred dates of Jan 1st and July 1st. Should Iraq decide to proceed with a redenomination during the next parliament then the most probable date would be 1st January 2021...
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [...Am I correct in believing that there is almost nothing that OPEC can or will do it that will have any effect on the RV?...] Iraq is still in prime position to take advantage of everything OPEC has done over the last couple years. It's almost like they are setting Iraq up for success! But at the same time, OPEC won't "force" Iraq to RV - their actions and positions are only encouraging them to do so.
6-28-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana [...Am I correct in believing that there is almost nothing that OPEC can or will do it that will have any effect on the RV?...] Iraq is still in prime position to take advantage of everything OPEC has done over the last couple years. It's almost like they are setting Iraq up for success! But at the same time, OPEC won't "force" Iraq to RV - their actions and positions are only encouraging them to do so.
6-28-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 ...Some military folks are going back to Iraq for various purposes, and they have been told NOT to take US dollars as the country is revaluing the currency, and US dollars would have to be converted when they get there.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1 (from PM Abadi's website)
The Arabic side of PM Abadi's website has been "down" since yesterday afternoon, although the English side is still available....last posting there is from June 27, 2018.
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ARTICLE 2
Tweet from Government of Iraq twitter account
Government of IraqVerified account @IraqiGovt 6-29-2018, arouond 4:45 am Eastern
The @IraqiGovt is strengthening financial inclusion so that all Iraqis are able to contribute to Iraq's economic stability and sustainable growth in line with the National Economy Plan 203
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ARTICLE 3-A
The Supreme Council warns of the decline of the agricultural sector and calls for the development of future plans for its development
2018/6/29 13:24 • 12 times read
The Supreme Council warns of the decline of the agricultural sector and calls for the development of future plans for its development.
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ARTICLE 3-B
Supreme Reference: The criminal operation against the abductors is yet another proof that the foes are enemies of all ingredients
2018/6/29 13:21 • 14 times read
Supreme Reference: The criminal operation against the abductors is yet another proof that the foes are enemies of all ingredients
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ARTICLE 4
Hakim told the American ambassador: Iraqis are able to manage their differences wisely and rationally
2018/6/28 23:20
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The head of the National Alliance Ammar al-Hakim told US Ambassador Douglas Silliman that the Iraqis are able to manage their differences wisely and rationally.
"He stressed during a meeting at his office in Baghdad Thursday evening that the ongoing political dialogues should focus on placing Iraq's interest above narrow interests," a statement from his office said.
Hakim said during the meeting that "the return to sectarian encroachment will not be in the interest of Iraqis eager to a new stage must be characterized by government performance and parliamentary effective and able to serve them."
He pointed out that "Iraqis are able to manage their differences wisely and rationally, up to national understandings that maintain the stability of Iraq and the independence of its decision and meet the aspirations of its people."
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ARTICLE 5
Abadi directed the execution of convicted terrorists
2018/6/28 21:16
[Ayna-Baghdad]
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Thursday ordered retribution of terrorists sentenced to death.
A statement issued by his office, the agency of all of Iraq [where] a copy of it today, that "Abadi immediately ordered the immediate punishment of the terrorists sentenced to death and whose judgments have gained a decisive degree."
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ARTICLE 6
"Automated Doctor" .. Intelligent application for diagnosis of diseases
2018/6/29 11:51
[Ayna-Follow]
A team of British researchers has succeeded in developing a smart application using artificial intelligence to diagnose diseases with a precise diagnosis that mimics a doctor's diagnosis by asking 30 questions to patients.
The questions address patients' feelings of pain, symptoms and complaints of illness in order to reach a possible and accurate diagnosis of their condition .. The diagnosis ranges from attacks of headache and tension or stomach cancer for the application to advise the patient to go to the nearest physician to start treatment.
The application was developed by Papillon Health and is also concerned with scheduling and booking with doctors and general practitioners through the application of Skype for free calls over the Internet.
The test showed that the performance of the application was better in evaluating the examinations of doctors and general practitioners. The application recorded 81% in the diagnosis department in a rigorous test for the trainees who must pass and was much higher than the average rate of trainees by 72%.
This comes at a time when a number of doctors opposed the effectiveness of this application, calling it "doubtful" and can never replace the consultation of the doctor, expressing concern about the omission of the application of some of the symptoms of patients to give a wrong diagnosis of serious disease.
The British government, however, wants to make the NHS a global leader in the use of technology and greatly increase the role of artificial intelligence. Last month British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt called for additional funding to invest in "ambitious" ideas to " around the world".
On the other hand, insisted the president of the company Papillon picture to apply that the application, despite its success and effectiveness, but can not replace the doctor, adding, "It may have been better in the diagnosis of some cancers compared to doctors who have examined only a small number of cancer patients every year" .
"We do not have enough doctors in the world to deal with patients' requirements."
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