Market Pulse - Asia
Russian GDP slows more-than-expected in Q3, but economists expect pick-up
Economic growth in Russia slowed over the three months to September, although some economists expected the pace of expansion to pick-up over the following year.
US and China speaking 'at all levels' ahead of G20 meet, says Kudlow
President Trump has initiated direct contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the leaders’ meeting at the G20 in Argentina at the end of the month, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told CNBC on Tuesday.
Morgan Stanley downgrades European O&G, stays 'overweight' BP
Analysts at Morgan Stanley on Tuesday downgraded their recommendation on the European Oil & Gas sector, arguing that the favourable tailwinds which had helped compress its relative dividend yield back to its historical norms had now largely passed.
Brent crude oil futures walloped as speculators pile-in
Oil prices are getting walloped as speculative accounts continue to pile-up in the complex, according to analysts.
Asia report: Most markets follow Wall Street lower
Most markets in Asia were lower as they closed on Tuesday, though China was a standout exception despite ongoing concern around trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Beijing pursues South China Sea agreement to improve trade relations
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a commitment on Tuesday to pursue a code of conduct in the territorially disputed South China Sea with its neighbours, after recent tensions with US Navy vessels in the region.
FX round-up: Sterling and euro battered, rouble gets unexpected boost
Sterling reeled against the Greenback at the start of the week as the US dollar spot index jumped to its loftiest level since May 2017.
US Treasury's Mnuchin and China's Liu He talk by phone
Top US and China officials discussed trade issues last Friday, marking just the second public sign of dialogue on the subject in six months.
FX round-up: Sterling and euro battered, rouble gets unexpected boost
Sterling reeled against the Greenback at the start of the week as the US dollar spot index jumped to its loftiest level since May 2017.
Asia report: Markets mixed as oil concerns linger
Markets in Asia finished in a mixed state on Monday, amid concern among investors around oil prices and ongoing US-China tension.
Eland joint venture lands licence renewal in Nigeria
Eland Oil & Gas on Monday confirmed that the Nigerian minister of petroleum resources has agreed to joint-venture Elcrest’s renewal of its equity participation in Oil Mining Lease 40 for a further 20 years.
Takeda to seek investor approval for Shire take-over next month; shares spike
Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced it expects to complete its $62bn takeover of Shire Pharmaceuticals in early January, sending shares in the FTSE 100 drugs group higher.
Commodities: Oil futures weaker going into OPEC meeting, natural gas jumps
Commodity prices were lower across the board at the end of the week, except for natural gas, weighed down by concerns around the Chinese economy and with another move higher in the US dollar further dampening sentiment.
China factory gate prices slip in October despite weak yuan
Consumer and factory gate prices in the People's Republic of China remained elevated last month, despite the recent weakening in the yuan and import tariffs, a trend that economists expected would continue.
Asia report: Markets dip as Chinese banks pushed to support private sector
Most Asian markets fell on Friday as seemingly ever-present trade war worries persisted and Chinese financial outfits struggled after a regulatory body announced new measures to support private companies.
Plexus reports steady losses and targets Russian market
Plexus reported a stabilised annual loss on Thursday after the £42. 5m sale of its wellhead exploration equipment services business to TechnipFMC (TFMC).
Chinese export and import growth holds up better-than-expected in October
Chinese export and import growth held up better than had been expected last month, with the former boosted by companies attempting to front-run US tariffs which were set to come in at the start of 2019.
Asia report: Markets up after Wall Street's strong midterm rally
Markets across Asia were largely positive in Thursday trade as they tracked Wall Street’s best post-midterm rally since 1982 and investor fears of a surprise election result were quelled.
WTI futures slip after "overwhelmingly bearish" DoE inventory report
US oil inventories bulged last week as domestic output jumped by more than had been expected and exports slipped.
Commodities: DoE data weighs on energy futures
An unexpectedly large build in US oil stockpiles pressured energy futures lower, dragging on a widely-followed gauge for the entire commodities complex.