Is it War or Peace?
The S&P 500 gave back some of its recent gains., reversing some of Tuesday’s hopeful price action. This reversal comes on the heels of Russia pouring cold water on headlines of constructive ceasefire talks. But in a repeat of the past few days, there was yet another systematic driven squeeze higher into the bell; otherwise,…
Europe braces for Russia gas disruption
BERLIN, RAW – Germany has triggered an emergency plan to manage gas supplies under which Europe’s largest economy could ration power if a stand-off over a Russian demand to pay for fuel with roubles disrupts or halts supplies. Moscow’s insistence on rouble payments for the Russian gas that meets a third of Europe’s annual energy…
Wall St dips, Ukraine talks optimism fades
NEW YORK CITY, RAW – US stocks have fallen, led by megacap stocks, as optimism around the Ukraine-Russia peace talks fades and concerns grow over the prospect of a rapid rise in interest rates hurting economic growth. The Kremlin said there was no sign of a breakthrough yet even though it welcomed Ukraine’s move to…
Star crime fear in VIP room ‘bags of cash’
SYDNEY, AAP – A senior Star Entertainment manager in charge of preventing financial crime inside the gambling giant’s Sydney operations will testify at a casino probe. The NSW gaming regulator’s inquiry continues on Thursday, with ongoing evidence from Star general manager, financial crime and investigations, Kevin Houlihan. Mr Houlihan has already testified his department launched…
Nurses walk off job calling for more staff
SYDNEY, AAP – Nurses across NSW are set to take industrial action in support of their demand to boost workforce numbers and secure better pay. Thursday’s strike comes a month after the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association voted in favour of historic statewide action, which subsequently saw demonstrations at 150 public hospitals. “Patients play lotto…
Magnificent seven as ASX gains continue
SYDNEY, AAP – Australian shares have closed higher for a seventh consecutive day – a feat not seen in 15 months. The market gained 0.67 per cent the day after a federal budget which pledged to put more cash in consumers’ pockets and halve the fuel excise for six months. Technology shares were best for…
More funds sought to fight cattle disease
SYDNEY, AAP – A $600 million budget commitment to Australia’s agricultural sector fails to adequately address a potentially deadly livestock disease that could decimate the cattle industry, stakeholders say. The budget doesn’t spend enough on Australia’s biosecurity system, with insufficient investment in lumpy skin disease, National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar said. “An investment of…
Qld farmers want reef law science auditor
BRISBANE, AAP – Queensland farmers are calling for a national scientific auditor to check the impact of runoff laws on the Great Barrier Reef after state parliament rejected a Katter’s Australian Party bill to ease the rules. KAP deputy leader Nick Dametto’s bill had sought wind back the Labor government’s 2019 reef protections which penalised…
Miners help ASX within 100pts of record
SYDNEY, AAP – Mining shares have helped the ASX to rise and move within 100 points of its records despite poor showings from overseas markets. The market was higher by 0.36 per cent on Thursday and has had seven consecutive days of gains. BHP, Fortescue and Rio Tinto were keeping the market up despite US…
Gold and the Rouble
A few days ago Russia’s central bank announced it would buy domestic gold at RUB5000 per XAU gram until June 30. The announcement was largely ignored due to the lack of peace agreement traction and the weak levels of USDRUB above 100.After all who would sell gold at that level However, optimism has increased significantly…
