By Rafiq Raji, PhD
Twitter: @DrRafiqRaji

Global Markets

• Asia shares subdued, May’s Brexit options eyed after crushing vote defeat
• MSCI’s Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index down slightly
• Australian shares gain 0.1 pct, Nikkei off 0.7 pct
• US stocks end up on gains in tech, internet companies
• Wall St also helped by China stimulus hopes, dovish Fed comments

Oil Markets

• Oil prices dip on signs of economic slowdown, but OPEC-led cuts provide support
• Brent crude futures down 0.3 pct at $60.46 per barrel (0146GMT)
• US WTI crude futures down 0.4 pct at $51.88 a barrel

Precious metals

• Gold prices rise as failed Brexit vote drags on dollar
• Spot gold up 0.1 pct at $1,290.56 per ounce (0050GMT)
• US gold futures up 0.2 pct at $1,290.60 per ounce

Grains

• Soybeans edge higher, rebound from 2-wk low
• Most active CBOT wheat futures up 0.3 pct at $5.12-1/2 per bushel (0121GMT)
• Most active corn futures up 0.5 pct at $3.73-1/4 per bushel
• Most active soy futures up 0.4 pct at $8.97 per bushel
• Most active rice futures down 0.2 pct at $10.36 per hundredweight

Key African events or data releases today
[Posts & comments at my Twitter handle @DrRafiqRaji]

• South Africa’s state capture inquiry resumes today
• Nigeria inflation data for Dec-18 expected [fcst. 11.6% yy, prev. 11.3%]
• South Africa retail sales data for Nov-18 due [fcst. 0.6% yy, prev. 2.2%]
• Day 2 of South Africa’s central bank MPC meeting; decision tomorrow, likely unchanged at 6.75%
• Kenyan security in focus after terrorist attacks

Key African events or data releases yesterday & early a.m today
[Posted & commented on some headlines below at my Twitter handle @DrRafiqRaji]

• Gunmen kill 15 in Kenya hotel compound attack claimed by Somali Islamists
• US state department official confirms American killed in Kenya attack
• British, American killed in militant attack in Kenya capital – mortuary
• Ethiopia protesters end blockade of main highway to sea
• East Libyan forces heading south to secure oil sites
• Kenya minister: we have secured all buildings affected by militant attack
• Tunisia govt, union fail to agree pay deal, strike likely
• Back from medical leave, Gabon president appears in wheelchair
• Pernod Ricard says Nairobi staff evacuated after hotel attack
• Kenyan police: suicide bomber involved in Nairobi attack
• Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo clear of war crimes, may return to politics
• Vedanta tells top English court pollution case should be heard in Zambia
• South African rand slips after dismal mining data
• Runner-up in Congo poll dispute launches court appeal
• ICC prosecutor says has right to appeal Gbagbo acquittal
• Soldiers patrol Zimbabwe streets after protests kill three people
• Africa Crude – Extra cargo added to Nigeria’s February programme
• Germany’s SAP says all staff safe after Nairobi attack
• Kenyan girl’s rescue shows community key to ending child marriage
• eSwatini to ease ban on South African meat after foot and mouth outbreak
• Kenya police chief: gunmen may still be at large in suspected “terror attack”
• East Libyan forces heading south to secure oil sites
• Three killed in Zimbabwe fuel price protests on Monday – police
• Somali militants claim responsibility for attack in Kenya capital – spokesman
• Protesters in Sudan want end to Bashir’s 30-yr rule
• UK watchdog says has downgraded probe into Credit Suisse over Mozambique loans
• Widespread looting in Zimbabwe’s second city – South Africa’s SABC
• Zimbabwe to give public workers living allowance – minister
• Ugandan shilling forecast to strengthen on coffee dollar inflows
• Nigerian military clears Islamists from northeastern town
• Southern African regional bloc calls emergency Congo election meeting
• Helicopter fires teargas at protesters in Zimbabwe – Reuters witness
• Uganda’s president “astonished” MTN charged less for telecom license renewal
• South Africa’s November mining output down 5.6 pct y/y
• Tanzania’s Bank M assets, liabilities transferred to Azania Bank
• Sibanye-Stillwater has contingency plans for strike at platinum operations
• Emerging market bond rally takes yields to lowest since May
• Zimbabwe says it may need Russia to help modernise its army – RIA
• Zimbabweans join stay-at-home protest after deadly clashes over price hikes
• Top Senegalese chef backs ancient grain as next superfood

N.B. Full stories of above headlines are available on Reuters