By Rafiq Raji, PhD
Twitter: @DrRafiqRaji
Global Markets
- Asia stocks, bond yields climb as trade war fears ebb
- MSCI Asia-Pacific index up 0.3%, Nikkei gains 1.1%
- Trump predicts trade deal after positive gestures by China
- Dollar lifted as safe-haven bond yields rise
Oil Markets
- Oil rises after Trump says China trade deal likely
- Brent up 0.5% at $58.97 a barrel (0024GMT)
- WTI up 0.4% at $53.87
Precious metals
- Gold steady as markets seek clarity on trade war direction
- Spot gold up 0.1% at $1,528.10 per ounce (0125GMT)
- US gold futures flat at $1,537.50/oz.
Grains
- Wheat extends fall on ample supplies; corn struggles
- Most active CBOT wheat futures down 0.2% at $4.74-1/4 per bushel (0057GMT)
- Most active corn futures down 0.1% at $3.68 per bushel
- Most active soy futures down 0.2% at $8.65-1/4 per bushel
- Most active rice futures unchanged at $11.53 per hundredweight
Key African events or data releases today
[Posts & comments at my Twitter handle @DrRafiqRaji]
- 7th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (#TICAD7); 28-30 Aug [Nigeria’s Buhari, et al. already in Tokyo]
- South Africa state capture inquiry continues
Key African events or data releases yesterday & early a.m today
[Posted & commented on some headlines below at my Twitter handle @DrRafiqRaji]
- Africa’s biggest bank targets its smallest shops in fintech deal
- US increasingly disappointed with Zimbabwe govt – US official
- US to keep up pressure on Sudan as it discusses lifting sanctions – official
- Egypt Sawiris eyes mining opportunities at home with new law
- Eastern Libya forces kill 8 in advance south of Tripoli
- G7 summit statement issued on trade, Iran, Libya Ukraine & Hong Kong
- South African rand firms on easing trade tensions, equities down
- South Africa – Naspers’ Prosus Q2 profit up 31% on Tencent stake – prospectus
- Zimbabwe state doctors threaten strike over pay
- New Congo govt shows influence of former president
- South Africa’s Sasol lowers LCCP earnings, delays start-up dates for units
- CEO of South Africa firm linked to graft allegations killed in car crash
- Kenya’s first crude oil export sparks demands over revenue sharing
- Zimbabwe bails senior opposition official arrested over protest
- Maroc Telecom signs $1 bln investment deal with Morocco govt
- Kenya shilling trading in tight range amid excess money mkt liquidity
- South Africa risks tax revolt, bailouts over govt graft
- Congo president, PM name govt for 1st time since Dec poll win
N.B. Full stories of above headlines are available on Reuters
