By Rafiq Raji, PhD
Twitter: @DrRafiqRaji

Global Markets

• Asian shares near July peak as optimism grows on trade, economy
• US, China seen nearing truce in trade war
• Strong US jobs data underpins optimism on economy

Oil Markets

• Oil edges lower amid doubts over OPEC cuts
• Brent down 0.2% at $61.99 a barrel
• WTI down 0.3% at $56.36

Precious metals

• Gold prices slip as dollar climbs on trade deal optimism
• Spot gold down 0.1% at $1,507.31/oz. (0110GMT)
• US gold futures down 0.1% at $1,509.60/oz.

Grains

• Corn rebounds from 1-wk low on USDA harvest report
• Corn futures up 0.1% at $3.83-1/2 per bushel (0130GMT)
• Soybean futures little changed at $9.38-1/4 per bushel
• Wheat futures little changed at $5.10 per bushel

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

• South Sudan’s Kiir & Machar meet in Kampala
• South Africa Standard Bank PMI Oct-19 [fcst. 49.1, prev. 49.2]
• US-East Africa trade & investment forum/AmCham Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya; 4-5 Nov
• Week-long celebrations in South Africa; after Rugby World Cup win
• South Africa Investment Conference; 5-7 Nov
• Ghana’s Akufo-Addo tours Volta region; 4-5 Nov
• Nigeria’s Buhari in UK on private visit

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

• Trump speaks with Egypt’s Sisi, backs talks on disputed Ethiopia dam
• In Guinea, 2 more killed in clashes between police and protesters
• Sudan discussing cash transfers to poor as part of food subsidies plan – PM
• Algerian court detains former minister over corruption allegations
• eSwatini’s economic growth to sink to 1% without urgent reforms – IMF
• Nigerian president signs bill amending offshore oil output act
• Zimbabwe police give unions green light for public sector protest
• Kenya starving judiciary of funds, chief justice says
• Africa Oil – Flurry of Angolan on offer, ICC issues tender
• South Africa rand bounds on Moody’s ratings reprieve
• Uganda police detain journalists protesting rights violations
• Wanted: Artists to live and work in Lagos, Nigeria
• Zimbabwe minister charged with corruption costing $3.7 mln
• Pirates kidnap four crew from Greek boat off Togo – Togo navy
• Benin authorities open investigation after 9 people abducted by pirates
• Egypt forces say they kill 83 militants in Sinai
• Moody’s relief boosts South Africa, emerging FX at 3-mth high
• Shoprite’s USave a bright spot in South Africa’s slowing economy
• Mauritius’ PM touts achievements to fend off challenge in Nov. 7 poll
• Uganda shilling firms on slumping importer demand
• South African bonds rally after Moody’s rating reprieve
• Debt relief a double-edged sword for South Africans living on loans

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