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
