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☆ Oil extends fall as China's pledge to transform economy fails to impress
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Working pumpjacks are seen at the Montebello Oil Field in Montebello, California, on Sept. 18, 2023. Oil prices fell for a second day on Tuesday as pledges by China, the world's biggest crude importer, to transform its economy amid stuttering growth since the COVID pandemic failed to impress investors concerned about slower consumption. Brent futures for May fell 3 cents to $82.77 a barrel by 0159 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 11 cents, to $78.63. The physical oil market has started to tighten, rising spot prices show, according to a note from ANZ analysts, owing in part to supply disruptions. U.S. crude oil inventories are expected to have increased last week, according to a preliminary Reuters poll on Monday, while distillates and gasoline stockpiles were forecast lower.

Persons: Brent, WTI Organizations: Montebello Oil, U.S, West Texas, National People's, of, Petroleum, ANZ, Reuters Locations: Montebello, Montebello , California, China, Israel, Gaza, OPEC

☆ Gold hovers near 3-month peak as eyes on Powell's testimony
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars arranged at the Korea Gold Exchange store in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 13, 2023. Gold prices steadied near a three-month peak on Tuesday, supported by subdued U.S. manufacturing and construction spending, as investors awaited testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and key jobs data later this week. Spot gold was flat at $2,114.59 per ounce, as of 0423 GMT, hovering around Monday's levels of $2119.69 that marked its highest point since Dec. 4. London's gold price benchmark hit an all-time high of $2,098.05 per troy ounce at an afternoon auction on Monday. The world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust's GLD holdings were down 10% from the previous year as of March 4.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Joni Teves, Fed's Raphael Bostic, Teves Organizations: Korea Gold Exchange, Federal, UBS, Data, ANZ Locations: Seoul, South Korea, U.S

☆ Oil extends losses in early Asian trade
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A view of decaying FSO Safer oil tanker anchored 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the port of Hudaydah, Yemen on July 15, 2023. Oil prices fell in early Asian trading on Monday, extending losses from the previous session after oil ended the week 2-3% lower amid market concerns that higher-than-expected inflation could delay U.S. interest rate cuts. Brent crude futures fell 34 cents to $81.28 a barrel by 0121 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) declined 33 cents to $76.16 a barrel. "Crude oil prices declined for want of fresh drivers," ANZ analysts wrote in a note. While Iran-aligned Houthis have continued their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, the Israel-Hamas war has not significantly constrained oil supply.

Persons: Jake Sullivan, Benjamin Netanyahu, Brent, WTI Organizations: Brent, U.S, West Texas, ANZ, White House, CNN, Sunday, Israeli, U.S . Energy, Administration Locations: Hudaydah, Yemen, China, Iran, Red, Israel, United States, Egypt, Qatar, Paris

☆ Suncorp CEO is 'very confident' in the company's future as a pure-play insurer post ANZ deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSuncorp CEO is 'very confident' in the company's future as a pure-play insurer post ANZ dealSteve Johnston, Suncorp's Group CEO, says the company still has "work to do" to close the ANZ-Suncorp bank deal but remains confident it will succeed.

Persons: Steve Johnston Organizations: Suncorp, ANZ, Suncorp's

☆ Oil down in thin trade as U.S. gears up for Presidents' Day
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A pump jack at an oil lot connected to the Petroleos del Peru SA Talara refinery in Piura, Peru, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Oil prices edged down on Monday morning as markets digested comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials pointing to a more patient stance regarding potential interest rate cuts, in thin early trade on what is a public holiday in the United States. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was 35 cents, or 0.44%, lower at $78.84 at 0138 GMT. Markets are yet to see the direction of demand from China after that country returns from a week-long Lunar New Year holiday, while Presidents' Day in the United States is set to keep trade relatively muted. Higher rates keep up the cost of buying oil, providing for a bearish market trend.

Persons: Brent, Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Putin's Organizations: del, del Peru SA Talara, U.S . Federal, . West Texas, Yemen's, of, Petroleum, ANZ Research, International Energy Agency, ANZ, United Nations Security Council Locations: del Peru, Piura, Peru, U.S, United States, China, Gaza, Yemen's Iran, India, Algerian, Israel, Europe, Russia, Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Moscow

☆ Yen near 10-week low, dollar buoyant as traders adjust rate bets
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The yen wallowed near a 10-week low on Friday, while the dollar ground towards a fourth weekly advance as traders dialed back bets on how quickly the Bank of Japan, or BOJ, will raise interest rates and how soon the Federal Reserve will cut them. The yen wallowed near a 10-week low on Friday, while the dollar ground towards a fourth weekly advance as traders dialed back bets on how quickly the Bank of Japan, or BOJ, will raise interest rates and how soon the Federal Reserve will cut them. The yen was little changed at 149.315 per dollar in early Asian trading, after dipping to 149.48 late in the previous session for the first time since Nov. 27. Both currencies have been relatively resilient with officials from the European Central Bank and Bank of England pushing back against market wagers on early rate reductions. New Zealand's dollar gained 0.34% to $0.6117, supported by bets for a delayed start to Reserve Bank rate cuts - or even the potential for further hikes - after data this week showed a stronger-than-forecast jobs market.

Persons: Shinichi Uchida, Shunichi Suzuki, Jerome Powell, FOMC, Richard Franulovich, Sharon Zollner, bitcoin Organizations: Bank of Japan, Federal Reserve, BOJ, Japanese Finance, Traders, European Central Bank and Bank of England, Reserve, ANZ Locations: Tokyo

☆ Gold flat as safe-haven demand offsets US dollar strength
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An employee puts gold bullions into a safe deposit box at Degussa shop in SingaporeGold prices were flat in light trading on Friday with Chinese markets closed for the Lunar New Year break, while a firm dollar offset safe-haven demand fueled by Middle East concerns. "Some stress in U.S. regional banks, Chinese new year demand and Middle East tensions put a floor on the metal," Hugo Pascal, a precious metals trader at InProved, said. Concerns lingered about the Middle East as Israeli forces bombed areas in the southern border city of Rafah after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a Hamas truce proposal. However, palladium has since taken a lead again, up 0.6% to $892.26 per ounce, while platinum rose to $890.09. Both metals are used in making a key component in internal combustion engines, but platinum is also used in jewelry and other industries.

Persons: Hugo Pascal, Benjamin Netanyahu Organizations: Shanghai Futures, Treasury, Federal, Traders, ANZ Research Locations: Singapore, InProved, Rafah, U.S

☆ Oil edges up with slim progress in Gaza peace talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A pump jack at an oil lot connected to the Petroleos del Peru SA Talara refinery in Piura, Peru, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Oil prices rose on Thursday after Israel rejected a ceasefire offer from Hamas, as talks continued to try to end the Gaza conflict and wider Middle East tensions that have kept the market on edge since October. A Palestinian Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya was due to travel on Thursday to Cairo for ceasefire talks with Egypt and Qatar. On the demand side, a much stronger-than-expected drawdown in gasoline stocks in the U.S. reported on Wednesday continued to buoy the market. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported U.S. gasoline stocks fell by 3.15 million barrels last week compared with analysts' estimates for a build of 140,000 barrels.

Persons: Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Antony Blinken, Khalil Al, Hayya Organizations: del, del Peru SA Talara, Brent, . West Texas, Hamas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, ANZ Research Locations: del Peru, Piura, Peru, Gaza, Palestinian, Cairo, Egypt, Qatar, U.S

☆ Oil prices gain after OPEC+ maintains output cuts
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An oil pump jack in Midland, Texas, US, on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Photographer: Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesOil prices rose in early trade on Friday following a decision by OPEC+ to keep its oil output policy unchanged, clawing back some losses from the previous trading session triggered by unsubstantiated ceasefire reports between Israel and Hamas. Both contracts settled more than 2% lower on Thursday due to the unverified ceasefire reports between Israel and Hamas. On Thursday, two OPEC+ sources said the group has kept its oil output policy unchanged, and will decide in March whether or not to extend the voluntary oil production cuts in place for the first quarter. Lower interest rates would reduce consumer borrowing costs, which can boost economic growth and oil demand.

Persons: Sergio Flores, Brent, Yemen's, Jerome Powell Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, OPEC, U.S, West Texas, Hamas, of, Petroleum, ANZ Research, U.S . Federal Locations: Midland , Texas, Israel, Iran, Red, Russia, OPEC, U.S .

☆ Oil edges up on U.S. Fed rate signals, China property sector support
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Equinor ASA offshore oil drilling platform on Johan Sverdrup oil field in the North Sea off the coast of Norway. Global oil prices climbed in early trade on Thursday, supported by signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve on a possible start to rate cuts and as China unveiled new support measures for its embattled property market. Lower rates and economic growth are supportive for oil demand. China, the world's second biggest economy, unveiled new property support measures amid concerns about the fallout from the liquidation of developer Evergrande and as the country ended last year with the worst declines in new home prices in nearly nine years. In the Middle East, worries about attacks by Yemen-based Houthi forces on shipping in the Red Sea are now driving up costs and disrupting global oil trading.

Persons: Johan Sverdrup, Jerome Powell, JPMorgan Organizations: ASA, U.S . Federal, Brent, . West Texas, Federal, JPMorgan, ANZ Research Locations: North, Norway, Global, China, Yemen, Jordan, Red

☆ Oil ticks down in Asian trade despite rising Middle East tensions
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

California produces 311,000 barrels of crude oil every day, around 2.4 percent of all US production, making it the seventh largest producing state in the union. Oil prices edged off in early Asian trading on Wednesday on continued bearish fundamentals, following gains in the previous session amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The March Brent crude futures , which expires today, fell 37 cents to $82.50 a barrel by 0146 GMT. But ANZ analysts said in a note that "a strong military response from the U.S." to the drone attack "could still trigger a strong reaction from the market." It appeared to be the most serious peace initiative since the war's first and only brief ceasefire which fell apart in November.

Persons: Fred Holmes, Brent, Tony Sycamore, Biden, Sycamore Organizations: . West Texas, IG, ANZ, U.S . Pentagon, U.S, China Evergrande Group, PMI Locations: Taft, Kern County , California, California, U.S, Jordan, Syria, East, Iran, Israel, Gaza, Red

☆ Oil edges up as geopolitical concerns support prices
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices rose in early trade on Tuesday as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to fuel supply concerns. "If U.S.-Iran tensions escalate, particularly through a direct confrontation, the risk rises that Iran's oil supply is adversely impacted. Iran exported 1.2-1.6 million barrels per day of crude oil through most of 2023, Dhar added, representing 1-1.5% of global oil supply. The key concern is Iran threatening a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which sees the transit of 15-20% of global oil supply," he added. Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil and distillates inventories were expected to have fallen last week while gasoline stocks were seen rising, a Reuters poll showed.

Persons: Brent, Vivek Dhar, Dhar Organizations: . West Texas, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, U.S, ANZ, Traders, Federal, Market, American Petroleum Institute, Energy Information Administration, U.S . Department of Energy Locations: Hong Kong, China, Washington, Jordan, Iran, Israel, Gaza, Hormuz, Red, U.S

☆ Oil jumps 1% after Houthis attack on fuel tanker in Red Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A lone pumpjack located in the middle of a large solar array outside of Bakersfield, Kern County, California. Oil prices jumped 1% on Monday on fuel supply concerns after a missile struck a Trafigura-operated fuel tanker in the Red Sea and as Russian refined products exports are set to fall as several refineries are under repair after drone attacks. Brent crude futures climbed 83 cents to $84.38 a barrel by 2341 GMT after hitting a session-high of $84.80. "Disruptions to supply have been limited, but that changed on Friday after an oil tanker operating on behalf of Trafigura was hit by a missile off the coast of Yemen," ANZ analysts said in a note. "With oil tankers linked to the U.S. and UK now under threat of attack, the market is likely to reprice the risk of disruptions."

Persons: Brent, Trafigura, Yemen's Organizations: . West Texas, Commodities, ANZ, Middle, Organization of, Petroleum Locations: Bakersfield, Kern County , California, Yemen, Middle East, Russia, OPEC

☆ China stock market: Calm returns after wild week but big challenges remain
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hong Kong CNN —It’s been a rollercoaster week for stocks trading in mainland China and Hong Kong. “For a sustained rally in China stocks, we think China will need to address the core of these concerns (predominantly property sector issues and US-China tensions),” the analysts added. In the 7 days to January 24, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking Chinese stocks recorded large inflows of $12.6 billion, according to a Citi survey of global fund managers. Still, investors have been fleeing Chinese stocks over a much longer period because they are worried about the country’s economic prospects. The country is facing the prospect of a vicious cycle whereby lower demand leads to lower investment, lower production and lower income, thus causing even lower demand.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN — It’s, Hong, — haven’t, ” Nomura, “, Li Qiang, ”, Li Yunze, Pan Gongsheng, Florence Lo, HSI, Raymond Yeung, ” Yeung Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Shanghai Shenzhen, ”, Shanghai Financial Exchange, Bloomberg, State, Supervision, Administration Commission, Administration of Financial, Reuters, People’s Bank of China, Citi, Enodo Economics, HSBC, Greater China, ANZ Research Locations: China, Hong Kong, Shanghai, United States, Beijing, Davos, Switzerland, Greater

☆ Chinese stocks are having their worst start to a year since 2016
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Anna Cooban | Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The Shenzhen Component Index, a tech-heavy benchmark, had its worst day in nearly two years, plunging 3.5%. It’s the worst start to a year for Chinese stocks since 2016, when investors were ditching their holdings following a market crash in 2015. The country’s economy grew by 5.2% last year. That beat government projections but is still one of China’s worst economic performances in over three decades. The International Monetary Fund forecasts the country’s economic growth to slow to 4.2% this year.

Persons: Ken Cheung, ”, Europe’s, Premier Li Qiang, Brian Martin, Daniel Hynes, Li, “, ” Stephen Innes, managing Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Shenzhen Component, Mizuho Bank, CSI, Nikkei, Premier, Economic, ANZ Research, Monetary Fund, China’s Commerce Ministry, Investors Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, China, United States

☆ Oil prices fall as stronger dollar offsets Red Sea disruptions risks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Oil prices fell on Wednesday as a stronger U.S. dollar limited demand for greenback-denominated crude, though the rising risks of supply disruptions amid the intensifying conflict in the Red Sea curbed the losses. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures , or WTI, fell 43 cents, or 0.59%, to $71.97 a barrel. The stronger dollar reduces demand for dollar-denominated oil for buyers paying in other currencies. British oil major Shell suspended shipments through the Red Sea after the U.S. and UK strikes began, but U.S. producer Chevron is maintaining its Red Sea routes. "While oil benchmarks may not reflect the Red Sea attacks, the realized price for oil and oil products for consumers has increased given the disruption to trade flows through the Red Sea and Suez Canal," Vivek Dhar, director of mining and energy commodities strategist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, said in a note.

Persons: Brent, WTI, Daniel Hynes, Vivek Dhar Organizations: greenback, Global, Brent, . West Texas, U.S, U.S . Federal Reserve, ANZ Bank, Shell, Chevron, Commonwealth Bank of Australia Locations: U.S, Iran, Yemen, Red, Suez

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian shares were mostly higher on Monday, with Tokyo extending its New Year rally, as China’s central bank kept its one-year policy loan interest rate unchanged. China’s central bank opted to keep its one-year policy loan interest rate at 2.5% on Monday while injecting funds into the financial system. Traders are largely betting on the Fed cutting its main interest rate six or more times through 2024. The airline and other travel-related companies were also hurt by a rise in oil prices, which put pressure on their fuel costs. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude oil rose 10 cents to $72.78.

Persons: Zhaopeng Xing, Raymond Yeung, “, Ernie, Baidu, Lai Ching, Lai, Taiwan’s Taiex, Australia’s, It's, Yemen’s Houthi, Brent Organizations: ANZ, Baidu, Democratic Progressive Party, Dow Jones, UnitedHealth Group, Nasdaq, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Traders, Fed, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Cruise Line Holdings, U.S Locations: HONG KONG, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, South Korea, China, Taiwan

☆ Dollar steady as traders weigh labour data, rate outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six rivals, was 0.019% higher at 103.99, having climbed 0.3% overnight. Data also showed there were 1.34 vacancies for every unemployed person in October, the lowest since August 2021. "This week the highlight is payrolls (report)," OCBC currency strategist Christopher Wong said, adding that a downside surprise could see dollar rebound stall. Investors believe the European Central Bank could deliver its first rate cut by March. Inflation across the euro zone has fallen more quickly than most anticipated, as evidenced by last Thursday's consumer price data.

Persons: Christopher Wong, Jerome Powell, Sterling, bitcoin, — Organizations: Reserve, Traders, ANZ, Fed, Investors, European Central Bank Locations: U.S

SINGAPORE, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Asian stocks slipped to three-week lows on Tuesday while bonds and the dollar steadied as investors tempered expectations for cuts to U.S. interest rates and waited on U.S. jobs data. The Australian dollar fell 0.5% after the central bank left interest rates on hold, as expected, and emphasised that the future direction rates would depend on data. Japan's Nikkei (.N225) was dragged 1% lower to a three-week trough, mostly thanks to falling chipmaking stocks. Treasuries had come under a little pressure overnight as traders calibrated pretty aggressive pricing for U.S. interest rate cuts. The Reserve Bank of Australia left interest rates on hold and said, as it had a month ago, that future rate settings would depend on data.

Persons: Treasuries, Kim Coghill Organizations: Japan's Nikkei, ANZ, New, Reserve Bank of Australia, Brent, U.S . Department of Agriculture, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Tokyo, China

☆ Australia Oct retail sales slip as consumers hold off for Black Friday sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Women shop for clothes on a store in a shopping mall in Sydney's central business district (CBD) Australia, February 5, 2018. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Australian retail sales unexpectedly slipped in October as consumers cut back on everything but food, though analysts believe many were merely saving some money to splurge on Black Friday sales that took place this month. Retail sales fell 0.2% from September to A$35.77 billion, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed on Tuesday. "This is a pattern we have seen develop in recent years as Black Friday sales grow in popularity." Data from e-commerce firm Shopify also showed that point-of-sale sales made by its merchants in Australia during this year's Black Friday sales grew 27% from a year ago.

Persons: Daniel Munoz, Ben Dorber, Shopify, that's, Marcel Thieliant, Michele Bullock, Stella Qiu, Tom Hogue, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Black, ANZ, Asia Pacific, Capital Economics, Reserve Bank of Australia, Thomson Locations: Australia

☆ Oil on track to snap losing streak on hopes of further OPEC+ cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Oil prices rose on Tuesday, snapping a multi-session losing streak ahead of a crucial meeting of OPEC+, which is widely expected to deepen and extend cuts to oil production amid fears of supply being consistently higher than demand. Brent crude futures were up 45 cents, or 0.6%, at $80.43 a barrel at 0152 GMT, on track to snap a four-day losing streak. OPEC+, which combines the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and allies including Russia, will hold an online ministerial meeting on Nov. 30 to discuss production targets for 2024. "Crude oil was up sharply in early trade amid reports that OPEC would reduce its output quotas," ANZ Research said in a client note on Tuesday. This may soften the US opposition to any move to tighten oil markets and support prices," ANZ said.

Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Organization of, Petroleum, ANZ Research, Reuters, ANZ Locations: Russia, Saudi Arabia, United States

[1/2] An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. Both contracts had their first weekly gain in five weeks as OPEC+ prepares for a meeting that will have output cuts high on the agenda after recent oil price declines on demand concerns and burgeoning supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers. OPEC+ has moved closer to a compromise with African oil producers on 2024 output levels, three OPEC+ sources have told Reuters. "Fundamentals developments have been bearish with rising U.S. oil inventories," ANZ analysts said in a note. Analysts say oil demand growth could weaken to about 4% in the first half of 2024 as the property sector crunch weighs on diesel use.

Persons: John Kilduff, Tony Sycamore, Brent, Craig Erlam, Tina Teng, Paul Carsten, Natalie Grover, Colleen Howe, David Goodman, Louise Heavens, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, Brent, West Texas, Organization of, Petroleum, Reuters, OANDA, ANZ, Petrobras, Thomson Locations: Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Gaza, OPEC, Wednesday's, WTI, Israel, New York, Russia, U.S, London, Beijing

☆ Brent climbs ahead of OPEC+ oil production decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Colleen Howe | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. Brent crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.4%, to $81.71 at 0213 GMT, after settling down 0.7% in the previous session. Trading remained subdued because of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S.On the demand side, poor refining margins have led to weaker crude demand from refineries in the U.S., analysts said. "Fundamentals developments have been bearish with rising U.S. oil inventories," ANZ analysts said in a note. In China, analysts say oil demand growth could weaken to around 4% in the first half of 2024 from strong post-COVID growth levels in 2023, as the country's property sector crunch weighs on diesel use.

Persons: Tony Sycamore, Brent, Colleen Howe, Sonali Paul Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Brent, . West Texas, of Petroleum, IG, ANZ, Petrobras, Thomson Locations: Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Rights BEIJING, WTI, U.S, Saudi Arabia, OPEC, Sydney

☆ Oil declines as traders speculate on OPEC agreement on output
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Oil rig and pump of H&P Rig 488 in Stanton, Texas, on June 8, 2023. Oil prices fell slightly Friday as traders speculated on whether OPEC+ would come to an agreement on further production cuts. Trading remained subdued because of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S.On the demand side, poor refining margins have led to weaker crude demand from refineries in the U.S., analysts said. "Fundamentals developments have been bearish with rising U.S. oil inventories," ANZ analysts said in a note. In China, analysts say oil demand growth could weaken to around 4% in the first half of 2024 from strong post-COVID growth levels in 2023, as the country's property sector crunch weighs on diesel use.

Persons: Tony Sycamore, Brent Organizations: Brent, U.S, West Texas, of Petroleum, IG, ANZ, Petrobras Locations: Stanton , Texas, OPEC, Sydney, U.S, China

☆ China wealth manager Zhongzhi flags insolvency, $64 bln in liabilities
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

BEIJING, Nov 23 (Reuters) - China's Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, a leading wealth manager, told investors it is heavily insolvent with up to $64 billion in liabilities, threatening to reignite concerns that the country's property debt crisis is spilling over into the broader financial sector. The firm, which has sizable exposure to China's real estate sector, apologised to its investors in a letter that said it had total liabilities of about 420 billion yuan ($58 billion) to 460 billion yuan ($64 billion). The liabilities compared to Zhongzhi's estimated total assets of about 200 billion yuan, according to the letter, which was issued on Wednesday and was seen by Reuters. 'ENORMOUS' HOLESigns of trouble at the Zhongzhi group first came to light in July when Zhongrong International Trust Co, a leading trust company controlled by Zhongzhi, missed payments on dozens of investment products. "The Zhongzhi group deeply apologises for the losses caused to investors.

Persons: Zhongzhi, Xu, Xing Zhaopeng, Christopher Beddor, Beddor, Ziyi Tang, Ryan Woo, Sumeet Chatterjee, Muralikumar Organizations: Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, Reuters, International Trust Co, Big, ANZ, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Beijing, Zhongzhi, China's, China

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