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While Budapest and Warsaw are haggling with the bloc over rule-of-law strings attached to billions worth of pandemic recovery funds, Romania has already drawn down over 6 billion euros in grants and cheap loans. Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca has said the government aims to tap more than 10 billion euros a year, equivalent to about 4% of GDP, of about 90 billion euros of EU funding available to Bucharest through to 2027. RESHORINGCompanies reshoring from Russia and Ukraine to nearby low-cost manufacturing hubs partially helped push foreign direct investment to 9.39 billion euros in January-October, the largest 10-month figure since Romania joined the EU. "We are optimistic that investment will rise in coming years, also encouraged by EU funds," said Alex Milcev, head of Tax and Legal at E&Y Romania. And relations with the EU are not always smooth: in December, Austrian opposition over unauthorised immigration kept Romania out of Europe's borderless Schengen area.

☆ New York AG accuses Celsius ex-CEO of defrauding crypto investors
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Rohan Goswami | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued former Celsius Network CEO Alex Mashinsky on Thursday, alleging that Mashinsky defrauded hundreds of thousands of investors at his now-bankrupt crypto exchange. At one point, deposits at the crypto exchange were valued at $20 billion, according to the complaint. But Mashinsky's statements were false, James alleges, and became part of the former Celsius CEO's efforts to hide deep losses on risky crypto-lending investments. Celsius investors were left bereft and so despondent that some considered suicide, CNBC previously reported. Celsius entered bankruptcy proceedings with only $1.75 billion in crypto assets, a far cry from the $4.7 billion it owed users.

☆ Dubai announces $8.7 trillion economic plan to boost trade, investment and global hub status
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai on Wednesday announced a mammoth $8.7 trillion economic plan for the coming decade, aimed at turbocharging trade, foreign investment and its place on the map as a global hub. "Over 300,000 global investors are helping build Dubai into the fastest growing global city." Those include boosting foreign trade to 25.6 trillion dirhams from 14.2 trillion dirhams in the last decade, nearly doubling annual foreign direct investment to 60 billion dirhams yearly, and increasing government spending from 512 billion dirhams in the last decade to 700 billion in the next. The plan also aims to bring private sector investments up from 790 billion dirhams in the last decade to 1 trillion in the next and pledged 100 billion dirhams in annual contributions to the economy from digital transformation projects. The sheer size of the city's economic goals may draw some skepticism, but finance experts in Dubai believe they are achievable.

☆ Analysis: Is the party over? Mexico's peso could lose solid gains in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Noe Torres | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MEXICO CITY, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Mexico's peso, which is ending 2022 with one of its strongest performances in a decade, could have its gains wiped out in 2023 after an expected end to the Bank of Mexico's rate hikes cycle and a possible recession in top trade partner the United States. "The carry trade, the phenomenon that has benefited (the peso) this year, will likely dissipate a bit," said CI Banco analyst James Salazar. The carry trade refers to a trading strategy of taking advantage of yield differences between Mexico and other economies. Traders at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, considered a bellwether of market sentiment, have started to bet the peso will begin depreciating. Reporting by Noe Torres; Writing by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ India's current account gap widens to 9-year high
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Swati Bhat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MUMBAI, Dec 29 (Reuters) - India's current account deficit widened in the July-September quarter as high commodity prices and a weak rupee increased the country's trade gap, data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed on Thursday. In absolute terms, the current account deficit (CAD) (INCURA=ECI) was $36.40 billion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022/23, its highest in more than a decade. The median forecast of 18 economists in a Dec. 5-14 Reuters poll was for a $35.5 billion CAD in the July-September quarter. The RBI said services exports reported growth of 30.2% on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, driven by exports of software, business and travel services, while net services receipts increased sequentially and y-o-y. "Slowing global growth entails both merchandise as well as services exports will remain muted," she said.

☆ 10 money managers who quietly control the vast fortunes of Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, the Waltons, and other big-name billionaires
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-27 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +24 min

Many über-rich people don't outsource their wealth — they hire their own chief investment officers. He left SAC in 2005 for Dune Capital Management, but stayed in touch with Steve during his five-year term at the investment firm. Andrew oversees CPV's portfolio, which primarily comprises direct private investments such as Collectors Universe, a collectibles-authentication company, and the New York Mets. In 2011, Wildcat Capital Management was launched with Potter as president and chief investment officer. Since November 2021, Carland has also served as the interim chief investment officer for Builders Vision's asset arm.

Its failure to pass a funding bill on time, which is becoming a norm, meant that the government had to function on temporary extensions of last year's funding levels, which Democrats and Republicans alike say poses threats to national security. House Republicans oppose the bill, arguing it is too bloated and was crafted in secrecy among top congressional leaders. The 4,155-page bill was passed on Thursday in the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 68-29. The legislation would provide the Defense Department with a record $858 billion, up from $740 billion last year. It is an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way," Zelenskiy, told a joint meeting of Congress.

☆ China is reopening after zero-Covid. But there's a long road ahead
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In major cities Shanghai and Shenzhen, Friday morning rush hour traffic was extremely light, according to Baidu data. Subway ridership in major cities as of Thursday remained well below the normal range, according to Wind Information. "It will be the first time in nearly three years that mass migration will resume in China as families congregate." As for foreign direct investment into China, Hart said he expected it would take about a year after travel fully reopens for such investment to start recovering. Hainan hotel bookings last week rose by 20% from the prior week, Trip.com said.

☆ ‘The reshoring craze is real’ — These companies should benefit, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

A lot has been said about reshoring, as companies look to bring manufacturing back to their home countries, particularly the U.S. Reshoring is essentially companies returning operations to their original country from overseas. "The reshoring craze is real, especially as you continue to hear more and more about this general theme of deglobalization," he said. "They sell into the construction of the factory, they sell into the equipment of the factory, the automation of the factory." The company's equipment is needed for big semiconductor manufacturing plants as companies test chips as they are produced, Snyder said.

Share this -Link copied'It's too much for me': Zelenskyy begins speech by thanking U.S. Zelenskyy began his remarks before a joint meeting of Congress at 7:40 p.m. "I think we share the exact same vision, that of a free, independent and prosperous Ukraine," Biden said. The Ukrainian president added that the soldier told him that "many (of) his brothers, this system saved." President Joe Biden holds a medal presented to him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Share this -Link copiedPhoto: Zelenskyy shakes hands with Biden as he arrives President Joe Biden welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House.

☆ The renewed 'Made in America' wave is going to make stuff like clothing and electronics more expensive
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It's in response to the supply chains disruptions companies have faced in recent years. The headaches US corporations have faced are leading more of them to bring their supply chains closer to home and more under their control. Just under half (46%) said they were adjusting supply chains, and around a third (32%) said they were onshoring their workforce. But if more companies shift their supply chains closer to home, this could slowly begin to change. If reshoring companies have to raise wages to attract workers, they may decide to raise prices even further to protect their margins.

President Zelenskyy is an inspiring leader. He's expected to visit the White House before addressing a joint session of Congress at the Capitol. A group of soldiers who helped defend Bakhmut gave him a Ukrainian flag and asked him to get it to Congress — and the Ukrainian president promised to give it to Biden himself. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough.” Share this -Link copied

☆ Europe Skirts a Winter Slump, but War Fallout Clouds Its Economic Future
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Tom Fairless | Paul Hannon | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Shoppers at a festive market in Berlin, Germany, where some small businesses are struggling to cope with rising energy prices. But the region’s medium-term problems look harder to fix, and leave Europe facing a struggle to retain its industrial core. Russia’s war on Ukraine and its economic fallout has shaken Europe’s export-oriented business model. Skyrocketing energy prices threaten industries at the heart of the continent’s manufacturing system, such as chemicals and metal production. Businesses around Europe are reducing production and starting to redirect investment overseas, including to the U.S., which is luring foreign companies with hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies.

HONG KONG, Dec 21 (Reuters Breakingviews) - China has become a headache for Western executives. The good news is that the dilemma need not require drastic action from U.S. and European chief executives, since local Chinese partners could solve the problem by relocating themselves. Foreign executives have had a hard time dealing with China’s zero-Covid policy, rising labour costs and U.S. tariffs. On the other hand, existing economic interests plus Beijing’s renewed push to attract foreign investment both argue for staying put. But if Chinese suppliers now start boosting foreign investment to keep hold of key customers, the government may have little choice but to give its blessing.

☆ The world's biggest chipmaker is making a multi-billion dollar investment in the US even though it'll cost way more to make chips there. Here's why it decided to do it anyway.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwan-based TSMC, the world's biggest chipmaker, announced a $40 billion investment in Arizona last week. That's despite TSMC's founder previously calling US chip production an "expensive exercise in futility." In the event China — which claims the island as its own — invades the island and chip production screeches to a halt, there could be trillions of dollars in economic losses. First, the cost of chip production in the US might not ultimately be "50% more expensive." The factories will be partially subsidized by the US government through the CHIPS and Science Act, a package passed in August that provided $52 billion to boost US semiconductor chip production.

While governments worldwide are grappling with high inflation and low growth, UK policymakers are still rebuilding fiscal and political credibility following the brief, chaotic premiership of Liz Truss. Worries about growth are leading some investors to limit their holdings of the pound and British debt. Reuters GraphicsForeign investors have traditionally been attracted by Britain's strong rule of law, stable governance and thriving financial and professional services sector. In the latest data, up to the second quarter of this year, FDI represented more than half the net outflow - a result of strong UK investment abroad but weak inward investment too. Stephen Welton, executive chairman of major growth capital investor BGF, said attracting foreign investment was like a global competitive sport - one that Britain had previously excelled at.

☆ Biden is touting a multi-billion-dollar chip factory in Arizona as a way to save the global economy from China threats — but an invasion of Taiwan would still wreak chaos
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Experts disagree on how much this will protect the US economy in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. "These investments are helping us build and strengthen the supply chain here in America," Biden said, adding that "American manufacturing is back." "That's the definition of supply chain resilience. "Ultimately, creating a more resilient supply chain for semiconductors involves more than fab plants." To truly achieve supply chain resilience, Rasser says, the US must only boost production further, but needs similar investments in all areas of the chips supply chain, from raw materials to packaging.

☆ U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit kicks off under China's long shadow
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

Trade between Africa and China last year surged to $254 billion last year, up about 35% as Chinese exports increased on the continent. “We are not interested in the views of any other countries on China’s role in Africa,” Qin said at the Semafor forum. Asked whether Biden administration officials would directly approach U.S. concerns about Chinese involvement in Africa during this week’s meetings, officials bristled. Those include Africa, South America and the Middle East, where China is eyeing military and economic expansion. U.S. officials have also expressed concerns that China is looking to establish a military base on the western coast of Africa.

CONTAGION RISKTrust firms were dubbed "shadow banks" because of how they operated outside many of the rules that govern commercial banks. Zhongrong International Trust has been working with local governments, including Qingdao provincial authorities, to source early stage deals in intelligent manufacturing, an executive there said. CCB Trust, Zhongrong International Trust and Avic Trust did not respond to requests for comment. Ping An Trust, Zhongrong International Trust, Everbright Xinglong Trust and Minmetals International Trust have all bought project companies from struggling developers in the last few months, corporate records and company announcements showed. Ping An Trust, Zhongrong International Trust, Everbright Xinglong Trust and Minmetals International Trust did not respond to requests for comment.

☆ India is trying to become the new factory of the world, but it could take more than a global pandemic to unseat China from its 40-year reign
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But it isn't easy to fully replace China's supply chain ecosystem in any country — even one as vast as India. "India has a large labor pool, a long history of manufacturing, and government support for boosting industry and exports. Data irregularities improved China's position in 2018, according to a World Bank audit published in December 2020. India also has a history of protectionism, which makes it less competitive in terms of attracting large investments. That's precisely because they want to diversify, from having dependency on one country, like China, to a couple of locations."

☆ Saudi Arabia and China will align on everything from security to oil, but agree not to interfere on domestic issues
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Riyadh and Beijing were keen to stress “the importance of stability in the world oil markets,” noting that Saudi Arabia is a reliable exporter of crude oil to its Chinese partner. China also affirmed its “opposition to any actions that would interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” without adding more details. On Friday, Xi invited Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to visit China, according to Saudi state TV. President Xi was given a warm welcome in Saudi Arabia with ceremonies on Thursday. Saudi Arabia “is pursuing a multipolar strategy of strong strategic ties,” added Shihabi.

☆ China, Saudi Arabia stress importance of oil market stability as Xi visits Riyadh
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese President, Xi Jinping (L) is welcomed by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) at the Palace of Yamamah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 8, 2022. China and Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of global oil market stability and Riyadh's role in achieving this balance, following a three-day Saudi visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. China is the world's largest crude oil importer, while Saudi Arabia is the greatest exporter of such resources and chairs the influential OPEC+ producers' alliance. Xi met both King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and his heir, Crown Prince and Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, according to Chinese official news agency Xinhua. The Chinese head of state has extended an invitation for King Salman to visit China "at a mutually convenient time," the statement said.

DUBAI, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and China have signed memorandums of understanding on hydrogen energy and the encouragement of direct investment between the two states, state news agency (SPA) said on Thursday, during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Riyadh. Xi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also signed an agreement for harmonization between the kingdom's 2030 vision and Beijing's belt and road initiative, SPA added. Reporting by Riham Alkousaa; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ BNP Paribas Asset Management heads for the woods with Danish deal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Virginia Furness | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - BNP Paribas Asset Management said on Thursday it had bought a majority stake in a Danish firm specialising in woodland and agricultural investments. The purchase of the stake in International Woodland Company, which has more than $5.7 billion in assets under management, means BNP Paribas will for the first time offer its clients direct investment in woodland and agricultural land. Buying agricultural or woodland for financial returns remains niche but is growing, with the likes of BNP Paribas saying it has the potential to offer investors protection from inflation while also helping safeguard the natural environment. Asset managers have started to launch biodiversity and nature-focused funds but their size is tiny. Reporting by Virginia Furness Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and David EvansOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Exclusive: Canada's biggest pension plan, CPPI, ends crypto investment pursuit -sources
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Divya Rajagopal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CPPI declined to comment but said it has made no direct investments in crypto. But CPPI abandoned the pursuit this year and redeployed the team to other areas, the sources said. CPPI's move also comes as two of Canada's largest pension funds have written off their investments after the collapse of crypto exchange FTX and crypto lender Celsius this year. Canadian pension funds' exposure to crypto sector has come under scrutiny following the FTX debacle. While Canadian pension funds are not prohibited from buying cryptocurrencies, they are known for their risk-averse investing strategies to generate steady returns for pensioners.

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