Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, plans to sign a USD 8 billion engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with US engineering firm KBR Inc. to build 17 modular refineries, according to two sources familiar with the matter and an official presentation by the Economic Ministry, as reported by Reuters. The contract is part of a trade pact reached last week between Indonesia and the US, which resulted in a reduction of proposed US tariffs, from 32% down to 19%. Indonesia's Economic Minister, Airlangga Hartarto, who served as chief negotiator for the deal, revealed...
Gold prices rise in late afternoon trade in Europe after the latest U.S. job data showed private payrolls growth was less than expected in November, reflecting a slowing labor market. The yellow metal's futures trade 0.4% higher at $2,679.50 a troy ounce, while the U.S. dollar slightly retreated against a basket of other major currencies. The U.S. private sector added 146,000 jobs last month--down from a revised 184,000 a month prior and against expectations of 163,000--possibly strengthening the case for a December rate cut. The report comes ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks later...
The dollar index hovered around 106.6 on Wednesday, its highest level in a week, as market participants awaited further clues on the Fed's plans for its December meeting. Attention will now turn to a speech by Chairman Jerome Powell in New York later in the day, with odds of a 25bps Fed rate cut now hovering around 74%. Also, the ADP report showed the U.S. private sector added 146,000 jobs last month, a strong reading and slightly below market expectations of 150,000. The highly anticipated jobs report is due on Friday. The U.S. dollar gained the most against the yen and the Australian...
Gold prices were steady as market participants weighed political turmoil in South Korea and France, which has boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Bullion was little changed near $2,635 an ounce on Wednesday, after rising 0.2% in the previous session. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a surprise declaration of martial law late Tuesday, before revoking the decision hours later. Opposition parties have since filed a motion calling for his impeachment. Also in France, President Emmanuel Macron called on lawmakers to reject a vote that would overthrow the government. The precious...
Oil prices firmed on Wednesday as market participants weighed up geopolitical tensions and the prospect of OPEC+ extending supply cuts against weaker demand. Brent crude futures rose 23 cents, or 0.3%, to $73.85 a barrel by 0700 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 19 cents, or 0.3%, to $70.13. On Tuesday, Brent posted its biggest gain in two weeks, rising 2.5%. Meanwhile in the U.S., crude oil inventories rose 1.2 million barrels last week, market sources said, citing data from the American Petroleum Institute. Gasoline inventory also rose, by 4.6 million...
The euro strengthened on Wednesday ahead of a French no-confidence vote, while the Australian dollar fell to a four-month low on slowing economic growth and gains resumed after South Korea's president resigned after declaring martial law. The European common currency held steady at $1.0512 and 82.90 pence ahead of a vote by French lawmakers on a no-confidence motion that is almost certain to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier's fragile coalition. The debate is due to begin at 4 p.m. in Paris (1500 GMT), with a vote expected about three hours later, parliamentary officials...
China's official NBS Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.7 in June 2025 from May's 49.5, matching market expectations while marking the third consecutive month of contraction in factory activity.
It...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, plans to sign a USD 8 billion engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with US engineering firm KBR Inc. to build 17 modular...