Daily Market Reviews By Uwcfx

[UWC Neeraj]

20 NOVEMBER 2012: BUDGET TALK’S OPTIMISM SPURS WALL STREET RALLY

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Stocks rallied for a second consecutive session on Monday after budget talks created optimism that Democrats and Republicans would be able to tackle the fiscal crunch and avoid tipping over the “fiscal cliff”. The optimism spilled over to the Asian markets where the Nikkei share average in Tokyo extended its rise into a fifth day in morning trades. The gains were limited by profit taking and Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) awaited policy decision later in the session. It is expected that BOJ will keep policy unchanged. The Asian-Pacific index, MSCI, rose 0,6 percent.

The dollar was steady against a basket of currencies moving away from the two-month high reached on Friday. Precious metals jumped 3 percent on Monday on the dollar’s retreat. Gold reached 1735 and silver trade up close to a dollar on 33.20. USD/JPY is trading at 81.25. Oil prices have increased substantially on tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude reached its highest price level for weeks trading above USD 111 a barrel. NYMEX, New York crude, is sniffing on the 90 level.

Wall Street stocks climbed almost 2 percent extending a rally started on Friday. The rise reflected investors’ view that US lawmakers will be able to reach a compromise to avert USD 600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts due to start in January. This so called “fiscal cliff” threatens to send the US back into recession.

Prospects that Greece will get a lifeline to stay solvent also helped boost markets. The international rating agency, Moody’s, downgraded France’s government bond rating to A1 and kept a negative outlook on the country’s uncertain fiscal outlook and deteriorating economic prospects. The downgrade put the Euro under pressure. Euro/USD fell from a two week high on 1.2810 on Monday to 1.2777 in early Asian trade. It has regained and trades at present on 1.2796.

The Euro zone finance ministers are expected to give a tentative go-ahead for the disbursement of 44 billion euro in emergency loans to Greece later today. Differences between the finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on how to tackle the Greek crisis, however, remain, and a positive decision shall in no sway be taken for granted.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

21 NOVEMBER 2012: EURO FALLS ON INCONCLUSIVE GREEK TALKS

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro/USD is falling 50 points to 1.2757 after Euro finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) failed to reach agreement on a Greek bail-out package. While the EU seems to have been willing to extend with two years the deadline for carrying through austerity measures, IMF was sticking to 2020. Without a consensus emergency aid cannot be disbursed to Greece.

The inconclusive talks helped destroy the positive investor’s sentiment which has been built up over the last days. The Head of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke also talked US stock markets down when he yesterday stated that the Federal Reserve could do nothing to soften the “fiscal cliff”. Dow Jones fell within minutes more than 100 points upon Bernanke’s statement. He added, however, that 2013 might be a bright year for markets if Congress is able to find a compromise between budget cuts and tax hikes. Both Dow Jones and Nasdaq recovered and ended the session flat.

Hewlett Packard, one of the bedrock companies of Silicon Valley, and for decades seen as synonymous with technical excellence and innovation, stunned markets with an alleged massive accounting scandal at its British software unit, Autonomy. Serious accounting improprieties came to light after a whistle-blower come forward after the ouster of one of the companies top executives. HP shares plunged with 12 percent and reached a 10-year low. The market value of HP has fallen from $ 155 billion in 2000 to $ 20 billion after yesterday’s “massacre”.

Oil prices fell yesterday afternoon on strong rumors on a truce between Israel and Hamas on Gaza. Expectations for a ceasefire, rose, however, when US secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, arrived to Jerusalem last night to seek an end to one week of fighting. Brent crude trades at 110,03. Gold prices also fell yesterday trading at 1723 down from Tuesday’s peak on 1735. Asian stocks fell for the second day in row on the disappointing news of a failed emergency aid pay out to Greece. The Japanese Nikkei-index is up 0,44 % on a weaker Yen. USD/JPY trades at 81,905.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

22 NOVEMBER 2012: GREEK EXPECTATIONS TAKES EURO HIGHER

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

German Chancellor Angela Merkel breathed new life into the Euro yesterday when she stated that a deal on the Greek emergency package was still within reach when Euro finance ministers meet on Monday. The Euro hit a 6-1/2 month high against the yen which continue to fall on expectations of more forceful monetary easing in Japan. Euro/USD is also stronger trading at 1.2844.

Investors initially dumped the Euro after Euro finance ministers and IMF, International Monetary Fund, failed to reach a compromise on release of emergency aid for Greece Tuesday night. Merkel’s comments turned the downward trend around. Euro last traded up 1 percent at 105,94 yen. The dollar has over the last seven trading sessions gained 3,9 percent against yen. USD/JPY stands at present at 82,38 giving Japanese exporters a welcomed boost. Yen is broadly falling against other currencies including the Australian dollar.

Analysts are expecting the yen to continue weakening into the Japanese elections in the middle of December. Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) firm intention for asset purchases and forceful monetary easing makes it likely that the yen shall remain vulnerable in the near term.

After relatively quiet equity sessions in Western Europe and the US Asian stocks rose Thursday morning after a survey showed that China’s manufacturing sector in November expanded for the first time in 13 months. Along with US factory data it raised optimism that the global growth slowdown is turning. MSCI broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan raised 0,8 percent to a one week high.

Market sentiments were also boosted by the truce between Hamas and Israel on Gaza. Brent crude trades above USD 110 a barrel. Precious metals and commodities show a firmer upward trend. Gold stands at 1730 and silver trades at 33,40.

Copyright: United World Capital

[Guest goldonline]

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[UWC Neeraj]

23 NOVEMBER 2012: GOOD WEEK FOR ASIAN SHARES AND EURO

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Stock indexes continued to rise Friday morning as Asian shares were on course for a weekly gain of more than 2 percent. The Asia Pacific MSCI rose 0,4 percent and reached the highest level seen in two months after manufacturing surveys from China and the United States raised hopes for an improving global growth outlook. Japan and US were closed due to public holidays and Thanksgiving.

EURO/USD is trading at 1.2887 with the Euro enjoying a one percent lift since last Friday’s close. This in spite of yesterday’s data pointing to the Euro zone sliding into its deepest recession since 2009. The Euro has, however, been helped by optimism that a funding deal for Greece will ultimately be found when euro finance ministers meet in Brussels on Monday.

USD/JPY eased 0,1 percent to 82,39 pulling back from Thursday’s high of 82.84 which is the dollar’s strongest level since early April. The dollar has gained 3,7 percent versus yen over the last two weeks. The yen has been weakened on expectations that the Bank of Japan shall implement more drastic monetary stimulus.

Commodity markets were quiet with oil, copper and precious metals staying course to end the week higher than they started. Brent crude is trading at USD 110, 25 and Gold is flat around 1730. Last day’s markets have been subdued by Thanksgiving and enters a new week once again with major focus on the debt crisis in Europe. While a lot of ink has been spilled on the US fiscal cliff the biggest challenge for the global economy rests with the euro zone.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

26 NOVEMBER 2012: EURO RISES ON GREEK HOPES

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The Euro hit a seven-month high against the yen and held a one-month peak versus dollar when the trading week opened in Asia this morning. The Euro was supported by hopes that Greece will finally secure more emergency loans when EU Finance ministers meet in Brussels today. Euro/USD is trading at 1.2963 after reaching 1.2969 on Friday bringing its weekly gain to 1,75 percent and above the 1.2945 level which it began 2012.

Asian shares inched up on Monday on hopes that Greece can avoid a near term bankruptcy. A regional Spanish vote favoring separatist parties capped gains. The stock futures for US suggest a soft opening while European futures are falling. The Asian Pacific index, MSCI, rose 0,2 percent marking advance for the sixth consecutive day. There is market optimism on the euro area’s ability to reach a deal on Greece, but worries about the vote of Catalonian independence from Spain and its implications for Spain’s austerity measures and bond rates remain high.

Oil, commodities and precious metals saw gains on a weaker dollar last week. Brent crude is trading above USD 111 a barrel in Asia, and gold surpassed the 1750 level on Friday as central banks boost reserves. Both gold and silver fell somewhat back in early Asian trade. Gold dipped below 1750 and silver trades at 34,05. Gold saw its five week high helped by a weaker dollar and investor confidence. Both pension funds. Sovereign wealth funds and private investors have been buying gold along with central banks in Brazil, Russia, Mexico, India, South Korea and Thailand. The buying has also been prompted by devaluation concerns of major currencies.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

27 NOVEMBER 2012: EURO MINISTERS FINALLY AGREE ON GREEK DEBT

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Euro zone finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, finally reached a deal on Monday to reduce Greece’s debt. After 12 hour of negotiations Greece’s international lenders agreed on measures to reduce Greek debt by 40 billion euro, cutting the debt ratio between debt and GDP (gross domestic product) to 124 percent by 2020. Urgently needed loans to keep the bankrupt economy afloat were simultaneously released. In a significant new pledge ministers committed themselves to lower Greece’s debt below 110 percent by 2022. This is so far the most explicit recognition that some loans have to written off from 2016 when Greece is supposed to reach a primary budget surplus.

After two weeks of haggling, markets reacted with relief on the aid package. Stock markets in Asia continued up. The MSCI index for the south Pacific region outside Japan gained 0,6 percent, and the Euro/USD is trading at its highest level in weeks at 1.2985, marginally up from yesterday. Upon the release of the news from Greece, the euro reached 1.3010. Also the Australian dollar is trading at its highest level in two months versus dollar. USD/JPY was falling in early Asian trade, but has recovered at 82,15. Dow Jones was down and Nasdaq marginally up yesterday waiting for the outcome from Brussels.

Oil prices are steady. New York crude (NYMEX) is USD 88 a barrel. Brent crude is 111,04. Commodity prices are up helped by news on big infrastructural programs in China. Gold keeps around 1750 after reaching 1754 on Friday. Silver is slightly up in the morning trade in Asia at 34,20.

The agreement in Brussels has given the market a breathing spell. Investors focus is now likely to shift back to another major concern hanging over the markets, the looming US fiscal crisis. Republicans asked on Monday president Barack Obama to detail long term spending cuts to help solve the countries fiscal crisis. The Republicans are holding firm against any income tax rate increases for the wealthy that Democrats seek. If a compromise deal on the budget drags out, new focus on the “fiscal cliff” would for sure create nervousness and dampened investors risk appetite.

With big funds winding down their positions ahead of the new year-end, many analysts see it unlikely with major changes in the currency markets. The euro which has gained two percent over the last days is not set for major new gains in the short term. Any further rise in the Euro will likely be countered by selling to cap the euro’s upside. USD/JPY has fallen considerably over the last weeks and no major development is expected before the Japanese elections in mid-December and an eventual new government’s likely monetary easing.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

28 NOVEMBER 2012: FOCUS SHIFT BACK TO “FISCAL CLIFF”

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Budget talks and the “fiscal cliff” is back in focus after leaving the euro finance ministers agreement on Greek debt cuts on the agenda in the very start of the week. The euro’s short won gains against the USD were eaten up during yesterday. Euro/USD is trading at 1.2939 after falling fifty basis points in the afternoon of yesterday. The Japanese Yen strengthens versus dollar. After USD/JPY has traded in the interval between 82.15 to 82,65, yen is this morning below 82 at 81,95. Asian shares ended a seven-day winning streak this morning. The share index for Asia-Pacific stocks, MSCI, fell 0,5 % and commodities eased as lack of progress in talks on US budget threatened to threw the US economy back in recession.

President Barack Obama launched yesterday a public relations push for his bid to raise taxes on wealthy Americans. US lawmakers remained, however deadlocked over dramatic year-end tax increases and spending cuts known as the “fiscal cliff”. Obama met with small business leaders in the White House. They urged Obama to keep the tax cuts for the middle class to increase consumption and job creation. The US tycoon, Warren Buffet, simultaneously, called on the rich to pay more and proposed a minimum tax on 30 % on incomes between USD 1 and 10 million and 35 % on incomes above.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid expressed last night disappointment over modest progress in the budget negotiations. The remarks had US stocks to slide. Dow Jones lost 0,69 percent and Nasdaq 0,30. Statistics could on the other hand report on record high Thanksgiving sales and the highest US-consumer optimism in 5 years. The Shanghai composite Index slid 0,7 % and the Chinese stock markets to its lowest in nearly four years extending earlier losses and closing below 2000 points for the first time since January 2009. The weak Chinese stock market along with increasing doubts over US ability to resolve the fiscal crisis have over the last weeks strengthened demand for sovereign debt. Japanese government bond futures rise to a 9 and half year high.

Digesting the Greek debt deal comments on Twitter dismissed it as another exercise in kicking the can down the road. A degree of kicking is obvious. There is, however a critical element in the new deal which goes further than any step taken so far to get Greece back on its feet. There is an implicit understanding that Greece will undergo some form of official-sector debt restructuring with euro zone countries at some point in the future forgiving a portion of Greece’s debt. This sort of last-ditch measure is usually reserved for impoverished states in Africa and Latin America. German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble came close to acknowledging such an eventuality on a later press conference.

Oil prices are down a dollar since yesterday. Brent crude is trading at 110. Gold is also down from 1750 to 1741 breaking the good upward trend seen over the last days. Silver at USD 34 is also down.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

29 NOVEMBER 2012: BIPARTISAN STATEMENTS TURN MARKETS AROUND

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

“The fiscal cliff” seems over the last couple of days to have taken over completely as the dominant theme in the market. Statements on Tuesday from the Democratic Senate leader, Henry Reid, expressing disappointing progress towards a budget compromise with the Republicans had the markets to tumble. Yesterday it was the other way around. When president Obama expressed hope for a deficit deal by Christmas markets made a sharp U-turn. Dow Jones and Nasdaq which had started in red territory, ended 0,83 and 0,81 percent up with Hewlett Packard, Chevron, American Express and Pfizer showing the way as cracks seemed to surface in the Republican front against any tax rises. Stocks rallied when House Speaker and leading Republican, Joe Boehner, stated that a compromise was possible to avoid the “fiscal cliff”.

Whether these remarks reflect the reality of the negotiations is another story. The “fiscal cliff” of budget cuts and tax hikes dominate the discussion and influence a world market driven by psychology. Optimistic statements are immediately given a positive spin regardless of realities. The markets are going to live with these sentiments in the coming weeks and we are most probably going to see volatility and big day-to-day changes in stocks as well as commodities and currencies. Yesterday gold was hardest hit and fell 40 dollar an ounce during the session. It has recovered and trades at present at 1722. Also oil and silver took a hard punch to normalize around USD 110 a barrels for Brent crude and 33,70 for silver.

Euro/USD fell 70 points during one session and saw a low on 1.2875 before climbing back to 1.2955 and the same level as last Friday when the common currency was strengthened by the prospects of a debt deal on Greece in Brussels. By finalizing the deal Monday night the Euro reached 1.3010 to plunge back to yesterday’s low levels. The comments from US policy makers rekindled hopes of avoiding a crash landing on the US budget; and strengthened the Euro.

USD/JPY has also demonstrated great volatility during the last week. It is now trading at 82,14 bouncing back from a week high on 81,68 against the dollar on Wednesday. The dollar has corrected after reaching a 7 ½ month high of 82,84 last week. The yen has been under pressure over the last couple of weeks on speculations about aggressive monetary easing in Japan after the elections in mid-December. It is expected that USD/JPY is going to continue to trade in a range between 81 and 83 till we have seen the outcome of the elections.

Asian shares touched their highest levels in more than three weeks. The MSCI-index for Asia-Pacific jumped 1 percent after ending a seven-day winning streak on Wednesday. Also commodities are up on “optimism” for reaching a compromise on the US-budget. Nikkei in Japan and Australian shares were up as the Shanghai composite index as yesterday saw its lowest level since January 2009.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

30 NOVEMBER 2012: ASIAN STOCKS AND EURO TRADE STRONGER

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Telecommunications and health stocks were the winners in New York last night as Dow Jones and Nasdaq rose marginally. The Dow Jones industrial average passed the 13 000 mark and seems to end the week in positive territory. Investors were buying on sporadic dips roiled by conflicting comments from Washington about negotiations on a budget compromise to avoid the “fiscal cliff”, fear for a combination of budget cuts and tax hikes. Wall Street reversed early gains and fell after the Speaker of the House, leading Republican John Boehner, dashed hopes that lawmakers were getting closer to a deal. It picked up at greater optimism for a compromise at the end of the session. The extreme volatility in the markets is probably continuing as long with the stalemate in Congress.

Stock markets in Europe ended in positive territory yesterday on initial compromise optimism from both President Obama and the House Speaker Wednesday night. The exchanges in Asia started the trading day on a positive note. Asian shares rose to a nine-month peak Friday morning. Japan’s industrial output rose unexpectedly 1,8 percent in October, up for the first time in four months. This along with a new announced stimulus package from the Japanese government helped Nikkei win 0,8%. Also the Shanghai and Taiwan bourses produced healthy gains. The mining giant Rio Tinto is up 3 percent upon presenting savings and restructuring measures worth USD 5 billion.

Japanese yen is losing on the stimulus plans after gaining against the dollar earlier in the week. USD/JPY is trading at 82,45 well inside the newly established 81 – 83 corridor. Euro/USD is again stronger at 1.2999 up 50 points from yesterday’s start. The euro reached 1.3015 on Thursday, the highest level seen since 31st October. The euro is helped by the bail-out package for Greece. It is expected that a skeptical German parliament will approve the support for Greece in a vote today. This will probably give the euro a new temporary boost.

The US government said yesterday that third-quarter gross domestic product expanded at a 2,7 percent annual rate, the fastest pace since late 2011. Export growth help offset weakest consumer spending and the first drop in business investment in more than a year. Brent crude is trading at USD 110, 49 a barrel marginally up from Thursday. US crude futures, NYMEX, is falling 0,4 percent. Increased tensions and escalating violence in Syria and Egypt are stoking permanent fear of oil supply disruptions. Gold has gained back 20 dollars from yesterday’s steep fall and trades at 1727. Silver is at USD 34,20 an ounce, the same level as seen at the peak earlier in the week.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

03 DECEMBER 2012: EURO AND ASIA RISE ON CHINESE MANUFACTURING

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Euro/USD rose to 1.3048 and Asian stocks jumped to a nine-month high on further signs of a stabilizing Chinese economy boosted investor’s risk appetite. China’s vast manufacturing sector quickened in November for the first time in 13 months. HSBC bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Survey, PMI, rose to 50,5. A further evidence that the Chinese economy is picking up after quarters of slowing growth. China’s official PMI was even higher at 50,6. An official PMI for the non-manufacturing sector reached 55,6 led by construction services.

The upbeat Chinese manufacturing data helped the Euro reach a six-week high against the dollar. The Euro was also strengthened by Angela Merkel’s careful remarks that Germany, in a medium, longer term perspective, might consider to write off Greek’s debt if the country succeeds in getting its house in order.

The rhetoric on the “fiscal cliff” increased during the weekend when Democrats and Republicans went on the air to trade accusations on whom are mostly to blame for the budget stalemate. This also helped the euro. In spite that there still seem to be a huge distance to cross before any budget deal sight is in sight, markets nevertheless seem to have discounted a compromise. All asset classes posted gains in November with higher appetite for securities. Security markets except the Shanghai composite rose.

The Japanese Nikkei continues to rise on a lower yen and expectations for monetary easing after the parliamentarian elections in mid-December. The dollar steadied at 82,40 yen not far from the 82,84 yen touched on November 22. Speculators have over the last weeks boosted a short yen position which was at its highest since May 2007.

US, NYMEX crude and Brent futures are inching up at 89,16 and 111,57 respectively. Copper gained 0,3 percent to USD 8018 a metric ton. Gold is slightly up to 1719 on a weaker dollar. The DXY dollar index against a basket of major currencies are down 0,2 percent.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

04 DECEMBER 2012: WALL STREET FALLS ON WEAK DATA

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Manufacturing activity in the United States surprisingly contracted in November, dropping to its lowest level in three years. The fiscal cliff remains, however, investors’ primary focus. The political haggling over how to deal with large automatic spending cuts and tax hikes scheduled to kick in at the beginning of the new year, threatens to threw the US economy into new recession. Both Dow Jones and Nasdaq fell back after three straight winning days for the US indexes. The S&P index which composes an average of US stocks, are in spite of yesterday’s weakness still up 12, 1 percent in 2012, making stocks one of the assets classes winners.

Asian bourses and the Japanese Nikkei edged down in early Tuesday trading when the weak US data triggered profit-taking on exporters. The US economy is key to the fortunes of Japanese exporters which rely heavily on consumption in the world biggest economy. Asian markets got a boost over the weekend when the Chinese economy demonstrated healthy manufacturing data and strong signals for a rebound. Yesterday’s gains were eaten by a new cold shower from the US. The Japanese yen which recently has fallen against the USD, fluctuated heavily yesterday. After USD/JPY had traded at its lowest levels in weeks, JPY recovered strongly on the weak US manufacturing data. It is now trading at 82,10.

The Euro/USD is still strong. It rose to 1.3076 during yesterday’s trading, the highest level seen since October 22. The Euro dropped against yen after rising to a seven-month high on 107,67 on Monday. A Greek bond buyback scheme at 65 – 70 % reduction of nominal value has attracted interest and also strengthened the common currency. There are small changes in other currency pairs. Australian dollar is stabile against yen and USD, and the Scandinavian currencies are demonstrating strength both against USD and Euro. EURO/USD is trading at 1.3054 at present.

Oil prices are down. Brent crude has tipped down a dollar to 110,54. Precious metals are also trading lower. After recovering from end of last week’s steep fall from 1750-level to 1707, gold traded at 1721 yesterday. This morning gold has dropped down to 1703, a fall of 15 dollar an ounce.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

05 DECEMBER 2012: OBAMA STAYS FIRM ON TAXES FOR RICH

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

President Barack Obama held his ground on the “fiscal cliff” Tuesday. In an interview with Bloomberg Television Obama stressed that no budget compromise was possible without the wealthiest Americans paying their fair share of common expenses. With less than a month left to confront budget cuts and tax increases that will take effect from January 1st unless Congress acts, Republicans seem increasingly in disarray over how far to go to compromise with Obama’s demands. In the interview Obama took a conciliatory tone, but excluded any further tax burdens on an embattled middle class.

The insecurity over whether total budget cuts and tax hikes amounting to USD 300 billion would be implemented in some few weeks’ time, has severely affected markets. Wall Street finished slightly lower in a quiet session with thin trading volumes. Hewlett Packard recovering from last week’s onslaught when its share prices dropped 15 % in one day, was together with Intel who announced a buy-back of own shares, the winners.

Asian shares rose Wednesday led by surging Chinese equities. The MSCI index for Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan were up 0,6 percent. Shanghai shares surged 3 percent to reclaim the 2000 point level. Hong Kong shares jumped 1,3 percent. Nikkei also inched up on a statement from Bank of Japan confirming willingness for more aggressive monetary easing. USD/JPY which during yesterday’s trading strengthened substantially and reached 81,75, fell back in morning trade to 82,25 supporting exporters.

Better than expected terms for Greek bonds buy-back plan raised optimism that Athens will secure much needed emergency aid to avert a default. The news took the euro/USD above 1.32 levels for the first time in months. The Euro was also helped by Obama’s statements that weakened the dollar and increased risk sentiments. Gold saw a new set-back and fell to 1685. It has recovered to 1701 in morning trade. Oil prices have as well recovered from yesterday’s lows. Brent crude is up 0,2 % trading above USD 110 a barrel.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

06 DECEMBER 2012: NOKIA CAUSES FALL IN APPLE

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

US stocks ended mostly higher on Wednesday. Dow Jones gained 0,64 percent and is again trading above 13 000. Nasdaq ended in red after the largest US company by market capitalization, Apple, swallowed its biggest fall In share prices in four years. Apple fell 6 percent and is down more than 20 percent from an all-time high reached in late September. Market participants cited a host of reasons for the drop; the company is losing share in the tablet market and NOKIA joining ranks with China’s biggest smart phone maker will give Apple a tough fight on the Chinese market.

Banking shares went higher led by Citigroup which jumped 6,3 % on a 10 000 employees or 4 % cut in its workforce. Cyclical shares closely tied to economic growth, also rallied on optimism on progress on a solution to avoid the fiscal cliff. Obama met with business chief executives in Washington and stressed readiness for a compromise if Republicans acknowledged the need to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans. If the Republicans demonstrate such willingness, a budget deal can be reached within a week. The Republican is under strong pressure not at least from their own constituencies and; cracks in the ranks and possible “defectors” are likely to appear.

In England the Finance minister, George Osborne presented a new austerity budget to the House of Commons admitting that to have fallen short to obtain former set targets set. The budget proposal is most probably going to raise a new heated debate on whether austerity measures as practiced in England, Greece and other Western European countries are the right medicine to fight sovereign debt, trade and budget deficits. “Osborne has no more tricks to play”, commented one of the biggest British dailies.

Obama’s “fiscal cliff” comments created optimism in Asia where shares rose to a 16-month high. The Japanese Nikkei climbed 0,8 percent helped by a weaker yen. USD/JPY trades at 82,45. Euro/USD eased to 1.3054 after reaching a seven-week high of USD 1.3127 Wednesday. A disappointing Spanish bond auction reminded investors of the fragile fiscal health both of Spain and inside the euro zone and prompted a sell-off in the single currency. The markets are today waiting for the European Central Bank’s policy decision and US labor market report tomorrow.

Oil prices have fallen over the last 24 hours. Brent crude is one dollar down and trades below USD 109 a barrel. Gold is under downward pressure and tested the lows for the week at USD 1685 an ounce yesterday.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

07 DECEMBER 2012: EURO FALLS ON BLEAK OUTLOOK

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The European Central Bank, ECB’s, bleak outlook for the euro zone presented at a press conference yesterday, created turbulence in the currencies markets. The euro/USD fell to its lowest level in one week at 1.2969, down 150 basis points from its high on Wednesday. The fall in the Euro has worsened by the political development in Italy where Silvio Berlusconi’s Freedom Party withdrew its support for the technocrat government of Prime Minister Mario Monti. This immediately put pressure also on Italian bonds.

The main trigger for the sharply negative euro reaction was the mention of a “wide discussion over rate cuts. ECB President Mario Draghi said policymakers had considered cutting its main 0,75 % policy rate before deciding to leave it on hold. Draghi added that the ECB also “operationally was ready for negative rates”. This caused the euro to tumble and led biggest one-day loss in the single currency in one month.

The Euro fell steeply also against yen and other currencies. USD/JPY is urging up at 82,48. The slid in the Euro helped push the dollar index, DXY, up to 80,236 rebounding from a six week low of 79,58. Investors’ eyes are now on US non-farm payrolls report to be published later today. A sharp slowdown in employment growth IS expected due to the disruptions caused by super storm Sandy.

Asian shares touched fresh 16-months on Friday following modest gains in global equities as investors watched progress in US budget talks. Recent indicators suggesting stabilized growth in China has helped improve sentiments in Asia. The MSCI index for Asia-Pacific shares rose 0,6 percent and has gained 17 percent during 2012. Hong Kong shares reached a 16-month high. In the US a rebound in Apple helped boost technology shares on quiet exchanges.

Oil prices fell heavily yesterday. Brent crude tipped below USD 107 a barrel, but has recovered somewhat. Gold is again trading above USD 1700 an ounce.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

10 DECEMBER 2012: ASIAN SHARES FIRM ON US OPTIMISM

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Asian stocks stayed firm at its 16-month high Monday morning as better growth outlook for US and China gave raise to modest optimism. This came after US consumer confidence plunged in early December as fear over imminent tax raises and spending cuts, the fiscal cliff, outweighed the better than expected raise in non-farm payrolls job data. Unemployment fall from 7,9 to 7,7 % in November adding 146 000 new jobs suggests a modest momentum in US economy. The drop in unemployment figures is, however, mainly due to 350 000 people leaving the labor market.

The Asia Pacific share index rose 0,3 percent. The index was up 1 percent last week for its third successive weekly gain. Regional Asian market was Sunday further boosted when China reported a pick-up in factory output and retail sales after stagnating for seven quarters. Chinese exports and imports were, however, delivering below forecast presenting a mixed picture.

The Euro/USD continues to slide. Euro reached a two week low of 1.2876 on Friday after the German central back warned that Germany, the biggest economy inside the euro zone, might soon enter into recession. The Euro is at present trading at 1.2893. The pro Euro Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti, announced during the weekend that his government will withdraw. That will put the Euro under increased pressure. The development in ten-year Italian bonds which are seen as a main confidence barometer for investors shall be closely followed today.

The American dollar is up 0,3 percent against a basket of major currencies. Commodity markets led by copper are generally firmer on expectation of stronger Chinese industrial demand. Oil prices are stabilizing after falling steeply last week. Brent crude trades at USD 107,40 a barrel. Gold (1706) and silver (33,14) are up from Friday.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

11 DECEMBER 2012: EUROPEAN LEADERS URGE MONTI TO STAY

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

EU leaders urged the next Italian government to stick to Mario Monti’s reform agenda after the Prime Minister’s surprise decision to resign earlier than expected. Silvio Berlusconi’s return to front-line politics rattled the financial markets in Europe. Ten year Italian bonds, a good barometer on investor’s confidence, fell to 4,75 percent. EURO/USD also fell well below 1,29 on Monday, but has since recovered and trades at 1.2942 in early Asian trading.

Monti’s surprise weekend announcement came after Berlusconi’s People of Freedom Party withdraw its support for his technocrat government which over the last year has brought some predictability back to Italian politics. Monti, a former EU-Commissioner, has been seen as Brussels’ man and enjoy strong support from Germany’s Angela Merkel. Monti is a strong supporter of the Euro in contrast to Berlusconi who is seen as a Euro skeptic. Italian shares fell along with bonds yesterday. New elections are scheduled for February.

In the US political haggling over the “fiscal cliff” continues with no solution in sight as the clock is ticking closer to the 31st December deadline. US indexes ended flat with low turn-over. Asian stocks are marginally up. Australian stocks gained 0,4 percent on stronger commodity prices and better prospects for China. The Japanese Nikkei dropped after successive days of gain. A 10 % rally over the last month has worried investors as see signs of over buying.

The dollar firmed against Yen trading at 82,40. JPY is also under pressure by expectations of monetary easing by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Oil prices were up during yesterday’s trade. Brent crude reached USD 108 a barrel, but has as gold and precious metals fallen back in early Asian trade. Brent trades at 107,25 and gold has dropped from 1715 to 1708.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

12 DECEMBER 2012: WORLD STOCK MARKETS GROW ON POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS FROM FRS MEETING

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

The stock market in the USA has finished trading session rising on positive expectations concerning results of negotiations of politicians about reduction of state expenses and a country budget deficit. Index Dow Jones reached level of 13248.44 and added 0.59%, S&P increased for 0.65%.

Today in Vienna the next meeting of the countries of exporters of oil of OPEC will take place. Main question: discussion of quotas of oil production. According to Platts agency the cartel extracts 31,08 million barrels per day at a quota in 30 million. There will not be eventual influence on an environment of the oil market. This morning the oil futures are adding in price with Brent traded on 106.90 and Light on 86.35.

In India industrial production in October grew by 8,2%, increase for 4,5% was expected. In the last three months the government of India undertook a number of measures for attraction to the country of foreign investments, and also developed the steps directed on maintenance of internal demand and export. The reserve bank of India also tries to support economic growth and, in particular, gave a feeling that can reduce the main rates in the next quarter.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea carried out Ynkha-3 rocket start with an artificial Earth satellite "Kvanmenson-3". This is the second attempt then North Korea was trying to send the satellite on orbit, the rocket firing which taken place in April has ended with a failure. Japan regarded rocket start as violation of the international norms and decisions. Special session of UN Security Council on start of "Ynkhi-3", which Japan demanded to carry out, can pass already today.

Euro grows the second day in relation to dollar after the report showed that the trust of the German investors grew in December to a 7-month maximum. The German index of economic expectations of ZEW in December unexpectedly jumped up from -15,7 points to positive value in 6,9 points though -12 points were expected. This morning EUR/USD managed to stabilize above level of 1.30 and is traded on a level 1.3001.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

13 DECEMBER 2012: BERNANKE UNDERMINED ENTHUSIASM OF BULLS

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

Investors finally got the most awaited news of a December after FRS announced its decisions. Results of meeting were quite expected: was made the decision on repayment of state bonds with longer circulation periods for $45 billion. Plus to it will remain the QE3 program of $40 billion a month. Total $85 billion a month.

And the markets fell into thoughtfulness: in fact, FRS finally undersigns that constant injections is the only thing that can help economy and a financial system. The debt market reacted to it with the sales of treasures - rates on 10-year bonds grew to 1,7%. Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S&P500 could not continue its upward development and were closed practically at a zero level.

EUR/USD tested a reasonable demand from the very beginning of trading day though it is impossible to tell that movements had large-scale character. The British positive data gave optimism; however confusion with the Greek debt and expectation of the next meeting of Ministers of Finance of Europe limited growth, but further publication of the accompanying statement of FOMC which has coincided with expectations of the QE expansion led the prices to a maximum of 1,3097. This morning EUR/USD is traded on a level of 1.3082.

Today the Japanese yen is again sharply weakening and bargains on the minimum levels since spring of the current year against euro and dollar. Dynamics of yen also gives support to the Japanese market, helping to show a steady growth. Pair yesterday from levels of opening 82,53 broke through higher than 83,00, reached a maximum 83,29 and was rolled away to the area 83,20 on closing. This morning, we can already see USD/JPY traded on a level of 83.61. There is not much time left till elections, so movements will be warmed up upward not only with USD strengthening, but also on expectations on political change in Japan.

Prices of oil following the results of last trading session showed positive dynamics. The OPEC countries following the results of the meeting on Wednesday, as expected, kept a quota of oil production at former level - 30 million barrels a day. At the same time, the OPEC plans to reduce gradually raw materials production to correspond to the designated quota. Today Brent crude bargains with fall, losing 0,23% to level of closing of previous day.

Prices for metals and precious metals are strongly falling, gold is losing more than 1% and traded on a level of 1699.38; silver is on a level of 32.97 and decreasing for 2.40%.

Copyright: United World Capital

[UWC Neeraj]

14 DECEMBER 2012: THE PROBLEM OF "FISCAL CLIFF" AGAIN CAME TO THE FOREFRONT

DAILY MARKET REVIEWS

by Arne Treholt Vice-President of Business Development and Investments

After decisions coming from meeting of FRS nothing distracts investors from a problem of "fiscal cliff", especially, taking into account that till Christmas there is less than two weeks, and gleams in negotiations between democrats and republicans aren't observed yet. For example, the speaker John Beyner noted that the president Barack Obama “isn't serious" concerning a question of decrease of expenses which republicans consider as the main priority. Even successful data on a labor market according to which the number of primary requests for unemployment benefits fell in one week to 343 thousand at being expected 370 thousand couldn't affect moods of investors. Dow Jones and S&P500 ended up with loosing 0.56% and 0.63% accordingly.

In the last day of the current working week the index of China SSE again shows growth almost for 3%, practically coming back to the autumn maximum levels. As occasion to such positive became preliminary statistics on the production index PMI from HSBC bank according to which the index grew again and reached level of 50,9. It is a maximum level since October of last year, besides value of an index increases the second month in a row that testifies about growth of business activity in production sector.

Important news were coming from Europe where Ministers of Finance agreed to give a right to European Central Bank to regulate the main European banks of the Euro zone, however while it isn't known when the regulator will be able to start new duties. Besides, today the Euro group approved allocation of the following monetary tranche to Greece as it estimated efforts of the country on national debt reduction. This factor is a positive moment for the EU markets. 34 billion euro will be available to Greece immediately, and total amount for a repayment of a debt will be 49.1 billion euro.

The European currency still keeps above a level of 1.30 in relation to dollar, however today it was corrected from 1.3090 to 1.3045 points, and now reached a level of 1.3105.

Meanwhile the Japanese currency continues to fall. Today USD/JPY pair bargains at the level of 83,9, against yesterday's level of 83,5. On this background the exporters sensitive to fluctuations of exchange rates, still are leaders of growth, Sharp rises in price for 4,4%, and Toshiba and Pioneer for 1,8%.

Prices of oil following the results of last trading session showed negative dynamics against decrease in the majority of world stock markets. Further weakening of dollar in case of resolution of a collision around the budgetary agreement in the USA can become a key factor of growth of the oil prices. Today this morning Brent crude is traded on a level of 107.01.

Copyright: United World Capital