31 MAY 2013: NEW RALLY IN CURRENCY MARKET – EURO PREVAILS OVER DOLLAR

All conditions were created for a rally of EUR/USD: reports from the Eurozone were better than forecast, and at the same time for the USA – worse than predicted. The result didn't keep itself waiting for long, the pair could go above the strong resistance level at 1.30, although it reached a maximum on 1.3061 and finished the trading session around 1.3040. It is quite interesting actually, that the data from the USA were not as dire as predicted, and the Eurozone in general was not presenting something really satisfying or exceptional. The conclusion comes by itself – the overbought USD gives power to the Euro.

So, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the USA in 1 quarter was reconsidered to fall from 2,5% to 2,4%, and the number of the unemployed who have submitted an application for receiving a grant, grew to 354 thousand. It is absolutely not enough to frighten Bernanke, but it is quite enough to provoke investors to close long positions on USD on tops. This also gave support to the British Pound and GBP/USD from the level of opening at 1.5129 pair reached a maximum of 1.5219, having finished the trading session around 1.52.

After disappointments with the labor market in Germany, today it is worth looking at the data on retails in the country. Usually there is direct correlation: there is no income – there are no expenses, however analysts predict the indicator’s growth, so tension in the market increases. If sales volumes will really increase, it will give additional support for further strengthening of EUR/USD to the next resistance levels on 1.3070 and 1.3110.

In relation to Japan today, it is worth acknowledging the statement of IMF (International Monetary Fund), in which it completely supported the current monetary policy of the country, and stated extensive prospects of its further realization.  Furthermore, the problem with growth of profitability of state bonds is considered to be completely controllable. Asian stock markets started the day positively, however, by this time, buyers confidence had already evaporated. Japanese Nikkei slightly restores yesterday's losses, while the Hong Kong’s Hang Seng again looks worse than its"colleagues".

Prices for precious metals are stable, with Gold on 1417.08$ and Silver on 22.74$. Prices for oil are slightly down, with Brent on 102.07$ per barrel and WTI on 93.47$. Today the next meeting of representatives of member countries of OPEC becomes a key event of the day in the oil market. Questions on the current quotas of production, and also the increase in production of oil in the USA will be discussed. America now produces record volumes of oil, thereby reducing the dependence from former exporters.

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Gold Rebounds As USD Weakens

Gold and Silver rebounded strongly yesterday after the onslaught at the end of last week, and in Asia on Monday morning. Both the precious metals fell nearly 5 %. Gold trades at USD 1387 an ounce in Asia, 35 dollars up from the lows 24 hours ago.  Silver trades at USD 22,70 rebounding from a low of 21.00 and reached USD 23, at the start of the Asian trading session. The cautious comments from representatives from the US Federal Reserve (FED) regarding the bond-buying stimulus, have weakened the USD.


In a statement on Monday, the President of the Federal Reserve in Chicago followed up last week’s comments from another regional FED president, that the bond-buying program might end abruptly in the autumn if, by then, the FED was sure that the labour market was on solid footing. Earlier, the FED put a 6,5 % unemployment statistic as the critical mark.  The last published data showed a 7,6 % unemployment statistic.  The aggressive monetary easing policies now also followed by Japan, has given global stock markets a strong boost.


US-stocks ended flat on Monday with indexes hovering near record levels.  Concerns about a stop in bond-buying and a correction are influencing markets.  Energy stocks and primarily solar companies soared. Dow Jones saw an intraday high at 15 391. S&P reached 1 672. Both indexes are up 17 % since January 1st.  Investors are split between nervousness for a strong correction due to the sharpness and length of the rally, and those who are afraid to miss a continued rally.


European shares set a new five-year high for the fourth straight session on Monday, after positive indicators from The United States and Japan pointed to an improving global economic outlook.  European blue chip stocks (Financial Times Eurofirst 300 index) was up one percent, which is the highest level seen since mid 2008. The positive US consumer sentiment data from Friday, the highest level seen in almost six years, is seen as especially encouraging. EasyJet and Ryan Air were among the biggest gainers.


The Japanese Yen tumbled yesterday after comments from its Minister of Economy, warning that the currency might have weakened enough. USD/JPY fell to 102 after Friday’s high on 103,22,  but has rebounded to 102,22. Oil prices are keeping steady. Brent crude trades at USD 104,83 a barrel. FED Chairman Ben Bernanke’s statement to Congress on Wednesday will be crucial for the further development in currencies and global equity markets.

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30 APRIL 2013: S&P500 INDEX AGAIN APPROACHED ABSOLUTE MAXIMA

In the first day of the week the index of the wide market S&P500 closely approached recently established historical maxima and now has chance to continue an ascension on new heights. Following the results of the yesterday’s trading session the S&P500 index increased by 0,72%. Quotations stopped at the level of 1593,61 points. To an absolute record there was not enough one point only. As the closest level of resistance which can be reached within an ascending trend, we will allocate a level of 1610.

Bulls also were positive in the light of coming meetings of key central banks – on the 1st of May will be finished the next meeting of FRS, and on May 2 the decision on an interest rate will be made by European Central Bank. From FRS the investment community expects comments on recent deterioration of macroeconomic statistics and, respectively, promises of extension of QE at least until the end of the year; from the European central bank wait fall of an interest rate which ripened owing to lack of any signs of revival of economy of the region. Speculative expectations of cheap money as usual maintain appetite to risk, and Monday didn't become an exception.

The trading session at Asian stock markets takes place today with mainly positive dynamics, continuing yesterday's growth over the ocean, but the Japanese market which has come back from days off, looks worse than the colleagues. One of the reasons is dynamics in the currency market where USD/JPY pair continues movement under level 98, after it was once again rolled away from a level of 100 last week.

Also a big block of macro statistics has been issued today in Japan, mainly positive, however this factor is mainly ignored by Japanese investors. In particular unemployment rate decreased in March to 4,1%, expenses of households grew by 5,2% in annual calculation, the production PMI index raised to 51,1, and retails of the largest networks grew by 2,4%. Only an industrial production was worse than expectations and grew for March only by 0,2% at forecasts of growth for 0,4%.

In Australia, meanwhile, continues growth of the banking sector, and yesterday's leaders of growth - National Australia Bank and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group add today another 2,5% and 4,5% respectively.

Prices of oil and precious metals are weaker this morning. Brent is on a level 103.55$ per barrel – loosing 0.25%. Gold and silver are on a levels 1460.93 and 23.98 respectively.

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29 APRIL 2013: GERMANY'S DAX ADDED 4.8% FOR THE LAST WEEK

Leading stock indexes of Europe and the USA on Friday generally decreased - the British FTSE-100 decreased for -0,26%, the German DAX lost -0,23%, the French CAC lost -0,79%, the American Dow Jones added just +0,08%, S&P500 decreased for -0,20%, Nasdaq Composite lost -0,33%. Accordingly to the published statistics on Friday, growth rates of gross domestic product of the USA in the first quarter of the current year were accelerated, but were slightly worse than market expectations. At the same time the index of consumer confidence in the USA, counted by Michigan University, decreased, but at a size smaller, than was predicted. 

As a whole for the past week the American share indexes added 1,1-1,9%, and European rose by 2,2%-4,8%. The German DAX which has added 4,8%, against improvement by the authorities of Germany of forecasts on growth rates of economy became the favorite of week within the European platforms. Bundesbank (the Central Bank of Germany) in the April’s review predicted growth restoration in economy of Germany in the second quarter against situation improvement on a labor market.

Trading session in Asian stock exchanges started without any uniform dynamics, Chinese and Japanese stock exchanges are closed today in connection with national holidays "Labor Day" and "Showa Day" respectively.

At the same time, Australian ASX where the raw materials companies are the major part of the index, remains to be in a green zone, despite the fact that on Friday evening there was quite sharp depreciation of metals. Mainly support is given by the banking sector. In particular the extracting companies Newcrest Mining and BHP Billiton lose around 0,5% of the capitalization while National Australia Bank and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group banks add 1,3% and 0,8% respectively. Significantly worse than the market looks the Kingsgate Consolidated gold mining company, which is losing -14,5%, because of the statement of intention to decrease expenses in connection with a collapse of prices on precious metals.

Today the statement concerning prospects of development of economy of the Asian-Pacific Region was made by representatives of IMF, having reported about fall in forecast on gross domestic product growth from 5,9% to 5,7%. Also experts noted remaining probability of slowdown of the Chinese economy.

Prices of precious metals continue its positive correction after steep falls we have seen not so long time ago, gold is increasing for 1,07% and is traded on a level of 1469,16. Silver is up for 1,88% on a level of 24,20. 

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26 April 2013: GBP, GOLD AND SILVER STRONGLY REBOUND

British sterling (GBP) has recovered strongly from the bottom levels of 1.50 reached earlier in April. GBP/USD trades at 1.5432 on better than expected job and economic data, indicating a rebound in GBP’s future. Precious metals are again shining. Silver futures rose 6,5% and trades at USD 24.40 an ounce, two dollars up from the bottom last week. Gold peaked on USD 1476, particularly on Chinese and Indian retailers who see the steep fall in precious metals as a buying opportunity. Also oil and copper prices are higher.

The improved sentiment in commodities and precious metals comes on the top of better US jobless figures. There were 11 000 fewer reported jobless seekers than the week before. The new data is not impressing. The expected 350 000 jobless turned out to be 339 000. The head of the Federal Reserve, FED, Ben Bernanke, dampened optimism stressing market’s volatility and need for emergency measures. While the jobless numbers created a Wall Street rally helped by good quarterly earnings reports, Bernanke talked the equity markets down. Nasdaq and S&P rose modestly nevertheless up for 5th day in row reflecting a stock market running ahead of economic realities.

Asian shares rose again on Friday on the upbeat US labor market data. Samsung posted a record quarterly results in line with expectations ahead of Galaxy S4 debut. The fall in Japanese Yen helped SONY to deliver its best profit in years. The Asian Pacific MSCI-index was up 0,3% reaching a six week high. Analysts see a continued upside in Asia and predict that the stock markets could raise another 10 – 15%. Robust quarterly earnings had Shanghai advance 1 percent. Australian shares benefited by high company yields compared with other countries and was up 0,2%.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) predicted that the set 2% inflation target will be met in two years. USD/JPY hovers around 99 - 99,50 still unable to reach the 100 mark. Expectations that the European Central Bank, ECB, will lower interest rates from 0,75% at its meeting next week weakened the Euro and strengthened European equities. Market beliefs that global economic stimulus will remain in place helped risk asset markets rebound from a sharp sell-off earlier in April triggered by disappointing US and Chinese manufacturing data.

The German Minister of Finance, Wolfgang Schaeuble, lashed out at the European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, yesterday telling lawmakers that the euro zone’s problems had nothing to do with strict budget discipline. He encouraged “somebody to tell Barroso that”. Schaeuble’s remarks came on the top of a bitter strife between European leaders on the effects of austerity measures hitting especially the periphery of Southern Europe. Germany which favors “balanced budgets” are seen as the major culprit for the austerity measures.
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24 April 2013: Apple lifts Asia after false tweet

Apple climbed 4,9% to USD 425,95 in after closing trade yesterday night after reporting strong second quarter earnings. Apple also unveiled plans to double the amount of capital returned to shareholders after for a long time being heavily criticized for not sharing excessive profits. The Apple quarterly report made stock markets in Asia to rally. Wall Street recovered Tuesday after initial sharp declines sparked by an Associated Press tweet about explosions in the White House.

The false tweet by hackers of two explosions at the White House that injured US President Barack Obama, provoked a steep drop in stocks. The benchmark S&P index fell 16,6 points or close to one percent in 3 minutes. Index values of USD 136 billion were wiped out. Stocks quickly recovered minutes later. The tweet episode illustrates the advantages, but simultaneously the fall outs of an instantaneous pricing technology.

Asian shares advanced on Wednesday on the back of Apple and other solid US quarterly earnings. The Euro came under pressure by soft German data which underscored the fragile state of the euro zone economy. The Asia-Pacific MSCI-index climbed 0,8%. The Australian stock index gained 1.4% along with a firmer Aussie dollar. The positive US numbers also gave a lift to oil and other commodities. Copper is up after several day’s decline. Brent crude trades at USD 100,54 a barrel. Gold (USD 1426) and silver (USD 23,15) prices are up after falling back during yesterday’s trading.

The more positive tone in global equities markets seem to indicate that investors regard continued monetary easing by major central banks as justified. Monetary easing encourages investments in shares. But that also means that stock markets don’t reflect the real economic fundamentals. Equities continue to rally in spite of sluggish manufacturing surveys and weaker economic data from both the US and China, the two major engines in the global economy.

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23 April 2013: Asia falls on weaker Chinese PMI

Asian shares and other riskier assets lost ground on Tuesday after a preliminary reading showed weaker Chinese manufacturing growth in April. HSBC’s Purchasing Manager’s Index, PMI, fell in April and added to concerns about global growth prospects. HSBC’s report is the first economic indicator for the second quarter of 2013. It follows weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth and a contraction in export pointing to fragile global demand.

April PMI-numbers fell to 50,5 from 51.6 in March. The numbers are nevertheless higher than February’s 50,4, and in no way disastrous. The April PMI reinforces, however, market concerns about a stagnating and slowing Chinese economy. Stock market rallies especially in the United States have been based on expectations of a stronger US recovery and Chinese growth. The latest PMI takes some of this belief away and is a strong indication that the stock market rally might be over for now.

Both Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks fell. The Shanghai SSE fell 1,4% and the Japanese Nikkei slipped 0,1% after surging up 2,2 percent on Monday; close to a five-years high. After USD/JPY reached 99,95 on April 11, a breakthrough of the 100 mark has been expected. Instead the USD fell back to 98,60 yen after reaching 99,90 in early trade yesterday. Weak US-housing data weighed in on the strength of the dollar. USD firmed against the Euro trading at 1.3043. Comments from the European Central Bank, ECB, suggest the bank might consider lowering interest rates in light of mass unemployment and low inflation.

Gold has recovered strongly from last week’s tumble trading at USD 1427 an ounce. More gold outflows from exchange-traded funds stress, however, a weakened confidence in the precious metal and possible further drops. While gold is slightly up from Monday, silver is losing ground. Copper prices continue to fall with 0,6% on the London metal exchange. Brent crude stays above USD 100 a barrel, but crude futures are pointing down.

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Is a decade-long bull run for gold coming to an end?

Is a decade-long bull run for gold coming to an end?: Arne Treholt, Vice President, Business Development Director at MAYZUS Investment Company discusses Gold prices

Gold prices have suffered their sharpest fall in 30 years over the last couple of days, heightening fears among investors that the decade-long bull run for precious metals, especially gold, is about to end. The dramatic development started on 12th of April with 15thof April as the ugly black Monday for gold lovers. Gold has traded steadily between 1550 and 1615 during the first months of 2013, and then suddenly plunged USD 200. Shocked investors took a deep breath after losing confidence in the metal for which many thought that the sky was the limit.

The volatility of market sentiments was demonstrated early Monday morning as investors debarred gold from its safe haven status in just a few short hours. As a result of the lost confidence in gold, the Japanese Yen (JPY), which had been suffering for the last few months due to aggressive Japanese economic stimulus and monetary easing, briefly regained its position as a safe haven candidate.

The safe haven rally was short lived; USD/JPY jumped from a low 96 to above 98 yen to a dollar in just a few hours. Following a technical upward correction after the steep fall, markets continued to be extremely nervous, showing some similarities with market behavior in 2008 prior to the financial crisis that autumn. After a short rebound the selling pressure on gold continues.

Close market followers could have noticed signals that investors were becoming increasingly skeptical about gold. For many years, it has been taken more or less for granted that gold is going to continue to rise and shine. However, if we look back at the gold graph of the last couple of years, we can see that there have been some worrying signals. Gold prices peaked and reached USD 1406 in early January 2011. There was a technical correction down, but between February and September gold prices rose steadily to USD 1920. A breakthrough of the magic psychological 2000 level seemed to be within reach and many investors betted on that opportunity.

Instead, gold started to correct down steadily and moved sidelong before reaching an autumn peak at 1787 on October 1, 2012. It has been falling down since October with minor upwards technical corrections until it reached 1321 and rebounded to 1382. With the existing strong selling pressure and weak market sentiments there is no reason to believe that USD 1350 represents a bottom.

In addition to the charts, which show a steadily falling curve since September 2011, there have been other reasons for concern. Major international banks have recommended selling gold. There might be numerous reasons why Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Societe General are all in favor of liquidating gold reserves.

The erratic and speculative way international banks have operated over the last few years, from manipulation with labor to excessive greed, demonstrated in both trading and investments, makes one ask, whether their recommendations are a new expression of speculative behavior to their own best benefit? Are gold sales boosted up, so certain market players can buy the precious metal back at strongly reduced prices?

When George Soros recommends selling as he did a few weeks ago, when gold prices were USD 1615, there is a stronger reason for an alert.In spite of the fact that Soros operates on behalf of his own institutions, he was first and foremost considered to be an individual investor. Since the 1960’s it is a good idea for the markets to listen to his predictions and advices. Two years ago, Soros recommended to sell silver for USD 45, after its steady climb from USD 17 a troy oz. Silver peaked at 49,67 and has been continuously falling since, reaching a low of 22,65 on Monday, April 15th, 2013.

Where does gold go from here?
In a short-term perspective, the technical upside correction already seems to have subsided. Gold simply seems to have no steam to lift the precious metal beyond the USD 1400 limit. There is no inflationary pressure to strengthen gold. Ever record-high US stocks have seen gold selling in favor of investments in stock markets, which as long as the monetary easing continues will be a far more interesting investment than placing money in the risky precious metal with market sentiments against it.

The opportunity for central banks selling their gold reserves to finance own assets requests from international lenders as the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) added to the selling pressure on gold. This development was spurred by tiny Cyprus, but the idea was picked up by central banks in countries like Italy and Spain that are also under big pressure.
There are, however, more optimistic outlooks pointing to a strong gold recovery at the end of 2013, even if most analysts seem to agree that it may take time before investors‘ confidence returns to the precious metals market. Gold is on the verge of being oversold. An oversold market shall create a tighter supply/demand fundamentals relation.

Even if stock markets continue to raise, these rallies are artificial and are more based on monetary easing than on economic fundamentals. What is going to happen when the bubble bursts? Could gold then be back shining, considering that some central banks in emerging countries are buying gold to strengthen their reserves?

There might be light in the tunnel for gold prices in the medium and long-term perspective.

Having different opinion on future prices for Gold? At MAYZUS you can test your judgments, read more here.

About the Author:
Arne Treholt, Vice President, Business Development Director at MAYZUS Investment Company

Mr. Treholt began his career as a journalist and foreign correspondent of the Oslo-based daily newspaper Arbeiderbladet in Norway. He then joined the Norwegian Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was promoted to the position of Political Secretary to the Minister of Shipping and Foreign Trade, followed by his position as Deputy Minister of Law of the Sea. He held the position of Counselor for Economic Development and Social Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was member of the Norwegian Mission to the United Nations, New York. Mr. Treholt retired from his diplomatic career and moved to Moscow, where he became CEO of ISMOS Trading, followed by his position of CEO of Rim Investment Management and FMC Securities in Cyprus. Mr. Treholt joined Mayzus Investment Company in June 2009 as Vice President, and he is also in charge of the business development and portfolio asset management of the company. He is the author of five books and numerous articles on economics and politics.

17 April 2013: Wall Street lifted by Gold and earnings

US-stocks jumped more than one percent on Tuesday recovering after the worst fall since November. Gold prices rebounded from bottom level on USD 1351 and trades at 1379, but selling levels still persist. The US stock indexes were lifted by good earnings from Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson. The bullish sentiment was also helped by inflation data which reinforced expectations that he Federal Reserve will keep the stimulus. After two falling days, Asian stock markets are back in positive territory.

Gold prices jumped 30 dollar during yesterday’s session after falling 8,8% on record volume on Monday. Gold reached 1382, but is still under strong selling pressure as investors rushed to dump gold. Gold prices suffered their sharpest fall since the 1980’ies heightening fears among investors that precious metal’s decade long Bull Run has ended. Silver also fell 11% and trades at 23,42. Silver was trading above USD 35 just a few months ago, and reached nearly the mark USD 50 just two years ago.

The gold selling fever initiated in Cyprus where the government last week stated readiness to sell its gold reserves to help finance IMF and ECB demands for bail-out assets. Rumors indicated that other pressed Southern European countries would follow suit. Faltering European demand and weaker than expected Chinese economic data depressed oil prices. Brent crude fell to a nine-month low and reached USD 98 a barrel bottom. Brent has also recovered and trades again above USD 100.

The Japanese yen (JPY) eased in Asian trading this morning as it succumbs to new pressure as gold recovered. The historic plunge in gold prices coupled with fresh concern about China’s economic growth, saw some investors plunge back in yen as a safe haven reversing the downward trend sparked by Bank of Japan’s aggressive stimulus program. USD/JPY trades at 98,19. The USD has lost ground against the euro which has gained momentum after breaking through the stiff technical resistance at 1.3110/20. Euro is at 1.3173 as Euro bulls shrugged off a report on sharp April-fall in German investor sentiment.

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16 April 2013: Gold prices collapse

Gold collapsed completely yesterday as precious metals plunged to the lowest levels seen in years. Gold trades at USD 1351 an ounce falling 250 dollar in two days. Silver fell from USD 28,25 ending yesterday at 22,50. Oil and other commodity prices sharply declined. Brent crude fell below the critical USD 100 a barrel level at USD 98,42. Stock market plunged as investors dumped risky assets and worries over slowing growth in China and US took hold. After a short spell of relief, Japanese yen, JPY, continued to slide against USD, before rebounding to 97,67 yen to a dollar.

The dramatic development in financial markets follows a worldwide rally in stocks in the first months of 2013 where daily new records on Wall Street have outpaced fundamentals. The monetary easing in the US, Europe and lastly Japan have injected huge capital into stocks without succeeding to create new employment. Risk markets have been rallying at a pace not in line with a tepid global growth recovery. Investor’s sell off of precious metals, commodities and shares might be seen as a last ditch effort to take some profit while markets evert to levels more in line with fundamentals.

Investors are reassessing their portfolio allocations for the second quarter of 2013 on that basis. In this perspective it seems likely that funds would be pulled out of the US stock market also taking European uncertainties into account. US debt might then back as a secure long term investment and reduce demands for an alternative safe-haven as gold. There are therefore valid question marks as to whether the deep plunge in gold will continue and that we are still far from a bottom.

USD/JPY recovered during Monday. The dollar fell to 95,67 yen. The Euro hit a low of 125 yen. Both USD and Euro have rebounded. Euro is trading at 126,75 yen. In a market dominated by steep falls and quick rebounds, EURO/USD has traded steady in an interval between 1.3050 and 1.31. In early Asian trading, the Asian-Pacific index, MSCI, has stabilized after a 2% drop in European and US markets yesterday. A bomb explosion killing two and injuring 130 people at the finish line of the Boston marathon added to the downward pressure on the New York exchanges.

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04 April 2013: ECB under fire for Cyprus handling

Asian stocks fell as worse-than-estimated US economic data spurred concern about the pace of the US recovery as investors speculated whether the Bank of Japan (BOJ) would be able to meet forecast for monetary expansion and an inflation target of 2%. The MSCI Asia Pacific index slid 1% with carmakers as Toyota Motor declining on a stronger Yen. USD/JPY trades at 93.00. Copper prices, a strong indicator for economic growth, sank to its lowest level since August. Gold and silver prices plunged with Gold at USD 1546 an ounce. Oil prices fell two dollar a barrel.

The European Central bank (ECB) is meeting today in the aftermath of a botched attempt to rescue Cyprus. Bank shares have been tumbling across the Euro area and rattled confidence in policy maker’s ability to tame the sovereign debt crisis. With unemployment reaching a record high of 12,5%, doubts are growing about Mario Draghi’s forecast for a second-half economic recovery. The austerity measures prescribed from European bankers and politicians have so far dragged Europe into an even deeper recession.

The disconnect between official low lending rates and those businesses are actually charged, is also a growing concern for the ECB. More than four times as many small businesses in Spain were rejected loans in the second half of 2012 than in Germany or walked away from, too, expansive offers. The excess liquidity in the banking sector has halved over the last half year and lenders in the south European periphery might be in need of more central bank funding.

In front of today’s meeting critical questions are asked on the role ECB plaid in the Cyprus bailout. ECB initially welcomed and supported the Cypriot government’s plan to confiscate funds on all banking accounts including those below Euro 100 000. This was rejected by the Cypriot Parliament. A revised agreement was negotiated a week later under the threat of ECB cutting emergency funding to Cypriot banks. Additionally; capital controls were for the first time in the EU history introduced to avoid capital flight. Free movement of capital is one of the four basic freedoms EU cooperation is built upon.

The confiscation of private accounts and introduction of capital control have damaged investor confidence and banks reputation across the Euro zone. Between March 15 and 27 the Stoxx Europe 600 Bank index dropped 6,8%. The cost of insuring against default on European bank bonds have surged 41% in the same period. Partially responsible for a flawed bailout plan being presented to Parliament, ECB exacerbated markets reactions to the bailout and simultaneously harmed the trust in Europe’s crisis fighting abilities.

Analysts stress that even if the error originated in Cyprus, Euro Finance ministers and ECB’s big miscalculation were to support a flawed plan. This resulted in increased financial stress and uncertainties in global markets. The trust in the Euro was undermined. Whether Mario Draghi and the ECB today would be able to present the right damage limiting response, is an open question.

Three Supreme Court judges appointed by President Nicos Anastasiades will today start investigations into a decade of financial profligacy which brought Cyprus to its knees. They have also a mandate to look into the President’s own affairs after accusations of tipoffs that presumably saved close family for big amounts when of 21 million euros were transferred abroad days before the bailout plan was announced.

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Euro weakens as unemployment climbs

Euro/USD fell to 1.2803 as unemployment inside the euro zone fell to a record high 12,5 %.  The euro fell against 12 of its 16 most traded peers as unemployment continued to soar in Greece and Spain adding to concern of an even deeper recession. Unemployment in Greece  reached 26,7 % with 60 % of the youth without jobs. A mix of lower than expected  industrial manufacturing data and unemployment paint a grim picture for hopes of a quick recovery inside the euro zone.

 Asian stocks fell before later publication of new US job numbers.  The dollar index (DXY) which has fallen for the last days rose 82,920 as gold prices plunged 35 dollars to USD 1567 an ounce. Copper and silver continue to fall while oil prices are steady.  New York crude (NYMEX) has been trading above 96 for the whole week and Brent crude above USD 110 a barrel. The European Central Bank (ECB) which  along with the EU and International Monetary Fund, IMF, has been strongly criticized for its handling of the Cyprus crisis, meets on April 4th.

 As indicated in our Daily Report yesterday Cyprus has started a  blame  hunt for a crisis running out of hand. Finance Minister Michael Sarris who conducted the bailout negotiations in Brussels and afterwards came empty handed back from Moscow, resigned on Tuesday and was replaced by Labour Minister Haris Georiades.   Sarris has for the last year served as President of the Board in the bankrupt Popular Bank of Cyprus, Laiki.  Over the last months Laiki received billions of Euros from ECB in emergency funding.


The use of these funds will be part of a special investigation conducted by three special judges appointed by President Nikos Anastasiades. The judges shall within three months present a report on whom bear responsibility  for the crisis. Bank of Cyprus (BOC) and Laiki Bank were till recently regarded as solid profitable national flagships. The two banks have over the last 2 – 3 years lost billions of euro on speculation in Greek treasury bills and unsecured loans to Greek individuals and companies.

 President Anastasiades himself came under fire yesterday when it was known that a company headed by his son in law and other relatives presumably transferred 21 million euro out of Cyprus just before the controversial EU decision to raid bank deposits took place. Anastasiades flatly rejected tip-off to close family members or any other  wrong doing;  “I never knew, and it was never possible for me to wage war until Saturday morning March 16th to avoid what they imposed on us and at the same time supposedly tip-off people”.

 Other politicians have received similar accusations which would  be subject for the investigations. Even if  lose accusations,  the tip-off suspicions illustrate what the Cypriot public regards as, too,  “cosy” relations between bankers and politicians.

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14 March 2013: Retail report boosts DOW to new high

Surprisingly strong retail sales helped the Dow Jones Industrial to rise for the ninth straight session in a stock rally not seen since 1996. The new record high posted for DOW is 14 455. Also Nasdaq edged higher to 3 245. Trading volume was light with investors consolidating positions after a strong run up in the three first months of the year. Sign of strength in the economy and the Federal Reserve’s (FED) monetary easing have accelerated the advance of US equities, but many investors are asking whether we are in for a technical correction. The retail sales report helped underscore the impression that the economy is gaining momentum.

Asian shares fell for the second day in row with regional factors outweighing the positive sentiments from another Wall Street record close. The MSCI-index for Asia-Pacific was down 0,6%. Australia plunged 1% in spite of positive employment numbers. The Australian dollar reacted positive to the employment news and hit a five-week high. The Japanese Nikkei bucked the negative trend and added 0,4%. Net inflows in Japanese mutual funds reached USD 11 billion in February. A domestic stock rally for the last four months have increased investor’s appetite for Japanese stocks.

Monetary policy direction remains diverse in Asia as countries also watch development in Chinese economy and North Korea closely. Japan wants powerful monetary easing to get out of a vicious deflation spiral harming its economy for two decades. Other central bankers are fearful of inflation. South Korea has been holding the interest rate steady at 2,75% for the last half year.

The Australian dollar jumped to USD 1,0383 after employment soared by 71 000 in February. JPY continues to gain strengthen against USD trading at 96,03 down from its 96,71 peak on Tuesday. Euro/JPY has also retreated from its record high on Tuesday. The brighter forecast for the US economy has negatively affected the Euro trading down to 1,2947. The yield on Italian short and long term bonds increased during yesterday’s auction, the first after the rating agency Fitch downgraded Italy’s credit rating in February. Investor’s attention will today turn to the Spanish bond auction.

Oil prices, gold and silver have dropped since yesterday. NYMEX crude trades at USD 92,28 a barrel. Brent crude is down to 108,40. Gold trades at USD 1586 an ounce.

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05 March 2013: Wall Street higher in closing rally

In a late-day rally Wall Street pushed major stock indexes near all-time highs despite concerns about growth and China’s housing market. Any slowdown in China could affect US growth. Commodities and US-materials have a big exposure towards China. This goes especially for giants as Caterpillar and Alcoa which lost respectively 1,8% and 1,1% and were the big losers in yesterday’s trade.

Asian shares followed suit and rebounded strongly on Tuesday after a sharp sell-off triggered by slumping Chinese stocks the previous session. The MSCI-index for Asia-Pacific shares won back 1.1% of the 1.3% lost on Monday. In a prepared statement for the opening of China’s annual parliament meetings, outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao, stressed that China would boost fiscal spending in 2013 in a bid to deliver on the promised 7,5% economic growth for 2013.

This boosted the Australian stock market which rose 1,5% outperforming its Asian peers. Japan’s Nikkei stock average rose 0,8% to 53 month high. At least for now markets continue to be bullish in spite of spending cuts in the US, lack of any kind of political resolution in Italy and weaker data from China including an overheated property market. Markets are flush with capital due to monetary easing and continuous low interest rates. For the time being this seems to trump every other concern.

There are no big movements in the currencies. Euro/USD is steady on 1.3015. EU Finance Ministers met yesterday to discuss bail-out terms for Cyprus (see separate article). USD/JPY is at the same 93,50 levels as seen at the start of the week. British pound, GBP, has avoided to slump below 1.50 and trades above 1.51. Oil prices have recovered from yesterday’s low. New York crude, NYMEX, is above USD 90 a barrel. Brent crude trades at 110,25. Gold and silver are marginally higher than at the start of the week. Gold at USD 1580 an ounce.

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04 March 2013: Asia tumbles on China worry

 Asian  shares slipped on  Monday as China tightened its grip on the property sector. Beijing increased Friday  required down payments and loan rates for buyers for second homes in cities where prices have been quickly  increasing  in an effort to contain housing costs. This had immediately a negative effect on the Chinese markets and led to a tumble in Asia. The MSCI-index for ASIA-Pacific shares are 1,3 % down after Shanghai shares slipped 2,3 %.

 Slower growth in  Chinese increasingly important services sector had also an impact. The growth in this sector was slower than in five months, reinforcing the view that the Chinese recovery remains modest. The slower Chinese growth had an immediate effect on Australia where the AXJO index fell 1.2 %. Japan was the only positive spot.  The Nikkei 225rose 0,6 % as the sole gainer in the region. Export companies were boosted by a weaker yen and surprisingly strong US manufacturing and consumer sentiment.

 The new Governor of Bank of Japan (BOJ) stated that BOJ is ready to take whatever measures necessary to get Japan out of the vicious deflation circle. USD/JPY trades at 93,33. In spite of its budget problems USD is trading on a six months high against a basket of currencies. Currency speculators have over the last week increased their bets in favour of the US dollar.

 Evidence of Europe’s problem with Spain at risk needing a state bailout is weighing in on the Euro.  Data presented on Friday showed that Germany and Ireland are the only Euro zone members with factory output growth last month. Joblessness within the Euro zone rose to an all-time high. The Euro steadied at 1.3015 after slipping to a low of 1.2966 on Friday, the lowest level seen in 3 months.

 Concerns about the negative impact from the USA spending cuts also weighed in on US crude which is down to USD 90.59 a barrel. Brent is trading at 110,50. Gold and silver prices are hurt by the strong dollar.

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