• English
  • 简体中文
  • 繁體中文
  • Tiếng Việt
  • ไทย
  • Indonesia
Subscribe
Real-time News
February 9th - The overnight SHIBOR was 1.2700%, down 0.70 basis points; the 7-day SHIBOR was 1.5050%, up 7.00 basis points; the 14-day SHIBOR was 1.5840%, up 8.00 basis points; the 1-month SHIBOR was 1.5500%, unchanged from the previous trading day; and the 3-month SHIBOR was 1.5800%, unchanged from the previous trading day.On February 9th, NIO founder, chairman, and CEO William Li announced plans to build 1,000 new battery swapping stations by 2026, increasing the number of "scenic charging routes" to 100. Following the completion of the G318 Sichuan-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet battery swapping routes last year, the Silk Road battery swapping route will be opened this year. Furthermore, large-scale construction of the fifth-generation battery swapping stations will begin this year.February 9th - BNP Paribas economists stated that the ruling Liberal Democratic Partys (LDP) victory in the general election is expected to further strengthen its stringent economic policies. Their research report noted, "While there are still cautious opinions within the LDP regarding a consumption tax cut, the likelihood of its implementation has significantly increased given the election results." Analysts believe that considering the Prime Ministers public commitment to implementing the consumption tax cut by fiscal year 2026 and his overwhelming victory, the government is likely to accelerate the implementation of this measure while remaining focused on market stability. The report also pointed out that the LDPs victory could make it easier for the Takashimakata municipal government to push through the increased defense spending requested by the United States.On February 9th, Bank of America Securities issued a report stating that Meitu (01357.HK) expects its non-GAAP adjusted net profit for last year to grow by 60% to 66%, to RMB 938 million to RMB 973 million, with a median growth of 63% to RMB 955 million, slightly higher than market expectations and Bank of Americas forecast by 1%. This is mainly driven by two factors: rapid growth in product revenue and operating leverage. Bank of America Securities maintains its "Buy" rating on Meitu with a target price of HKD 11.3, based on the strong profit expansion driven by the increase in the proportion of paying users and operating leverage.On February 9th, Daiwa Securities issued a report stating that Yum China (09987.HK)s fourth-quarter results for 2025 exceeded expectations. KFCs same-store sales growth was better than anticipated, and the price increase for delivery channels in January indicated a recovery in consumer confidence and a more rational pricing trend in the industry. The report noted that Yum Chinas management forecasts a slight year-on-year increase in operating profit margin for 2026, but with improved competition in the Chinese market, further room for profit margins to exceed market expectations is anticipated. Daiwa reiterated its "Buy" rating on Yum China and raised its target price from HK$450 to HK$520.

Natural Gas prices fall below $2.70 despite USD Index attempts to recover, and demand concerns grow

Alina Haynes

Mar 14, 2023 13:12

截屏2023-01-19 下午3.42.24.png 

 

After a perpendicular recovery to close to $2.70 in the Asian session, Natural Gas futures have turned sideways. Weakness in the US Dollar Index (DXY), in general, has aided the upward bias in natural gas prices. Natural Gas futures appear vulnerable near $2.70 as the USD Index has demonstrated a recovery move to near 103.90 as investors become anxious ahead of the release of the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.

 

The Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates is anticipated to have a negative impact on industrial demand for natural gas (Fed). The market anticipates that Fed chair Jerome Powell's scheduled rate hikes will lead to a recession in the near future.

 

Meanwhile, Winter is nearing its conclusion and summer has not yet arrived. Consequently, demand for residential purposes to heat domestic spaces will remain low. Additionally, because residences will require less electricity to operate air conditioners, power companies are less reliant on natural gas.

 

The recent decline in the USD Index is what has given Natural Gas prices new life. The US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) inventory data, which is released every Thursday, will dominate this week's trading in Natural Gas futures.

 

Going forward, investors eagerly anticipate the publication of US inflation data in order to form a new consensus. According to the projections, the headline CPI could fall to 6.0% from the previous release of 6.4%. And, core inflation, which excludes crude and food prices, is anticipated to decrease slightly to 5.5% from the previous release of 5.6%.