The stockpiles levels in China, the biggest commodity consumer, are impacting copper prices in the global markets. Copper price is hovering at $4,400 per metric ton and is moving in consolidation phase. Chinese smelters may cut down output and stop increasing capacities this year.
United Kingdom
Anglo American's copper output up 23% in Q4
Anglo American's copper production and from retained operations rose 23 percent for the fourth quarter of 2015. The overall copper equivalent basis production for 2015 rose five percent when compared with 2014. Majority of metals including copper, coal, nickel and iron ore tumbled during the second half of 2015. The copper inventory of Anglo American was at 197,631 tons as on 2015.
Higher Capital Requisites In Basel III Rules Lead To Volatile Gilt Market In The UK
Introduction of risk based regulation centering Basel III accord has pushed up costs of fund. As an aftermath, the January 20 auction of the UK sovereign bonds has witnessed the lowest demand in nearly seven years. Ahead of rising concerns over the increasing challenges in the UK gilt market, many of the world’s biggest banks are shrinking their bond-trading activities. However, concerns of the investors and dealers have been communicated to the regulators concerned through a meeting held on Tuesday.
UK Insurance Industry Discuss the Issue of Autonomous Car on Public Road
Association of British Insurance (ABI) will lead the newly created Automated Driving Insurance Group. The group is established to discuss issues regarding driverless car.
Business experts doubtful regarding future profits and sales
Business economists seem to be more doubtful regarding their companies' future profits and sales. According to a survey, these economists expect slower GDP growth.
Latest News
Royal Dutch Shell is slashing the headcount as part of the cost cutting exercise. Anglo-Dutch company has decided to cut down 10,000 jobs in the wake of continuous drop in oil prices. The global energy major aims at reduction of costs by $3 billion in 2016 and it already reduced operating costs by $4 billion in 2015. Shell is also banking on synergy advantages from the BG Group Plc merger, which is expected to be completed in few weeks.
BBC journalist Rana Rahimpour who has a dual British-Iranian nationality was restricted from flying to the US due to changes to visa rules. Journalist deemed the new rules unfair.
Amazon, among retailers, has started offering full refunds for hoverboards in US and Canada ahead of growing concerns for reported fire incidences. CPSC is investigating two wheeler balance boards manufactured by 13 companies. Earlier, the retailing giant has offered refund for the UK customers. Intriguingly, hover boards of different manufacturers are still being sold amidst offering refunds.
The jobless rate in the UK was recorded at 5.1 percent for the quarter ending November 2015. This showed the lowest jobless rate since October 2005. However, wage growth is slowing down in the UK industry. The employment rate was at high of 74 percent since 1971, according to the latest data released by Office for National Statistics.
Cocoon Networks, a Chinese-backed venture capital group is setting up a £500 ($700) million fund in London. The fund is aimed to invest in European tech startups.
The AC power cables linked to Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablets of selective three generations pose fire risks due to overheating. Though a limited number of overheating issues have been reported, Microsoft is taking no risks and going to recall for a global voluntary replacement. Details on replacement procedure will be furnished in the Microsoft website sometimes later this week, possibly on Friday.
The Indian currency Rupee against the US dollar rose to highest since November 2015 on increasing outflows from Indian stocks and bonds. The Chinese markets were witnessing selloff and this also resulted in further withdrawal by foreign investors in Indian markets. The net outflow from Indian markets in January so far was at $686.2 million putting more pressure on currency reserves.
India-based Tata Steel is reducing manpower by 1,050 in the UK operations. Tata Steel is among other steel producers suffering from falling steel prices and cheaper imports from China. The UK steel industry is urging European Commission to take necessary action against unfair trade imports.
British Prime Minister pledged £20 million to fund English classes for Muslim women migrants in hopes to solve extremism.
