Thursday, September 6, 2012
EC Probe Into Gazprom Practices A Positive Sign -PGNiG
The European Commission's investigation into Russian energy giant OAO Gazprom's (GAZP.RS) alleged monopolistic practices supplying gas to central and eastern Europe is a good sign and addresses how gas markets have opened up in recent years, Grazyna Piotrowska-Oliwa, chief executive of Poland's oil and gas company PGNIG, said Wednesday.
"The oil indexation solution is from the 1970s and the world has changed since then, there are now gas trading hubs, which makes this solution archaic," Ms. Piotrowska-Oliwa said.
One element of how Gazprom allegedly hampers the free flow of natural gas is the practice of including a take-or-pay clause in its gas supply contracts, including with PGNIG, she added.
PGNIG is currently in an arbitration case against Gazprom seeking lower gas prices and challenging clauses that date back to a contract signed in 1996 as an annex to this agreement signed in 2006.
The European Commission on Tuesday said it has launched an investigation into whether Gazprom--which delivers 36% of natural-gas supplies to Europe--had breached antitrust rules by hindering the free flow of gas across European Union member states, preventing countries from diversifying their gas supplies and imposing unfair prices on its customers by insisting in contracts that the price of its gas be linked to oil prices.
Gazprom says it abides by international and national laws
-Russian economy minister says longstanding pressure over contracts is politically driven
-Analysts say Gazprom could be forced to offer cheaper gas to European buyers
MOSCOW--Russia responded angrily to the European Union's probe into gas giant OAO Gazprom's (GAZP.RS) alleged breaches of antitrust rules, with a government minister denouncing longstanding European pressure on Gazprom over its gas contracts as driven by "political factors."
The European Commission, the EU executive in Brussels, Tuesday launched an investigation into whether state-run Gazprom had broken antimonopoly rules by hindering the free flow of natural gas across European Union states, preventing countries from diversifying their gas supplies and imposing unfair prices on its customers by insisting in contracts that the price of its gas be linked to oil prices.
The investigation threatens to undermine the foundations of Gazprom's export strategy in its most lucrative market and could force it to offer discounts to European buyers, analysts said. The world's biggest producer of natural gas, Gazprom supplies Europe with around one third of its needs.
"This may end up with stricter operating rules for Gazprom," said Mikhail Korchemkin of East European Gas Analysis. "Gazprom may be forced to break the relationship with oil in the gas-price formula, and the difference between the price of Russian gas and spot prices will narrow."
European buyers have long been at odds with Gazprom over oil-linked contracts that analysts say have become expensive after the increase in unconventional gas production in the United States pushed down natural gas prices on the world market.
Wim Vandenberghe, a lawyer and energy expert at Dechert LLP in Brussels, said the commission could fine Gazprom up to 10% of its annual global revenue--around $15 billion--and force it to revise clauses in contracts that breach EU rules. Alternatively, Mr. Vandenberghe said, it could try to negotiate a solution where the company agrees on some actions that would solve the concerns to avoid a sometimes politically embarrassing showdown and lengthy legal processes. Gazprom said Wednesday that it is prepared to continue dialogue with the European Commission.
Even if no fine is levied, any changes to pricing could prove costly to Gazprom. A handful of European buyers, such as Germany's E.ON AG (EOAN.XE) and France's GDF Suez SA (GSZ.FR), have already negotiated discounts, but the contracts remained linked to the oil price.
Analysts at UBS in Moscow estimate that the price cuts Gazprom has already made will cost the company $4.5 billion this year.
Some European customers and officials--including Poland's oil and gas company PGNiG SA (PGN.WA) and Lithuanian Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas--welcomed the investigation Wednesday as a way to force Gazprom to change how it sells gas to Europe.
But speaking to Dow Jones Newswires, Russian Economy Minister Andrei Belousov criticized European buyers of Gazprom's gas for "trying various means, not always proper, to create better conditions for themselves."
"There is no alternative to Russian gas in Europe," Mr. Belousov said.
Gazprom hit back at the commission's investigation, insisting that it abides by international law and national legislation in the countries where it operates. The company pointedly said that it is run by the Russian state and outside the commission's jurisdiction, and said its activities on the EU market "are in full conformity with the legal standards applied by other natural gas producers and exporters, including price-formation mechanisms."
-Alexander Kolyandr in Vladivostok, Russia, Alessandro Torello and Gabriele Steinhauser in Brussels, and Marynia Kruk in Warsaw contributed to this article.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Gold and look weekly from 3-7 September to September
Gold futures rose in a session on Friday, the highest price since late March, after announcing that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that the U.S. central bank can implement new stimulus measures to boost the U.S. economy.
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, the futures trading of gold for October delivery at 691.65, 1 Dolarellonsh at close of trade on Friday, the highest price since March 27.
Over the week, rose gold futures rose 1.25%, the second consecutive weekly increase. In August, gold rose by 4.5%, the largest monthly gain since January.
The gold futures contract is likely to find support at 634.55, $ 1 per ounce, the lowest price from August 22 and the near-term resistance at 699.55, 1, Dolarellonsh, the highest price since March 27.
Gold prices rose more than 2 percent on Friday after announcing that Fed Chairman Bernanke is ready to more quantitative easing to help boost growth in the U.S. economy.
Speaking at the annual symposium at the annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, said Fed Chairman Bernanke said the continuing high rate unemployment Ammermqlq "and stressed that the central bank is ready to provide more facilities as needed to support growth.
Official data showed on Wednesday that the U.S. economy grew at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.7% in the three months to June, which is slightly higher than the initial estimate of 1.5%, but remained below the rate of 2-2.5%, which is the rate required every three months to keep the unemployment rate constant.
Bernanke played down the risks of quantitative easing and said that the program was effective in providing "support for recovery."
After Bernanke's speech, the euro rose against the Atarely 1.2636, the highest price since 2 July 2, before reducing the gains to close at 1.2576 at the close of trading. The dollar fell against the yen, to 78.17, its lowest price in three weeks, before settling at 78.37.
Continued demand for the euro, supported by expectations that the European Central Bank will work measures to help stabilize the markets in the euro zone before its next meeting on September 6.
And track the movements in the price of gold this year largely to expectations about whether the U.S. central bank Ssedkh more money into the financial system.
Gold rose 15% in earlier this year to record, $ 790 (an ounce) after Federal Reserve held the federal interest rate unchanged in January near zero until at least late 2014, referring to the possibility of action another round of asset purchases.
However, prices fell by 6% since late February, as the Fed failed to achieve more and easing fears of a crisis in the euro zone deepening debt, which has fueled demand for the precious metal, and the U.S. dollar. Precaution.
Bernanke's comments raised selloff in the dollar, which boosted the appeal of the precious metal.
The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the greenback versus a basket of six other major currencies, rose 0.6% to close at the end of the week at 81.20, the lowest price since May 15.
Market participants awaited a meeting of the European Central Bank's policy on September 6, amid expectations that the central bank will make new measures to help stabilize the markets in the euro area.
On Thursday, borrowing costs declined in Italy in an auction of 5 and 10-year bonds, reflecting renewed optimism that European leaders are making progress in addressing the region's debt crisis.
Gold traders watching Friday's report closely, on non-farm payrolls in the United States, which will allow investors to gauge the strength of the labor market stalled and the need and the need to new monetary easing measures.
And gold prices rose in recent weeks, by 6% since August 15, amid hopes the decision makers in the United States, Europe and China will take new measures to ease support their economies.
Expectations of monetary incentives tend to benefit gold, and looks at the yellow metal as a safe store of value and a hedge against inflation.
Elsewhere in the Comex, silver for December delivery settled at 31.76 dollars per ounce at the close of trading on Friday, the highest price since April 20. Silver prices rose 3.25% in the week and made a big gain of 12% in August.
At the same time, the decline in copper for September delivery rose 0.65% during the week to close at $ 3.459 a pound.
Copper prices were under pressure in recent sessions amid ongoing concerns about the outlook for global economic growth.
The data showed at the weekend that the PMI in China fell for the first time in nine months in August, down to 49.2 from 50.1 in July, and new orders fell in the face of weak global demand.
Add to disappointing data to increased concerns about a deeper slowdown than expected in the largest consumer of copper in the world
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, the futures trading of gold for October delivery at 691.65, 1 Dolarellonsh at close of trade on Friday, the highest price since March 27.
Over the week, rose gold futures rose 1.25%, the second consecutive weekly increase. In August, gold rose by 4.5%, the largest monthly gain since January.
The gold futures contract is likely to find support at 634.55, $ 1 per ounce, the lowest price from August 22 and the near-term resistance at 699.55, 1, Dolarellonsh, the highest price since March 27.
Gold prices rose more than 2 percent on Friday after announcing that Fed Chairman Bernanke is ready to more quantitative easing to help boost growth in the U.S. economy.
Speaking at the annual symposium at the annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, said Fed Chairman Bernanke said the continuing high rate unemployment Ammermqlq "and stressed that the central bank is ready to provide more facilities as needed to support growth.
Official data showed on Wednesday that the U.S. economy grew at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.7% in the three months to June, which is slightly higher than the initial estimate of 1.5%, but remained below the rate of 2-2.5%, which is the rate required every three months to keep the unemployment rate constant.
Bernanke played down the risks of quantitative easing and said that the program was effective in providing "support for recovery."
After Bernanke's speech, the euro rose against the Atarely 1.2636, the highest price since 2 July 2, before reducing the gains to close at 1.2576 at the close of trading. The dollar fell against the yen, to 78.17, its lowest price in three weeks, before settling at 78.37.
Continued demand for the euro, supported by expectations that the European Central Bank will work measures to help stabilize the markets in the euro zone before its next meeting on September 6.
And track the movements in the price of gold this year largely to expectations about whether the U.S. central bank Ssedkh more money into the financial system.
Gold rose 15% in earlier this year to record, $ 790 (an ounce) after Federal Reserve held the federal interest rate unchanged in January near zero until at least late 2014, referring to the possibility of action another round of asset purchases.
However, prices fell by 6% since late February, as the Fed failed to achieve more and easing fears of a crisis in the euro zone deepening debt, which has fueled demand for the precious metal, and the U.S. dollar. Precaution.
Bernanke's comments raised selloff in the dollar, which boosted the appeal of the precious metal.
The dollar index, which tracks the performance of the greenback versus a basket of six other major currencies, rose 0.6% to close at the end of the week at 81.20, the lowest price since May 15.
Market participants awaited a meeting of the European Central Bank's policy on September 6, amid expectations that the central bank will make new measures to help stabilize the markets in the euro area.
On Thursday, borrowing costs declined in Italy in an auction of 5 and 10-year bonds, reflecting renewed optimism that European leaders are making progress in addressing the region's debt crisis.
Gold traders watching Friday's report closely, on non-farm payrolls in the United States, which will allow investors to gauge the strength of the labor market stalled and the need and the need to new monetary easing measures.
And gold prices rose in recent weeks, by 6% since August 15, amid hopes the decision makers in the United States, Europe and China will take new measures to ease support their economies.
Expectations of monetary incentives tend to benefit gold, and looks at the yellow metal as a safe store of value and a hedge against inflation.
Elsewhere in the Comex, silver for December delivery settled at 31.76 dollars per ounce at the close of trading on Friday, the highest price since April 20. Silver prices rose 3.25% in the week and made a big gain of 12% in August.
At the same time, the decline in copper for September delivery rose 0.65% during the week to close at $ 3.459 a pound.
Copper prices were under pressure in recent sessions amid ongoing concerns about the outlook for global economic growth.
The data showed at the weekend that the PMI in China fell for the first time in nine months in August, down to 49.2 from 50.1 in July, and new orders fell in the face of weak global demand.
Add to disappointing data to increased concerns about a deeper slowdown than expected in the largest consumer of copper in the world
Oil fell from its highest level in two weeks amid Chinese data .. Gold rises to its highest level in five months amid hopes an cash incentives
Oil: Oil prices fell on Monday highest close in nearly two weeks after a decline unexpectedly in the manufacturing sector in China as well as the resumption of production in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Isaac, which put pressure on oil prices downward, to record futures fell by 0.5 % in New York after Mkaspa monthly was the biggest since October, after data showed office Allogesitat and purchases Index procurement manager in the industrial sector in China contracted for the first time in nine months during the month of August, where index level at 49.2 points against the former at 50.1 July where prices fell crude oil futures for October at 46 cents to a level of $ 96.01 a barrel on the trading electronic New York Mercantile Exchange down from the level at $ 96.32 a barrel at 12:19 am pm EST Singapore to reflect the contract rising 2.0% to a level of 96.47 $ a barrel on Aug. 31, the highest closing level since August 22 marking the crude prices rose 9.6% in August, a monthly earnings second straight trimming of decline this year to decline by 2.5%, and on the other side the price of Brent in contracts futures for October by about 19 cents to a level of $ 114.38 a barrel.
Gold: stabilized gold prices on Monday near its highest level in five months with the support of the hopes in further stimulus measures after he left President Federal Reserve Bank "Ben Bernanke" last week the door open for further mitigation in monetary policy, prompting some demand for the metal as a means to hedge against rising prices, this has been recorded in gold prices in trading instant morning level of $ 1,689.14 an ounce after settled near the highest level in five months at at $ 1,692.71 an ounce, while gold prices rose in futures in the United States for the month of December by 0.2% to a level of $ 1691.70 an ounce, and on the other side rose silver prices today in Asian session about 0.3% to a level of $ 31.79 an ounce, as prices rose platinum rose 0.7% to a level of $ 1539.24 an ounce after falling by 0.8% during the last week to reflect Mkaspa weekly spanned nearly two weeks in a row, while palladium prices rose by 2.2% to a level of $ 628.72 an ounce.
Gold: stabilized gold prices on Monday near its highest level in five months with the support of the hopes in further stimulus measures after he left President Federal Reserve Bank "Ben Bernanke" last week the door open for further mitigation in monetary policy, prompting some demand for the metal as a means to hedge against rising prices, this has been recorded in gold prices in trading instant morning level of $ 1,689.14 an ounce after settled near the highest level in five months at at $ 1,692.71 an ounce, while gold prices rose in futures in the United States for the month of December by 0.2% to a level of $ 1691.70 an ounce, and on the other side rose silver prices today in Asian session about 0.3% to a level of $ 31.79 an ounce, as prices rose platinum rose 0.7% to a level of $ 1539.24 an ounce after falling by 0.8% during the last week to reflect Mkaspa weekly spanned nearly two weeks in a row, while palladium prices rose by 2.2% to a level of $ 628.72 an ounce.
USD / CHF steady amid the prospect of a new monetary incentives
U.S. dollar remained steady against the Swiss franc on Monday, amid the likelihood of stimulus measures by the Federal Reserve Board, which put pressure on the dollar, while the statements led the Swiss National Bank President Thomas Jordan to put pressure on the Swiss franc.
USD / CHF hit 0.9542 during European afternoon trade, the lowest price for the day, the pair subsequently consolidated at 0.9548, shedding 0.02%.
The pair was likely to find support at 0.9501, the lowest price since August 31 and resistance at 0.9634, the highest price since Aug. 28.
The dollar remained under pressure after Bernanke said that the bank will act as needed to promote the recovery of the U.S. economy, but did not announce whether there will be a new round of quantitative stimulus Hafeez imminent.
Speaking at the annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, said Fed Is Bernanke said the persistently high unemployment rate is a serious concern, "and added that Bank's Tisiralnkadi program was effective" in supporting the economic recovery.
Market awaits U.S. government data on non-farm payrolls on Friday, to see if the labor market has improved.
Continued demand for the euro, supported by expectations that the European Central Bank will Baagraouat monetary stimulus to help stabilize the markets in the euro zone before its next meeting on Thursday.
In Switzerland, purchasing managers index fell industrial sector to 46.7 from 48.6 in August from the previous month, compared with expectations for a reading of 49.0.
A separate report showed that retail sales rose less than expected in July at an annual rate of 3.2% after a 3.3% rise disappointing hopes expectations for a 4.3% rise.
The data came after the head of the Swiss bank reiterated its commitment to the defense of the roof franc, saying that "in the current situation, said the rise in the franc would be a very big threat to the Swiss economy, and will carry with it the risk of deflation."
Elsewhere, the Swiss franc was unchanged against the euro to trade at 1.2008.
Remain quiet trade on Monday, with no major economic data released in the calendar, while remaining markets in the United States closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Euro / Pound down after manufacturing data from the United Kingdom
Euro fell. Against the pound to the lowest price on Monday, after the release of manufacturing data from the United Kingdom, which was better than expected, boosting expectations for the work of another round of monetary easing from the Bank of England.
EUR / GBP hit 0.7907 during early European afternoon, the pair's lowest since Thursday, the pair subsequently consolidated at 0.7909, shedding 0.26%.
The pair was likely to find support at 0.7888, the lowest price since Aug. 24, and the near-term resistance at 0.7929, the highest price for the session.
Markit said that the PMI manufacturing in the UK rose to 49.5 in August from 45.4 reading in July, beating expectations for an increase to 46.2.
New export orders fell sharply, despite weak demand from Europe.
Market sentiment remained cautious ahead of the ECB meeting to develop a policy on Thursday and U.S. jobs data on Friday.
The dollar remained under pressure after Bernanke said that the bank will act as needed to promote the recovery of the U.S. economy, but did not announce whether there will be a new round of quantitative stimulus Hafeez imminent.
Markit said the BMI index of manufacturing rose to 45.1 from 37-month low in July of 44, but still much lower than the 50.
Later the same day, is scheduled to make Mario Draghi ECB President testified before the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, in Brussels.
The pound rose against the U.S. dollar, with GBP / USD gaining 0.17% to hit 1.5893.
Remain quiet trade on Monday, with no major economic data released in the calendar, while remaining markets in the United States closed for the Labor Day holiday.
EUR / GBP hit 0.7907 during early European afternoon, the pair's lowest since Thursday, the pair subsequently consolidated at 0.7909, shedding 0.26%.
The pair was likely to find support at 0.7888, the lowest price since Aug. 24, and the near-term resistance at 0.7929, the highest price for the session.
Markit said that the PMI manufacturing in the UK rose to 49.5 in August from 45.4 reading in July, beating expectations for an increase to 46.2.
New export orders fell sharply, despite weak demand from Europe.
Market sentiment remained cautious ahead of the ECB meeting to develop a policy on Thursday and U.S. jobs data on Friday.
The dollar remained under pressure after Bernanke said that the bank will act as needed to promote the recovery of the U.S. economy, but did not announce whether there will be a new round of quantitative stimulus Hafeez imminent.
Markit said the BMI index of manufacturing rose to 45.1 from 37-month low in July of 44, but still much lower than the 50.
Later the same day, is scheduled to make Mario Draghi ECB President testified before the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, in Brussels.
The pound rose against the U.S. dollar, with GBP / USD gaining 0.17% to hit 1.5893.
Remain quiet trade on Monday, with no major economic data released in the calendar, while remaining markets in the United States closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Gold rises after Chinese manufacturing data pessimistic and Bernanke's speech
Rose gold futures trading at its highest level since late March during trading hours on Monday, with weak manufacturing data reinforced Chinese hope that the decision-makers take in Beijing Tdaberthvez cash new.
Mounting expectations that the Fed was moving closer to stimulate growth in the U.S. economy further gains support after Ben Bernanke's speech Reserve Chairman on Friday.
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for October delivery at 689.25, $ 1 per ounce during European morning trade, gaining 0.25%.
Prices traded in a narrow range at 1, 685.75 dollars an ounce, the lowest price for the session and the highest price for the day 691.85, $ 1 per ounce Oil prices rose to 693.05, $ 1 an ounce on Friday, the highest price since March 27.
The gold futures contract is likely to find support at 634.55, 1 Dolarellonsh, the lowest price from August 22 and the near-term resistance at 699.55, 1, dollars per ounce, the highest price since March 27.
Gold prices rose 2% on Friday after Chinese manufacturing data disappointing issued at a time, which boosted hopes that policymakers in Beijing may they undertake Thvezjdidh actions to promote growth in the second largest economy in the world.
Index procurement Mderer in China (HSBC) to its lowest level in 41 months at 47.6 in August from an initial reading of 47.8, new orders also fell in the face of weak global demand.
In Japan, government data showed earlier that capital spending rose less than expected in the second quarter, by 7.7% after increasing 3.3% in the previous quarter.
Analysts had expected an increase in capital spending by 8.9% in the second quarter.
The People's Bank of China cut both twice so far this year in a bid to boost lending and spur growth.
Cash incentives tend to benefit from gold, where yellow metal is seen as a safe store of value and a hedge against inflation.
Market awaits U.S. government data on non-farm payrolls on Friday, to see if the labor market has improved.
And track the movements in the price of gold this year largely to expectations about whether the U.S. central bank will pump more money into the financial system.
Gold rose 15% in earlier this year to 1790 dollars an ounce after that kept Federal Reserve Chairman interest rates in January near zero at least until late 2014 and indicated that it could provide a new round of asset purchases.
However, prices have fallen by 6% since late February, as the Fed failed to achieve more and easing amid fears of a worsening debt crisis in the euro zone, which has fueled demand for the precious metal and the U.S. dollar reserves.
Market awaits U.S. government data on non-farm payrolls on Friday, to see if the labor market has improved.
Elsewhere in the Comex silver rose, for December delivery rose 1.35% to trade at 31.86 Dolarellonsh, while copper for December delivery rose 0.7% to trade at $ 3.481 a pound.
Mounting expectations that the Fed was moving closer to stimulate growth in the U.S. economy further gains support after Ben Bernanke's speech Reserve Chairman on Friday.
On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for October delivery at 689.25, $ 1 per ounce during European morning trade, gaining 0.25%.
Prices traded in a narrow range at 1, 685.75 dollars an ounce, the lowest price for the session and the highest price for the day 691.85, $ 1 per ounce Oil prices rose to 693.05, $ 1 an ounce on Friday, the highest price since March 27.
The gold futures contract is likely to find support at 634.55, 1 Dolarellonsh, the lowest price from August 22 and the near-term resistance at 699.55, 1, dollars per ounce, the highest price since March 27.
Gold prices rose 2% on Friday after Chinese manufacturing data disappointing issued at a time, which boosted hopes that policymakers in Beijing may they undertake Thvezjdidh actions to promote growth in the second largest economy in the world.
Index procurement Mderer in China (HSBC) to its lowest level in 41 months at 47.6 in August from an initial reading of 47.8, new orders also fell in the face of weak global demand.
In Japan, government data showed earlier that capital spending rose less than expected in the second quarter, by 7.7% after increasing 3.3% in the previous quarter.
Analysts had expected an increase in capital spending by 8.9% in the second quarter.
The People's Bank of China cut both twice so far this year in a bid to boost lending and spur growth.
Cash incentives tend to benefit from gold, where yellow metal is seen as a safe store of value and a hedge against inflation.
Market awaits U.S. government data on non-farm payrolls on Friday, to see if the labor market has improved.
And track the movements in the price of gold this year largely to expectations about whether the U.S. central bank will pump more money into the financial system.
Gold rose 15% in earlier this year to 1790 dollars an ounce after that kept Federal Reserve Chairman interest rates in January near zero at least until late 2014 and indicated that it could provide a new round of asset purchases.
However, prices have fallen by 6% since late February, as the Fed failed to achieve more and easing amid fears of a worsening debt crisis in the euro zone, which has fueled demand for the precious metal and the U.S. dollar reserves.
Market awaits U.S. government data on non-farm payrolls on Friday, to see if the labor market has improved.
Elsewhere in the Comex silver rose, for December delivery rose 1.35% to trade at 31.86 Dolarellonsh, while copper for December delivery rose 0.7% to trade at $ 3.481 a pound.
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