Read the latest issue here - No: 19 - More bad news for the dollar – this time from sovereign funds
Issue
Date
Summary
19
23-07-2008
More bad news for the dollar – this time from sovereign funds:
Given the poor performance of the US economy, and the dollar’s weakness against all major currencies, measures to reduce the US dollar are widely expected. The most likely scenario will be countries and sovereign funds switching to a currency basket, thus enabling money managers to invest in assets denominated in other currencies.
18
15-07-2008
Gazprom in Iran:
Iran’s belligerence towards the west and its more than ambitious nuclear programme sent ripples through capital markets last few days and pushed oil above $140/bbl. Adding a new dimension to the unfolding saga, Iran has signed an agreement for Gazprom to develop Iranian oil and gas fields.
17
09-05-2008
West African Mining industry – Yet to reach the heights it deserves!:
Dominated by Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, the West African Mining industry is fast gaining recognition in the resources world. Home to well-known deposits and an impressive history of producing mines, the region now is a preferred mining destination.
16
01-04-2008
Tungsten - Getting Cornered in China:
China currently accounts for approximately 85% of the world’s primary tungsten, so what prompted China to change from liberal exporter to thrifty accumulator in a relatively short space of time?
15
20-03-2008
Tantalum revealed: what you need to know:
Tantalum is a rare metal used in the production of electronics capacitors which find their way into cell phones, DVD players, personal computers, digital cameras, gaming platforms, LCD monitors and wireless devices. In other words, tantalum keeps us entertained, productive and connected.
14
10-03-2008
Kazakhstan’s oil contract review – Only guilty the need to worry!:
Oil and gas companies with operations in Kazakhstan are once again scrambling to explain a new controversy. This time it is over the government’s decision to review oil contracts in order to determine whether companies have met their contractual commitments on licences. Ensuing uncertainty has left oil companies with exposure to Kazakhstan in a less than favourable stock market position.
13
15-02-2008
China’s Investments in the African Resources Sector – Strategies and Result:
China is now Africa’s third largest trade partner behind the US and France. So how did China establish itself in Africa? What are the implications to the resources sector?
12
13-01-2008
Kazakhstan – Would the OSCE chairmanship bail out beleaguered foreign oil c:
Much to the delight of Kazakhstan’s politicians and policy makers, the Organisation for Security and Corporation in Europe (OSCE) awarded its chairmanship in 2010 to Kazakhstan.
11
05-12-2007
Western media and Russia – Forgetting some points!:
Ire of the Western Press has been on Putin for some time due to varying reasons. Even this columnist has been critical of recent incidents such as Gazprom’s penchant for squeezing out foreign companies from energy parties and Kremlin’s less than benevolent attitude towards neighbouring states such as Ukraine.
10
25-11-2007
Coal bed methane – Panacea to China’s energy woes:
As China continues its development exploits, the need to develop energy sources has gained more eloquence. Environmental concerns have prompted China to look for other avenues to replace coal based energy in the energy equation.
9
24-10-2007
Ukrainian elections – And the Kremlin antics!:
The recently concluded Ukrainian elections have left all three major parties seeking to form alliances in an attempt to form a government. This columnist in a previous article pointed out that none of the parties would secure the majority.
8
27-09-2007
Ukrainian elections – Another drama, but who is winning?:
Ukraine is facing yet another election on September 30th following the parliamentary dissolution on April 02. The dissolution itself was triggered by the defection of 11 deputies from the President Yushcenko’s Our Ukraine Party to the ruling coalition led by Viktor Yanukovich from the Party of Regions.
7
17-09-2007
Russia’s new Premier – KTO 3TO?:
Those who know Russia marvel the mystery that comes with it. Shrouded in the post revolutionary political history which carried charms and villainy of pre-revolutionary literature in equal proportions, Russia rings secrecy, unpredictability and sometimes uncertainty.
6
11-09-2007
Argentine Energy Sector – Kirchner is not a Chavez in the making!:
The emergence of Latin America’s left leaning leaders such as Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Bolivia’s Evo Morales and their belligerent acquisition of oil & gas assets has prompted investors to view the region with suspicion.
5
02-07-2007
Gazprom acquires again:
Few months ago, Russia’s Gazprom muscled its way to the Sakhalin II project and acquired 50% interest from its original partners Royal Dutch Shell, Mitsui and Mitsubishi
3
03-04-2007
Russian pipeline merger:
Russia’s intent to control its oil and gas sector continues. Following the Sakhalin II acquisition, Russia has passed a new decree to merge two pipeline companies in Russia. The merged entity will be 75% controlled by the state.
2
21-03-2007
Left-leaning Latin America:
A new wave of left-leaning governments is now emerging across Latin America. Leaders such as President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Evo Morales of Bolivia, President Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and President Tabare Vazquez of Uruguay characterise the region's march towards leftist politics.
1
12-02-2007
Russia – which way?:
The death of former Russian KGB/FSB agent in London has brought Russia into limelight, once again for wrong reasons. Russia's heavy handed attitude towards dissidents including former Soviet members and its growing influence in world politics has caused ripples in some quarters.
0
10-03-2008
Kazakhstan’s oil contract review – Only guilty the need to worry!:
Oil and gas companies with operations in Kazakhstan are once again scrambling to explain a new controversy. This time it is over the government’s decision to review oil contracts in order to determine whether companies have met their contractual commitments on licences.
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