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Singapore's Nasdaq connection draws interest but thresholds and liquidity could limit take-up.
Potential issuers have responded positively to a Singaporean initiative that aims to boost the IPO industry with a fast track route to a Nasdaq Dual Listing. However, bankers warn that thin liquidity and a large valuation requirement may limit take-up. The initiative announced on November 19 will allow companies to list simultaneously on both the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Nasdaq, using a single application. This will reduce 'the cost and complexity of a secondary listing, which firms pursue primarily in order to access capital. The plan, which Nasdaq calls "the first of its type", is expected to be implemented by the middle of 2026. The plan follows a series of tax rebates, and other measures that have been implemented by the city-state in recent years to attract mainly Southeast Asian businesses while also courting international issuers to catch up to regional rival Hong Kong. These measures are beginning to show results, as IPOs raised in Singapore in 2025 will be the highest since 2017. LSEG data shows that Hong Kong had a best performance of $37.2 billion in 2021. After watching Hong Kong experience an AI-fueled IPO boom in the last two years, Singapore is relying on Nasdaq to help it regain ground and solidify its role as a hub for global growth companies looking for capital. Carro in Singapore, which is backed by Temasek state investor and SoftBank Group Japanese tech investor, welcomed the partnership. According to reports, the auto marketplace aims 'for a U.S. IPO valued at over $3 billion. Aaron Tan, co-founder and CEO of the company, said that he was hesitant to list on two different exchanges because it would be too complicated and require him to deal with multiple regulators at once. Carsome, a Malaysian platform for trading in used cars, described the initiative as constructive. "A structure which streamlines cross-border listing will naturally prompt businesses to reassess their options," said Eric?Cheng, co-founder and CEO. Funding Societies in Singapore, a regional digital funding platform for small businesses, said that the partnership could give Southeast Asian startups an opportunity to list in the U.S., which would otherwise be impossible. Piers Ingram said that the initiative was "a bridge" to help science-focused investors from the U.S. and Asia. The four companies refused to provide any further details on their IPO plans. HIGH THRESHOLD LOW LIQUIDITY The Global Listing Board initiative, branded as such, will allow companies with a minimum market value of S$2 billion (1.55 billion dollars) to prepare one prospectus that can be submitted simultaneously for both SGX and Nasdaq. A coordinated review process will replace two separate processes. Comparatively, a secondary listing in Hong Kong requires a valuation of at HK$3 billion ($385 mln), as well as a variety of other requirements. Bankers say that the higher threshold reflects SGX's and Nasdaq's focus on quality companies, but it also limits applicants to growth-oriented firms. Around eight Southeast Asian technology firms have reached the threshold. Another two to three are potentially close, according to Roshan Raj, a partner at RedSeer Strategy Consultants. Pol de Win is the head of global sales and origination for SGX. He said that this threshold was "large enough to support meaningful volumes and liquidity on both markets." Bankers say that while Southeast Asian applicants will benefit from greater recognition on the regional level in Singapore, Singapore still has to convince them to list on a market with a long history of low liquidity. The latest figures show that the average daily turnover in Hong Kong was $29 billion compared to $1.39 billion. Singapore has taken measures to increase liquidity. For example, it established a fund of almost $4 billion to help investment managers who focus on small and mid-cap stocks. Dual listing is a good step, but "its broader impact will be dependent on early deal flow and liquidity support, as well as whether Singapore regulatory authorities relax thresholds in the future," said Tay?HweeLing, Capital Markets Services Leader at Deloitte Southeast Asia. A spokesperson for the Monetary Authority of Singapore said MAS was working with SGX to streamline the regulatory framework that would apply to those who wish list on Global Listing Board. De Win, from SGX, said that success and transformation required industry-wide efforts. De Win stated that "SGX works closely with Singapore government agencies and the market participants to develop a comprehensive strategy which further strengthens supply and stimulates demand, and builds a business-friendly ecosystem with robust governance."
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CANADA-CRUDE-Discount on Western Canada Select hits $15 as Venezuela concerns continue
Western Canada Select futures are now trading at a discount to the North American benchmark West Texas Intermediate Futures for a third consecutive session. The market is still roiled by Venezuelan developments. CalRock reported that WCS in Hardisty for February delivery settled at $15 per barrel less than the U.S. benchmark WTI. This compares to $14.45 a barrel on Wednesday. Rory Johnston, founder of Commodity Context, says that Thursday's settlement represents the "steepest discount Canadian Heavy Crude has traded at since July 2024." The weakness is primarily due to U.S. Gulf Coast Pressure. The widening of the spread is partly due to seasonal patterns. However, it has also coincided both with the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. and Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. would import Venezuelan crude worth up to $2 billion. Over the long term, an increase in Venezuelan barrels may compete with Canadian heavy crude oil that is of similar?quality in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Analysts believe that if Venezuela can rapidly increase oil production, the WCS could continue to weaken in the coming months. Canada is partially protected due to its size, infrastructure and rule of law advantage. After?two consecutive days of declines in oil prices, global oil prices rose over 3% Thursday, reaching a new two-week high. Investors assessed the developments in Venezuela, and were worried about supply from Russia, Iraq, and Iran.
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Panama claims it cancelled the flag of a US-seized oil tanker over a year ago
Panama's maritime authority announced on Thursday that it had cancelled the flag in January of last year for the M Sophia. This was a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, which the U.S. military seized this week. The U.S. The Southern Command of the U.S. military said on Wednesday that it intercepted M Sophia just before dawn and called it a "stateless dark fleet motor-tanker." The Panamanian authorities canceled this supertanker’s flag on the 23rd of January 2025. The maritime authority said that the Bella-1 is a Russian flagged tanker, which the U.S. The Bella-1, a Russian-flagged tanker that the?U.S. The?flag of a ship determines its authority. The U.S. claims that when a flag has been 'canceled, it becomes stateless and is no longer protected by international law. It can be boarded or seized. Panama's maritime authority didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for more information about why the ships weren’t still flying the Panamanian flag. Bella-1 was the first vessel to be seized by the U.S. Military under Russian flag in recent history. The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a dawn raid in Caracas and demanded that the authorities there "open oil to U.S. firms or risk further military intervention." Venezuelan officials accuse the U.S., of trying to steal their vast oil reserves. These are estimated to be the world's largest. But Trump announced earlier this week that he reached an agreement with Maduro’s successor regarding crude exports. Reporting by Elida Morland, Marianna Pararaga, and Sarah Morland. Editing by Daina B. Solomon and Alistair Bell.
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Arkia, a flight connection company in Israel, has signed a deal with JetBlue to provide flights between the US and Israel
Arkia Airlines, Israel's low-cost carrier, announced on Thursday that it had signed a?deal with JetBlue Airways. This deal would allow Arkia Airlines customers to connect?on?JetBlue flights?in the United States as well as to Latin America and Caribbean. Arkia, a privately held company, flies mainly domestically and in Europe. However, it has launched flights from Tel Aviv (Israel) to New York since last year to compete with El Al Israel Airlines. JetBlue will link up Arkia’s non-stop flight schedule to JFK Airport, which includes seven flights per week. Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz said: "This agreement strengthens Arkia’s long-haul operation and expands the range of service for customers?traveling to North America." Dave Jehn is a vice-president of JetBlue, sixth largest airline in the u.s., and said that the new partnership between JetBlue and Arkia allows them to "expand their 'global reach' and provide customers with a broader range of destinations as well as seamless connections." El?Al has also an interline deal with JetBlue, but the codeshare agreement between the two airlines ended in October. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Steven Scheer)
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Turkish Airlines invests $2.3 billion in new projects
Turkish Airlines announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday at eight locations. The total investment value is more than 100 billion lira (2.32 billion dollars). It said that the projects included investments in Europe's biggest wide-body aircraft engine maintenance facility, world's biggest aircraft catering facility, second phase of SmartIST, which will be the 'largest cargo facility' in the world, additional aircraft maintenance hangars and an ecommerce complex. When all phases are completed, these investments will create over 36,000 jobs. Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat stated that while our company's contribution is currently $65 Billion, it will reach $144 Billion when we reach our target peak in 2033.
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Aluminium prices in the US reach record levels due to tariffs and low stock
Aluminum consumers in the United States pay record prices. These are significantly higher than the import levies, transport costs, and other factors would suggest. This is because tight supplies globally exacerbate the impact of the tariffs, and the low U.S. inventory. Aluminium is needed by industries like automotive, aerospace and packaging. Aluminum prices can have a knock-on effect on the economy, as they increase manufacturing costs, squeeze margins, and eventually drive inflation. In June, President Donald Trump increased tariffs on U.S. aluminum imports from 25% to 50% to encourage local production. Aluminium?costs have increased by 40% for U.S. customers since then, to over $5,200 per metric ton. Aside from the disruption caused by U.S. Tariffs, aluminium traders have also been monitoring other supply shortages. Prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen by more than 20% in the last year, the highest level since April 2022. This was a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Consumers began to shun Russian aluminium. US ALUMINIUM STOCKS SHRINK On the physical market in the U.S., buyers typically pay a premium plus the LME aluminium price. This premium covers costs like freight, handling and insurance. The tax component of premium increases as the LME price goes up, because the tariff is calculated in percentage. The duty on aluminium shipments into the United States will be $1.550 at $3,100 per ton. This is up from $1.300 in June. The Midwest aluminium premium hit a record of 96c per lb, or $2,116 per ton this week, up by 65% since June. The premium is much higher than the costs justify. The market expects the LME to continue trending higher, said Jorge Vazquez at Harbor Aluminium, who added that the premium for a pound should be around 86c. Last year, exporters of aluminium from the United States diverted their aluminum to Europe because the premiums did not reflect the tariffs fully. Local stocks therefore shrank. Vazquez, Gregory Wittbecker and Wittsend Commodity Advisors estimate that U.S. aluminum stocks have fallen below 300,000 tonnes from 750,000 at the start of 2025. "Canadian suppliers halted discretionary shipments because they were losing cash, which resulted in a decline in U.S. Wittbecker stated. The price of the shortage in physical aluminum is rising, but I am unsure how much it can rise. Trade Data Monitor reports that the United States will import nearly four million tonnes of aluminum in 2024, with Canada accounting 70% of those shipments. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Pratima Deai)
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US Energy chief: US and China can play equal roles in Venezuela
U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright stated that there is room to balance the roles of the United States and China in Venezuela, to allow for commerce. However, Washington will not let Beijing have a major influence over the Latin American nation. Wright said in an interview with Fox Business Network that he expects to?see Chevron rapidly grow its operations in Venezuela, while ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil will also be looking to play a positive role. "I think you'll see China playing a long-term role in Venezuela. The United States will control oil flow as long as the United States is dominant in Venezuela, and the rule of law. He told FBN's Mornings with Maria program that it would be fine. Is it possible to achieve a balance with China? "I think so." Can there be trade with China in a framework where Venezuela's principal partner is the United States? Sure. Will we allow Venezuela to be a?client state of China'? "Absolutely not," he said. Wright said that he had been 'talking to executives of top U.S. Oil Companies since Saturday. He also stated that many companies are 'disappointed they weren't invited to the industry meeting on Friday at the White House. (Reporting and editing by Andrew Heavens, Chizu Nomiyama, and Susan Heavey)
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Aluminium prices in the US reach record levels due to tariffs and low stock
Aluminum?consumers are paying record prices in the United States, far above what import levies and transportation costs would justify, due to tight supplies worldwide and the 'impact' of tariffs on low U.S. stocks. Aluminium is needed by industries like automotive, aerospace and packaging. Aluminum prices can have a knock-on effect on the economy, as they increase manufacturing costs, squeeze margins, and eventually drive inflation. In June, President Donald Trump increased tariffs on U.S. aluminum imports by 50% to encourage local production. Aluminium costs have risen since then for consumers in the U.S. Consumers have seen a 40% increase to $5,200 per metric ton. Aluminium traders are also monitoring other supply shortages. Prices on the London Metal Exchange have risen by over?20% in the last year, the highest level since April 2022. This was a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Consumers started to avoid?Russian aluminum. US ALUMINIUM STOCK DROP Buyers of aluminium on the physical market in the U.S. typically pay a premium to cover?costs like freight, handling and insurance. The tax component of premium increases as the LME price goes up, because the tariff is calculated in percentage. The duty on aluminium shipments into the United States will be $1.550 at $3,100 per ton. This is up from $1.300 in June. The Midwest aluminium premium hit a record-high of 96 cents per lb, or $2,116 per ton this week, an increase of 65% from?June. The premium is much higher than the costs justify. The market expects the LME to continue trending higher, said Jorge Vazquez at Harbor Aluminum. He added that the premium should be around 85 cents per lb. Last year, exporters of aluminium from the United States diverted it to Europe because the premium was not enough to reflect the tariff. Local stocks therefore shrank. Vazquez, Gregory Wittbecker and Wittsend Commodity Advisors estimate that U.S. aluminum stocks have fallen below 300,000 tonnes from 750,000 at the start of 2025. "Canadian suppliers halted discretionary shipments because they were losing cash, leading to a decline in U.S. inventory," said?Wittbecker. "The U.S. shortage of aluminium is being priced but I doubt how high the premium will go." Trade Data Monitor reports that the United States will import nearly four million tonnes of aluminum in 2024, with Canada accounting 70% of those shipments. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Pratima Deai)
US withholds $160M in funding for California due to foreign driver licenses
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday that it is withholding federal funds of $160 million from California for failing to cancel 17,000 commercial driver's licences improperly issued by non-U.S. Citizens.
First, the department warned that it would take action in September. USDOT stated that California failed to revoke licenses within the agreed upon deadline of January 5,
A spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom declined to comment immediately, but previously stated that the state's commercial drivers license holders "had a deadly crash rate nearly 40 percent lower than the average national." Texas, the only state with more commercial drivers than California, has a rate that is almost 50% higher.
USDOT reported that an audit revealed more than?25% commercial truck driver's licenses issued by California to non-U.S. citizens were illegal.
Derek Barrs said, "We won't accept a plan of correction that leaves thousands of drivers with non-compliant licenses at the wheel of 80,000 pound?trucks and in direct defiance of federal safety regulations."
California filed a lawsuit against USDOT last month for the withholding of more than $33 millions in federal funding. The U.S. Transportation Department claimed that the state had not met the rules requiring English competency for truck drivers. California dropped its separate lawsuit in December, which it filed after USDOT withdrew $4 billion of high-speed rail funds. The Trump administration has taken several steps to address "concerns" about foreign truckers who don't speak English. In August, Secretary Marco?Rubio announced that the United States would immediately suspend the issuance all commercial truck driver visas.
After a fatal accident in Florida, the?Transportation Department issued an emergency rule to restrict commercial drivers licenses?to those who are not U.S. citizens. Trump has threatened funding to large cities led by Democrats. This includes?for major projects in Chicago and New York, and commercial driver licenses granted by Minnesota, New York, and California to non-U.S. citizens. In 2023, FMCSA reported that approximately 16% of U.S. drivers were born abroad.
(source: Reuters)