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Texas grid warns of risks when data centers and crypto sites fail voltage testing
According to the Texas grid operator, several large data centers and crypto-facilities planning to connect to the Texas power grid ahead of summer peak demand failed to pass 'key reliability tests. This increases the risk of power failures just as electricity usage reaches its seasonal high. Data centers are causing power grids to be stressed across the United States. Data centers, unlike traditional industrial customers who tend to draw electricity steadily, are designed to disconnect from the grid as soon as there is a problem to protect equipment and maintain services. This makes them a potentially unstable and unpredictable force on grids that are already under pressure due to rising demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, in a report dated 21 May, said that four groups of large electricity consumers, including data centers, were abruptly disconnected during a test of their ability to handle voltage disturbances. It can cause wider outages when large customers suddenly reduce their electricity use. ERCOT, which manages electricity in most of Texas said that it had reviewed approximately 20 gigawatts from large customers who wanted to connect to its system. This included eight projects, totaling about 3.9 gigawatts, which were aiming to begin before July 1. The company said that it had identified four large groups of power users who could trigger a demand trip of more than 5,000 Megawatts under certain fault conditions. These abrupt drops in demand were equal to the electricity consumed by a large city like Boston. ERCOT is currently reviewing test failures to develop plans for protecting the grid against?disruptions. ERCOT has made voltage ride-through failures a priority, as they are a growing risk with more data centers and crypto miners connected to the grid. ERCOT has recorded at least 26 instances since 2023 where data centers and crypto mining facilities were abruptly disconnected from the grid due to their inability to handle disruptions in electricity flow. A failed transformer in a west Texas substation caused 400 crypto-miners, oil and gas production and data centers to be unplugged without warning. According to ERCOT, the mass disconnection caused a surplus of nearly 1,700 megawatts, or 5% of total grid demand. It also forced 112 Megawatts to be shut down. ERCOT has tightened interconnection requirements and performance standards, and new rules have been introduced to ensure that such facilities are able to ride through voltage and frequencies disturbances without being disconnected. (Tim McLaughlin in Boston; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
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Finland suspects four persons in breach of subsea cables
The Finnish police, who are investigating the damage done to two subsea cables in the Baltic Sea last year, said that four people were suspected of a crime. Prosecutors will decide whether or not charges should be brought. Finland has seized a cargo ship, Fitburg, on December 31, 'while it was en route to Israel from Russia. They suspected that the cables from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland had been damaged. This is one of many incidents of this nature in recent years. The police?on Saturday said that they had investigated suspected aggravated crimes, attempted aggravated crimes, and aggravated interferences with telecommunications. They were referring the case to prosecutors in order to determine if any charges should be filed. The police said in a press release that the investigation had concluded with four suspects. Three of them remain under a travel restriction. After a series of power outages, telecommunications failures, and gas pipeline disruptions since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Baltic Sea region has been on high alert. NATO has increased its military presence by adding aircraft, frigates, and naval drones. (Reporting and editing by Terje Solsvik, Essi Lehto)
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Norway opposes tariffs and rejects US claims about forced labour
Norway's foreign minister has rejected a U.S. assessment that the Nordic country?failed? to prevent forced labor, adding?that?the allegation?was unfounded?and shouldn?t be used?by President Donald Trump?to justify new tariffs. The Trump administration proposed Tuesday tariffs of up to 12.5% on imported goods from 60 countries including Norway after concluding that they failed to curb the?trade in products made with forced labor, an assertion that many U.S. trading partners rejected. In a statement issued late on Thursday, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that "we strongly disagree" with the U.S. authorities' assessment of Norway not doing enough to stop forced labour. The Transparency Act was the first legislation in the world to prevent forced labour from being used to supply chains. Barth Eide said that he had told the U.S. authorities about this. Experts, business groups, and some human right groups say that Trump's threat to slap new tariffs on trading partners will not do much to combat?modern slave trade -- and may even make matters worse. (Reporting and editing by Terje Solsvik, Jagoda Darlandak)
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Brokers bet on winners of various sectors as the World Cup soccer tournament kicks off
Analysts predict that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in host countries will bring billions of dollars to their economies. This will be driven by an unprecedented surge in consumption, which will boost sectors as diverse as retail, athletic wear and tourism. The tournament is set to be held from?June 11, to July 19, and will be the biggest soccer event in history. It could drive consumer spending during a period when broader demand is fragile. According to FIFA's analysis of the socioeconomic impact, which was conducted in conjunction with the World Trade Organization (WTO), the first three-nation World Cup (WC), which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to bolster the global GDP by approximately $41 billion. Here are the stocks and sectors that brokerages believe will benefit from this once every four years event: HOTEL OPERATORS B. Riley estimates that a total 13.1 million World Cup visitors, including both ticketed and unticketed attendees generated 21.3 million hotel room nights across all online travel platforms. Analysts say that U.S. hotel chains Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, as well as the online travel platforms Airbnb and Booking Holdings, as well as Expedia, are likely to benefit from this event. Marriott expects World Cup momentum to continue into the third quarter. Airbnb predicts that hosts in New York, New Jersey and Boston will earn the most money during the World Cup. Airline Tickets Goldman Sachs thinks WC could have a?net positive' effect on U.S. Airlines. Goldman stated that "June tends to be a lower season for inbound leisure travel and corporate travel, while a significant portion of the peak outbound travel season occurs after the WC has ended." The war in Iran has caused a sharp increase in the price of jet fuel, forcing U.S. airlines to raise fares, which is causing budget-conscious Americans delay or cancel their summer vacations. BEER STOCKS Jefferies estimates that more than 1 billion pints will be consumed worldwide during the holiday season. This represents a 0.3% increase in?volumes for the industry. Markets such as the U.S.A., Mexico and Brazil are expected to improve. Analysts at Jefferies said that after five years of volatile beer prices, the market should improve in 2026. The timing of the tournament is also a plus. Roughly 75% of matches will be played in the U.S. while 84% of the matches involving participating countries are in the beer-drinking-friendly time zones, the analysts added. Bernstein, Goldman and Jefferies believe that Corona beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev will be the main beneficiary. Anheuser-Busch InBev is the official beer sponsor of the WC. Heineken, world's second largest brewer, will also benefit from the exposure it has in Latin America and Europe. US RETAIL AND 'SPORTSWEAR Goldman predicts that a surge of merchandise demand by fans will push sales up at Dick's Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports. Analysts said that sportswear brands like Adidas, Puma, and Nike could benefit from increased brand exposure and marketing during the World Cup. Goldman pointed out that Adidas, the official sponsor of match balls, has sponsorship deals with multiple teams. This allows it to gain global exposure at the event. FOOD, RESTAURANTS, AND DELIVERY Citi said that traditional?grocers like Albertsons and Kroger as well as larger retailers such Walmart and Target are likely to benefit during the World Cup from increased household spending. Tourism and group viewings are expected to support a rise in restaurant demand. This could lift McDonald's Pizzas, Domino's Pizzas, Wingstops, and Chipotles, as well as food distributors like Performance Food Group, US Foods, and Sysco. MEDIA AND DIGITAL ?PLATFORMS Deutsche Bank analysts stated that they expect the men's World Cup in 2026 to generate the largest US advertising revenues ever. Morgan Stanley estimated that the tournament would generate between $300 and $400 million in advertising revenue to Fox, the broadcaster of the English-language rights. Deutsche Bank pointed out that Comcast's?Telemundo which holds the Spanish-language broadcast rights is another potential beneficiary. Citi stated that internet companies like?Alphabet?s YouTube and Meta Platforms?s Instagram could benefit from an increase in user activity. BETTING OPERATORS The World Cup is expected to increase overall betting volumes, and Deutsche Bank expects Flutter Entertainment to outperform DraftKings. Macquarie predicted that global wagers would exceed $50 billion, or nearly $0.5 billion each match. This is compared to the 35 billion dollars for the previous tournament in 2022.
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Argentina recommends awarding the dredging contract to Jan de Nul, and local partners, despite US concerns
The Economy Ministry announced that the Argentine government had recommended awarding an important?dredging contract in Argentina to Belgian dredging firm Jan De Nul, and its local partner Servimagnus. Rep. Brian Mast, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned in May about the "malign influence" of China in the bid to win the major contract for Argentina. Jan De Nul, and its local partner Servimagnus, denied any Chinese ties. * The recommendation is for the concession to dredge the Parana River and maintain it, as this river carries 80%?of?the trade of the country. In a late-Thursday statement, the ministry recommended that DEME, a Belgian competitor company, be rejected. *?Jan de Nul - Servimagnus? scored 66.20 in the technical evaluation stage, compared to 42.14 points for DEME. The statement said that both firms had submitted identical tariffs and received the maximum score for the economic component. DTA Engenharia, a Brazilian company, was declared inadmissible after failing to provide the required bid-maintenance guarantees. Before a final?award, a seven-day period has been opened for formal 'challenges' to the recommendation. The ministry added: * "The awarding of the contract will end the process and bring an end to the deadlock in the construction work on the waterway." * The waterway is a 3,400-kilometer natural river transport route that runs along the Parana River and the Paraguay River. It's essential for importing soybeans to Argentina, which are used in the production of oil, meal and other products.
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UAE markets benefit despite the stalled US/Iran peace talks
The stock markets of 'the United Arab Emirates' closed higher on Friday. Dubai outperformed its regional peers despite the fading hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and the U.S. Hezbollah, a militia backed by Iran, rejected a ceasefire on Thursday in?Lebanon and Israel announced it?wouldn't withdraw troops from the?country?undermining U.S. president Donald Trump's attempts to halt fighting?and achieve a peace?deal? with Tehran. Dubai's main index of shares rose by 0.9%, boosted by gains in the industrial and utilities sectors. Salik Company, a toll operator, increased by 1.6% while Emirates Central Cooling Systems grew 2.5%. Abu Dhabi's benchmark indices settled 0.3% higher, with the largest utility company Abu?Dhabi?National?Energy rising 6.2%. Alef Education's stock rose 1% following the?full migration to Microsoft Azure of its digital learning ecosystem with Core42's sovereign cloud capability. Brent crude was down?0.32% to $94.73 per barrel at 1232 GMT. (Reporting from Mohd. Edrees, Bengaluru. Editing by Shailesh. Kuber.)
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Pentagon: US forces board a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced on Friday that U.S. forces had seized the stateless sanctioned oil tanker Davina in the Indian Ocean overnight. Washington has placed a sea blockade against Iran, while Tehran has fired at ships to stop them from?sailing? through the Strait of Hormuz and entering the Middle East Gulf. In recent months, U.S. forces intercepted "multiple commercial and petroleum tankers" in the Indian Ocean. Indo-Pacific Command posted on X that "we will continue to enforce global maritime law to?disrupt illegal networks and 'interdict vessels providing materials support to Iran wherever they operate". According to data from ship tracking, the Davina is a supertanker that can carry up to 2 million barrels of crude oil. The U.S. placed sanctions on it in October 2024 because it was involved in?oil trade with Iran. Ship tracking data on MarineTraffic showed that the vessel, also known as the Lenore was last spotted on June 5, off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Separate shipping data revealed that the vessel's?draft indicated it was almost fully?laden with an oil cargo. (Reporting and editing by Doina chiacu and Joe Bavier; Reporting and Editing by Susan Heavey, Jonathan Saul)
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Swedish court orders that seized cargo ships can be transferred to Ukraine
A Swedish court ruled on Monday that the seizure of an unidentified cargo ship in 'the Baltic Sea' was legal and that it could be sent to Ukraine where it is suspected of transporting grain illegally from Russian-occupied territory. The Swedish coast guard and police seized the Caffa in March off the southern Swedish coast, claiming it was operating under a false banner and had violated maritime and ship safety laws because of its lack of seaworthiness. According to the ruling of June 4, a lawyer for the owner Caffa Shipping Limited had challenged the seizure, and asked for the vessel's?release. The court stated that Ukraine was seeking the ship in connection with an investigation of suspected war crimes, including the removal and appropriation of property from Russian-occupied territories. Hakan Larsson, public prosecutor, said that in an email to?, "the court confirmed that the seizure was legal and that the vessel could be handed over to Ukraine." The district court ruled that the alleged conduct may constitute a crime of war under Swedish law. This cleared the way for the vessel to be transferred and the evidence it contained to the Ukrainian authorities. Larsson stated that the decision must be legally binding before any transfer of ownership can occur, and added?that owners have three week to appeal. The lawyer for Caffa?Shipping did not respond immediately to a further comment request. The police reported that the majority of the 11 crew members of the 'Caffa were Russians at the time of the seizure. According to the ship tracking service MarineTraffic, the vessel is a general cargo ship measuring 96 metres. Reporting by Jagoda darlak. Terje Solsvik, Mark Potter and Terje Slsvik edited the article.
Buffett to pass Berkshire baton on to Abel. Abel has a difficult act to follow
Warren Buffett, the founder of Berkshire Hathaway, has been a symbol of Berkshire Hathaway since 1960. He built a conglomerate that is admired by many shareholders and is arguably one of the most respected investors in history. Investors are faced with the fact that Buffett's aura will diminish as he prepares for the handover of the torch to Vice Chair Greg Abel. Abel is the CEO-designate at Berkshire Hathaway and has been since 2004.
This change will likely bring more hands-on management from the top of Berkshire’s businesses. Some investors might demand Berkshire to follow a traditional corporate path such as paying dividends. Abel will be appointed CEO of Berkshire on January 1, and has one of the 'toughest acts to follow' in corporate history. Buffett, 95 years old, has been leading Berkshire, Berkshire, since 1965. He will remain chairman.
Lawrence Cunningham is a law professor at George Washington University and the author of many books about Buffett and Berkshire.
He said Abel had to convince skeptics of Berkshire's ability to thrive without Buffett making the final decision on which stocks and companies to purchase, or giving guidance and wisdom at annual shareholder meetings and letters.
Cunningham said, "I didn't expect him cracking jokes or eating peanut brittle during the annual meeting." "His greatest challenge is to tell you that I am not Warren Buffett and you shouldn't be concerned," said Cunningham.
Berkshire already has made some changes.
Announcing a Management Shake-up
Three weeks until Abel takes control.
Adam Johnson will continue to run the luxury aircraft unit of?NetJets. Abel will be responsible for overseeing Berkshire's 32 consumer product, service, and retailing businesses. Berkshire promoted Nancy Pierce from her previous position as chief operating officer at Geico to become the new CEO.
Todd Combs is replaced
Buffett had previously appointed him as one of his portfolio managers. He now joins JPMorgan Chase where he was a director. Berkshire named a new Chief Financial Officer and its first in-house General Counsel.
Michael Ashley Schulman of Running Point Capital, El Segundo in California, Chief Investment Officer, said that Abel will be bringing "trusted lieutenants" and "fresh talent" to Berkshire, in order to balance continuity and modernization.
BERKSHIRE TRANSFORMED OVER SIX CENTURIES Buffett transformed Omaha-based Berkshire, a textile company that was in trouble, into a conglomerate worth $1.07 trillion. This is the equivalent of a Sherman Tank.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the BNSF railroad and Geico auto insurance, as well as retail brands Brooks and Duracell are all part of its 200-plus businesses.
Buffett's reputation was also built on his ability to pick stocks. He made long-term investments, such as in Apple and American Express.
Abel joined Berkshire Hathaway in 2000 and headed Berkshire Hathaway Energy until 2018. He then became a vice chairman of Berkshire overseeing the non-insurance business.
"Greg Abel might be more hands-on that Warren Buffett," said Cathy Seifert an analyst with CFRA Research based in New York, who covers Berkshire. "He might sharpen his pencil when it comes to improving operating costs and finding growth strategies. Berkshire may be misleading us when they say that a more hands-on approach is a better strategy for moving the needle than a tighter strategy. Berkshire declined to comment through Buffett’s assistant. Buffett had addressed Berkshire’s future in a letter to shareholders dated Nov. 10, Buffett said. Buffett and Abel did not respond to requests for interviews.
How BERKSHIRE may evolve
Berkshire stock's performance in recent years has been similar to or behind that of the Standard & Poor 500.
Buffett has always tempered expectations of investors. In November, he told shareholders that Berkshire’s businesses have “moderately superior prospects” but the size of the company "takes a toll".
Abel has to deal with this size. Abel is a big company with a lot of money. But it's not invested in other areas.
Investors are aware that their returns will not be as high as they were in the past.
James Armstrong, president of Henry H. Armstrong & Associates, Pittsburgh, who has been investing in Berkshire since 40 years, said: "We won't expect the 23% Buffett earned over decades." You can't achieve that with $1 trillion in assets. "But if Greg Abel makes 8% to 10% per year, I will be happy."
Abel may have limited options even with Berkshire cash. Berkshire is complaining about the overabundance of private equity funds that are driving up takeover values.
Armstrong said that there was a chorus of people pounding the table and saying, "Invest that cash." "I do not want Berkshire investing that cash until they see a great opportunity at a fair price." Abel has been under pressure from many investors to start paying dividends. Dividends historically contributed 31% of S&P 500 returns. Berkshire is the only company that hasn't paid dividends since 1967. A 2% annual dividend would only cost Berkshire $21 billion.
Seifert stated, "I anticipate more shareholders will demand a dividend payment, a better articulated buyback of shares, and a formalized capital allocation strategy."
Berkshire may be asked to improve its disclosures, which many analysts find impenetrable and incomplete. Berkshire only devotes a few paragraphs or sentences in its financial report to some of its large subsidiaries. There is no mention made about the overall profitability.
Many shareholders do not want Berkshire's unique qualities to be lost.
Steve Check, the president of Check Capital Management, a California-based firm that invests 30% in Berkshire stocks and options, said: "We do not want to change Berkshire’s culture."
The Voting Power Remains
Some questions remain over Berkshire's bench.
Ajit Jain (74), who has led Berkshire Insurance operations for 40 years and sat by Buffett?s side, is not sure how long he will continue. Ted Weschler's fate is also uncertain. Like Combs he has also helped Buffett to invest in stocks. Buffett said Abel was capable of handling Berkshire's equity.
Buffett controls 29,8% of Berkshire’s voting power and will continue to have a large influence for several years. This could hinder activist shareholders who want to play a bigger role.
Check stated that "as long as Warren Buffett continues to work at Berkshire and is chairman, his fingerprints will be on the company."
Abel is still young enough to be in charge for a long time and see Berkshire change, even if it can be hard to reinvent.
Cunningham stated that "Greg would have a small runway." (Reporting and editing by Megan Davies, Nick Zieminski and Jonathan Stempel from New York)
(source: Reuters)