Latest News
-
A train derails near northern France, injuring at least 44 people
The French railway operator and French authorities confirmed that a train derailed in Normandy in northern France between Rouen-Caen on Friday night at around 7:30 pm local time. The head of the local authority Jean-Benoit Albertini told reporters that one of the injured was in a critical condition and had to be evacuated via helicopter. A spokesperson for the French police said that the train 'derailed after hitting an unknown object. The French railway operator SNCF said an investigation was underway to determine the cause of this accident. In a post on X, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot revealed that the train carried 180 passengers. He added that 140 firefighters were at the scene to help the injured passengers and drivers. The local authority,?prefecture Seine-Maritime, warned the public to avoid the area. SNCF announced that the train service between Rouen, Caen,?Caen, and Le Havre has been?suspended' and a'replacement bus services will be in place.
-
USDA report report fails in its attempt to reverse EU wheat's decline
European wheat prices fell on Friday after U.S. grain forecasts did not provide enough positive news to counteract a bearish mood that had pushed the price to a two-week low in earlier'session. The daily session for December wheat traded on Paris' Euronext ended with a loss of 1.6%, or EUR241.25 per metric ton. The benchmark contract fell to a 2-week low at EUR240.25 earlier in the day, from a contract peak of EUR259.25. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its monthly "supply and Demand" forecasts for world wheat ending stocks on Friday. These were slightly higher than average estimates. Investors who had built up a large position in wheat were encouraged to take profits by the report's publication. Prices were also affected by diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Commerzbank, which announced its forecasts on Friday, increased their year-end wheat prices, citing the ongoing attacks by Russia and Ukraine against each other's port. The CBOT wheat price at the end the year is now $7, up previously from $6.50, and the Euronext wheat price at EUR240, up previously from EUR220. The market is still bouncing between the bearish expectation of a stable shipping agreement in the Black Sea and the bullish expectation that Russia and Ukraine will continue to attack ports and shipping. Importers from Egypt and Libya showed an interest in small quantities of 11.5% protein wheat at $300-$305 per ton C&F for shipment between September/October. According to a trader, Pakistan's wheat tender of 750,000 tons next week will likely?attract mainly Romanian or Bulgarian offers and possibly include Ukrainian wheat that is transported overland to Romania. Pakistan could cancel the tender if prices are well above $300 per ton c&f. As Rhine water levels dropped, ships were only able to sail partially loaded and transport costs increased.
-
Poste Italiane acquires Telecom Italia for 66.6% at the end of the offer period
Poste Italiane secured a 66.6% share in Telecom Italia (TIM)'s capital. Calculations based on stock exchange data were revealed on Friday at the conclusion of the main phase for the takeover bid by the state-backed company. Poste, who had previously acquired a 20% stake in TIM, increased its cash component by 18%, to EUR1.97 a share. It also confirmed an exchange ratio of 0.218 newly -issued Poste?shares for each TIM share. At Friday's closing price, the bid was valued at around EUR13 billion. Borsa Italiana (the Italian stock exchange) reported that the take-up of the bid for the former Italian telephone monopoly had reached 58.2%. Poste waived its initial acceptance threshold of 66.67% for this upcoming?week. The offer period will reopen between September 21 and 25.
-
Tesla targets European freight market by releasing long-delayed semi truck
Tesla will bring its Semi-electric truck to Europe, expanding its reach beyond North America. It is looking to gain a foothold in the heavy-duty market where competitors already sell battery-powered models. Elon 'Musk-led 'automaker will reveal European specifications and launch information at the IAA Transportation Trade Fair in Hanover Germany next week. It said in a posting on X. The European push comes almost a decade after Tesla unveiled the Semi back in 2017. The company initially planned to produce the Semi by 2019, but this timeline was continually delayed because the company prioritized the supply of battery cells for its passenger vehicles. Tesla began limited deliveries in late 2022 to customers such as PepsiCo, including the United States. Tesla announced in April that the first "Semi" had been produced on a Nevada high-volume line. In its shareholder update for July, Tesla only stated that Semi production would start in 2026 and removed an earlier forecast of volume production this summer. Tesla's German language website lists the version of?truck that has a range up to 550km (342 miles), with a combined gross weight of 40 tonnes and an energy consumption of around 1 kilowatt hour per kilometer. The 'company' said that the truck is able to take off with electric power up to 25 kW and weighs around 9,100 kg without a cargo or trailer. The truck can recover 60% of its range within 30 minutes by using Tesla's Megacharger network, which the company claims is capable of delivering up to 800 kilowatts. Tesla also cited dedicated service centers and route-based scheduling as features that would reduce downtime.
-
QatarEnergy is seeking US LNG deals until 2031, according to sources
QatarEnergy has been in talks with several producers about securing multi-year U.S. contracts for liquefied natural gas through 2031. This is to replace the capacity that was destroyed by Iranian attacks, which will take years to fix. Two sources confirmed that discussions are underway with Venture?Global and Woodside. Sources said that the contract talks were part of QatarEnergy's effort to replace volumes lost from its Ras-Laffan facility, after Iranian strikes damaged two of its 14 gas-to liquids (GTL), and two LNG trains. QatarEnergy has also changed its approach from purchasing dozens of U.S. LNG spot cargoes in order to meet commitments made to some of their Asian clients. QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi stated in March that the repairs will sideline 12.8 millions tons of LNG capacity per year for three to fiveyears. QatarEnergy, which halted its production in March, has renewed force majeure notifications monthly. Most recently, they were extended to November. Further extensions are possible if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, according to the sources. QatarEnergy Trading - the trading arm of QatarEnergy - which managed 10 million tonnes of the company's portfolio of LNG - is looking to achieve 2-3 million metric tonnes per annum until 2031. A fourth source stated that "They'll have to buy anything they can." QatarEnergy has not responded to an immediate request for comment. Venture Global and Cheniere declined comment while Woodside LNG stated that it would not comment on speculations about the market. According to research firm Rapidan Energy, 25 million metric tonnes of LNG are available for sale in U.S. construction projects. Rapidan data shows that Venture Global has 10 mtpa of LNG uncontracted. Cheniere, Woodside Energy, and Sempra have 6 mtpa each available. Qatar's pursuit of LNG volumes to deliver to its?customers indicates that Qatar now sees a risk in their ability to export LNG over several years, said Saul Kavonic. He is the head of energy advisory and research at MST Marquee. He added that "it signals that Qatar?considers the Strait of Hormuz disruption may prove to be longer lasting and the damage to Qatari?LNG infrastructure is more extensive than originally hoped, and it may take longer to fix." Around 80% of Qatar LNG exports are usually exported to buyers in Asia. Many clients in Asia began to look for alternatives to Qatari Gas due to the uncertainty of when flows would resume through this major waterway. According to a fifth party, some market participants are testing scenarios where no Qatari gas will be available.
-
QatarEnergy is seeking US LNG deals until 2031, according to sources
QatarEnergy has been in talks with several producers about securing multi-year contracts for?U.S. Three trading and industry sources said that QatarEnergy is negotiating with several producers to secure multi-year?U.S. Two of the sources cited said that discussions were held with Venture 'Global, Cheniere, and Woodside. Sources said that the contract talks were part of QatarEnergy's effort to replace volumes lost from its Ras-Laffan facility, after Iranian strikes damaged two of its 14 gas-to liquids (GTL), and two LNG trains. QatarEnergy has also changed its approach from purchasing dozens of U.S. LNG spot cargoes in order to meet commitments with some of their Asian clients. The company is now looking for longer-term solutions. QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi stated in March that repairs will sideline 12.8 millions tons of LNG capacity per year for three to five more years. QatarEnergy, which halted production back in March, has issued force majeure notifications every month. The most recent extension was to November. Further?extensions are possible, as the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, according to the sources. QatarEnergy Trading is the trading arm of QatarEnergy, which managed 10 million tons of LNG for the company. One source said that the company was looking to achieve 2-3 millions metric tons annually through 2031. A fourth source stated that "They'll have to buy anything they can." QatarEnergy has not responded to an immediate request for comment. Venture Global, Cheniere and Woodside LNG declined to comment. Saul Kavonic is the head of energy research and advisory at MST Marquee. He said that Qatar sees a risk in their ability to export LNG over several years. He added that "it signals that Qatar believes the disruption of Strait of Hormuz could be longer lasting and the damage to Qatari's LNG infrastructure has been more extensive than originally hoped and repair may take longer." Around 80% of Qatar LNG exports are usually exported to Asian buyers. Many clients in Asia began to look for alternatives to Qatari gas due to the uncertainty surrounding when flows will resume through 'the major waterway. According to a fifth party, some market participants are testing scenarios where no Qatari gas will be available.
-
Oil tanker prices reach record highs after US and Iranian shipping attacks
This week, the cost of'shipping' oil in the largest tankers reached record levels following the most intense wave of attacks against shipping since the U.S. - Iran war began late in February. According to Baltic Exchange, the shipping rate for supertankers, also known as very large crude carriers (VLCCs), loading oil in the Gulf of Oman to be shipped to China, reached around 450 on Worldscale, which is?roughly?$11.50 per barrel. The rate is at its highest level since it was introduced earlier this year after the U.S. and Israel war against Iran. The increase in rates is a sign of 'how the Middle East conflict feeds into the wider economy. The rise in shipping costs could add to inflationary pressures, and increase costs for consumers and businesses already feeling the effects of a growing conflict. Iran announced on Wednesday that it had launched 10 attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.S. destroyed five Iranian oil tanks. Four Yemeni government officials said that the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, reached Perim, a strategic island in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait on Friday, possibly tightening their hold on one of the world's most important shipping routes. Ioannis Pandimitriou, analyst at Vortexa, said that "repeated attacks between the U.S. Navy and Iran continue to push freight rates in the Gulf up to new heights." Papadimitrou said that the higher risk of operating in the Middle East Gulf and the surrounding area is driving up the Gulf of Oman's freight rates, out of fear of Iranian reprisals. This naturally reduces the number of available tankers in the region. The recent military escalation is having a wider impact, with VLCC rates also reaching record highs on the West Africa-Asia route.
-
Travel chaos caused by the protest of Polish train drivers who slow down during safety demonstrations
On Friday, Poland's railways were impacted by widespread disruption as train drivers protested safety concerns and slowed down their trains. Around two thirds of services experienced delays on what is one of the busiest weeks of the year. A train that hit a truck and derailed at a level-crossing in central Poland Wednesday killed one person and sent 10 to the hospital. This is just the latest of a series of accidents caused when road users ignore warning signs. "We do not view this as protest but as an act of desperation," said Sebastian Piernik. He added that the union's demands for safety were?ignored in the past. "The fundamental problem is to ensure that drivers are held accountable for crossing the tracks at a time when there's a red signal." Train drivers at all level crossings slowed to 20 kilometres an hour (12 mph), as part of the protest that lasted until Friday noon local time. As a consequence, train operator PKP intercity reported that as of 12 p.m. (1100 GMT), 203 of 290 services?faced delays averaging 38 minutes. Alicja Kiman, a resident of Gdansk, said that she wasn't surprised by the protest because?motorists are?often reckless. She said, "I've seen garbage trucks break the barrier twice - forcing themselves in when it was closing." The government announced that it would introduce harsher 'penalties for drivers disregarding warning signals at crossings, and it spent hundreds of millions?zlotys to improve safety. Dariusz Klimczak, Infrastructure Minister, told reporters that "these changes will result in the risk of losing a driver's licence" for drivers who enter a road/rail crossing with RED light on.
Documents show that Epstein attempted to create a web of powerful connections across the Middle East.
The U.S. Department of Justice's documents reveal that embattled financier Jeffrey Epstein attempted to create a network of powerful political figures and businessmen in the Middle East. DP World announced that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem resigned from his position as chairman and chief executive. Two sources who have direct knowledge of the matter said that the decision was made after Bin Sulayem’s name appeared on the Epstein files and his relationship with a late convicted sex offender came under increased scrutiny.
Bin Sulayem and Epstein exchanged emails in which they discussed sexual relationships between Bin Sulayem and women Epstein had helped him meet. Bin Sulayem informed Epstein in an email dated November 9, 2007 that he met a woman of this type in New York. He did not identify her and said they had no sexual relations.
He wrote: "Yes, after many attempts over several months, we were able to meet in NY," adding that it was a miscommunication because "she only wanted some BUSINESS!" I only wanted some PUSSYNESS!"
Dubai's ruler also issued on Friday a decree that appointed a new chairman of Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, which was one of the many roles Bin Sulayem had held.
I was able review independently only some Epstein files relating Bin Sulayem but was unable determine what exactly led to Bin Sulayem's departure from DP World, although sources stated, without giving further details, that the documents were the reason.
Bin Sulayem has not responded to any requests for comments on his departure. DP World declined comment.
COOKING TOGETHER
Epstein described Bin Sulayem in an email exchange as funny, trustworthy, and a foodie. Epstein went on to say Bin Sulayem is a Muslim who does not drink alcohol and prays 5 times a day.
A photograph, which was included in an email but is now publicly available, shows Epstein and Bin Sulayem cooking together and looking relaxed. Epstein did not provide the full name of who he sent it to.
Bin Sulayem did not comment publicly on Epstein’s description of his relationship or the emails he sent about it.
It is not criminal to be named in a file. Bin Sulayem was questioned by DP World financial backers about his past after the U.S. Congress pointed out that Bin Sulayem’s name appeared on files released by U.S. Department of Justice.
Bin Sulayem didn't respond to these concerns publicly. British International Investment and Canada's second largest pension fund, both UK-based development finance agencies, said they would stop investing in DP World because of Bin Sulayem alleged ties with Epstein.
We are horrified by the allegations that have emerged in the Epstein case
A spokesperson for BII said, "Files regarding Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem", without specifying which allegations he meant. We will not make any new investments in DP World until they have taken the necessary actions.
La Caisse, a Canadian pension fund, said that it would "pause additional capital deployment along with the company" until DP World clarified and took "the necessary steps".
In a press release issued after the leadership change at DP World on Friday, BII praised DP World's decision. It said that it was looking forward to "continuing our partnership to advance development of key African Trading Ports". La Caisse stated that "the company took appropriate measures" as well as its intention to "move swiftly to work with DP World’s new leadership in order to continue our partnership for port projects throughout the world".
Bin Sulayem didn't immediately respond to a question from La Caisse asking him for a comment about the actions taken by BII. DP World declined to comment.
Contacts Network
The DOJ's large collection of documents, including emails and text messages, shows that Epstein used his wealth to establish relationships with influential people in finance, politics, academia, and business all over the world.
The report was unable determine whether Epstein's advice was taken into account by his contacts in the Middle East. Epstein attempted to give advice to Qatari political and business figures, according to the DOJ documents examined by. This was during the blockade of Qatar imposed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2017-21. Qatar had denied the accusations.
Epstein, in an exchange with Sheikh Jabor Jasim Al Thani of the ruling family and Qatari businessman Jabor Yousuf Jassim al Thani, urged Qatar "to stop kicking and arguing...let's let the heat go down a little". He stated that "the current Qatari team is weak" and that "FM's lack of experience is evident."
Qatar's Foreign Minister at the time was Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He is now both Prime Minister and Foreign minister. Sheikh Mohammed is yet to comment publicly on Epstein’s portrayal. Qatar's International Media Office declined to comment on the exchange when asked about it. The office handles media requests from the Prime Minister.
No response was received to a request sent via email to three Qatari companies where Sheikh Jabor holds the position of chairman, nor to a text message sent to someone who, according the documents?released? by the DOJ?, is employed in Sheikh Jabor?s office. Epstein encouraged Doha to establish ties with Israel in order to remain in good standing with Donald Trump who was in his first term of office as U.S. President. Epstein suggested that the Gulf State either recognize Israel or donate $1 billion to an anti-terrorism fund. Qatar stayed true to its independence. In 2021 the countries that had been blocking Doha restored their ties. The Trump administration has also strengthened its ties with Qatar.
Discussion on SAUDI ARAMCO's IPO
Epstein talked about Saudi Aramco’s initial public offering through dozens of emails. Epstein warned in an email exchange on September 10, 2016 with a person called?Aziza alahmadi and former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larson, that Aramco's initial public offering could expose Saudi Arabian assets to seizure and lawsuits. Saudi Aramco refused to comment on the emails.
Alahmadi was not available for comment, and it was impossible to determine her role in Epstein's actions.
Epstein, in an email dated 16 October 2017 and sent to Alahmadi as well, suggested that China be given the option to purchase a $100 billion stake in Aramco, rather than pursuing a conventional IPO. Epstein said this would allow for liquidity, while limiting their exposure to the public markets.
Saudi Aramco refused to comment on the emails. Roed Larsen didn't immediately reply to an email sent via his attorney asking for comments.
The DOJ documents show that Epstein also had a presence in Egypt. In some emails, Epstein was asked for help by a member of the Mubarak family - the wife Gamal Mubarak. This request came in 2011 after the ouster of the former president and the subsequent legal problems. The emails did not specify what type of assistance was requested and it was impossible to determine whether Epstein tried to intervene on behalf of the family. One lawyer was emailed for comment and another was texted. Both represented Gamal Moubarak. No immediate response was received.
(source: Reuters)