Sources say that the White House is considering an executive order to speed up deep-sea mines.
Two sources who are directly involved in the White House's deliberations say that they are considering an executive order which would expedite permits for deep sea mining in international waters. This would allow mining companies to bypass a United Nations review process. The order, if signed, would be the latest effort by U.S. president Donald Trump to tap into international deposits of nickel and copper, and other essential minerals that are widely used across the economy, after recent efforts made in Greenland, and Ukraine. Trump also used emergency powers earlier this month to boost domestic mineral production.
Australia pours billions into missile procurement amidst global shortages
Australia's plans for developing its own missile component capability will likely be slowed by the Ukraine war and increased European defense spending, even though it is pushing ahead with a multi-billion dollar effort to purchase long-range attack missiles. Last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed A$74 billion (46.68 billion dollars) for missile acquisition. This included A$21 billion towards the establishment of a Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. His Labor government had reshaped Australia's defence policy to counter China's military buildup.
Republicans protect green tax credits through budget bill
According to a Monday letter, a group of Republican legislators urged the House Committee drafting the proposed tax cuts for President Donald Trump in the upcoming Budget Reconciliation Bill to preserve the clean energy tax credit enacted by the Biden Administration to protect private sector investment in their districts. The letter, led by New York Republican congressman Andrew Garbarino called on Ways and Means chairman Jason Smith to avoid making "disruptive" changes to the nation's energy taxes structure that could disrupt clean…
Zelenskiy: Ukraine fully committed to constructive dialog with US
The President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Saturday that Ukraine was "fully committed" in having a constructive dialog with U.S. officials next week in Saudi Arabia about ways to end Russia's war. Since taking office as U.S. president Donald Trump in January, he has suspended U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. He accused Zelenskiy that he was not serious about reaching an agreement with Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2013 and has taken over 20% of the country's territory. The Ukrainian people have been seeking peace since the first seconds of this war. Realistic proposals have been put forward.
The price of gas in Europe has recovered from a new 5-month low
The European wholesale gas price at the TTF hub has rebounded after dropping to its lowest level in 5 months early in trade, amid protests against gas infrastructure in Ukraine. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub rose to 39.94 Euros per megawatt hour or MWh, or $12.71/mmBtu at 09:39 GMT. It traded at 36.45 Euros/MWh earlier on Friday. This was its lowest price since September 27, 2024. The British front-month contracts also hit a low of five months and traded at 91 pence a therm, 3.04 pence less. The British day-ahead contracts was up 1.75 cents at 95 p/therm.
Naftogaz, Ukraine's gas producer, says that the Russian attack has damaged its production facilities.
Ukraine's Energy Minister said that Russian forces had targeted Ukraine's gas and energy infrastructure with their latest drones and missile attacks, which took place on Friday. Rescuers and engineers work to minimize the effects. "All necessary measures are taken to stabilise the power and gas supply," he said. In a press release, Naftogaz said that the attack had damaged its natural gas production plants. "Production installations that ensure gas production have been damaged. Naftogaz reported that there were no fatalities via Telegram.
The benchmark Dutch gas price has fallen on EU's Ukraine gas transport push
Dutch wholesale gas fell below 40 euro ($43.31), for the first time in this year, after news broke that European leaders were set to ask EU authorities and Kyiv intensify their talks to resolve an end to Russian gas transiting through Ukraine. By 1606 GMT, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub had fallen by 2.15 euros to 38.85 euros/MWh, or $12.26/mmBtu. LSEG data show that the contract reached 38.48 Euros in early trade, its lowest since November 2024. The contract for May fell by 3.24 euros, to 38.62 Euro/MWh. The British day-ahead contract fell 4 pence to 95 pence/therm.
Ambassador to Washington: Philippines-US defense arrangements will remain intact
Manila's ambassador in the United States, who spoke on Monday, said that existing defence agreements between the Philippines and United States would remain intact under Donald Trump. Jose Manuel Romualdez, a reporter at a forum for foreign media in Manila, said that Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine president, is willing to travel if Trump can meet him. This could happen in the northern spring. Romualdez responded that "all of this will remain" when asked about U.S. support for security in the Philippines. This includes military financing, patrols on the South China Sea, and Philippine defence installations currently used by U.S. troops under their alliance.
Trump orders new tariff probe into US copper imports
The President Donald Trump launched a new front in his attack on global trade norms on Tuesday, ordering an investigation into possible new tariffs on imports of copper to rebuild U.S. manufacturing of a critical metal for electric vehicles, military equipment, the power grid, and consumer goods. In an effort to stop what his advisors viewed as China's move to dominate the copper market in the world, Trump signed at the White House an order directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to launch a national-security probe under Section 223 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.
In the shadow of tariffs, Europe's markets can benefit from a ceasefire in Ukraine
The markets have bet that a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine will ease the pressure on energy and euro prices, and also reduce the impact of increased U.S. tensions. Meanwhile, expectations about defence spending has already sent stocks in this sector soaring. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, arrived in Saudi Arabia Monday to discuss with Russian officials. President Donald Trump ordered U.S. officials last week to start talks about ending the war. The talks are not expected to include either Ukraine or European nations. On Monday, European leaders will hold an emergency summit. The U.S.
Trump announces that the US will increase its military sales to India and eventually provide F-35 Jets
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that the United States would increase its military sales to India beginning in 2025. It will also eventually provide F-35 jet fighters. "We will increase military sales to India many billions dollars." Trump told reporters that we're also clearing the path to eventually provide India with F-35 stealth aircraft. Trump didn't provide a timetable, but it usually takes years to complete foreign military sales. This is especially true for cutting-edge technologies like the stealthy F-35. Trump said that the agreement between India and the United States included India importing more U.S. gas and oil to reduce the trade deficit.
Russia launches new missiles at Ukraine and targets its gas infrastructure
Russia has launched another barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine, this time targeting the gas infrastructure in western regions. This is the latest attack on Ukraine's crippled power system just as winter approaches. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said that Russian forces used over 70 drones and 40 missiles in the morning's attack. He said that Ukrainian air defences had shot down 30 missiles or more. "Another massive Russian assault. "It's winter and the Russians are still targeting our energy infrastructure," Zelenskiy wrote in a post on X Platform.
Nordic countries debate energy policy after spikes in power prices
On Thursday, the hourly electricity prices in certain parts of Scandinavia reached record levels. They were tenfold higher in some cases than average, due to cold weather and lower wind power production. This prompted politicians to suggest a change in energy policy. In Denmark, the price per megawatt-hour (MWh) for an hour starting at 1600 GMT has risen to 936 Euros. South-western Norway and Southern Sweden have seen prices above 700 Euros/MWh. The German price has also risen due to the unusually low amount of wind and solar energy generation.
ArcelorMittal delays planned green investments for EU
ArcelorMittal is the second largest steelmaker in the world. It announced on Friday that it was delaying green investments due to uncertainty over European Union regulations. ArcelorMittal received 850 million Euros ($885 million) from the French Government in January to support its 1.7 billion Euro decarbonisation programme in France through 2030 at its Dunkirk site and Fos-sur-Mer site. ArcelorMittal said on Friday that it had not yet made final investment decisions for these projects. This includes the replacement of 2 out of 3 blast furnaces at Dunkirk with green hydrogen-powered installations.
Viaro CEO accused of forging documents in UK lawsuit to steal millions
Former employer of the CEO of an independent British Oil Producer who is purchasing North Sea assets from Shell and Exxon Mobil, is suing him for allegedly falsifying documents in order to steal substantial amounts. Court documents show that Viaro Energy's CEO Francesco Mazzagatti has been accused of involvement in the misappropriation at least of 143.8 million euro ($151.5 millions) by Singapore-based Alliance Petrochemical Investment. The suit, first reported in the Financial Times, was filed by London's High Court at the end of August. Mazzagatti denies all allegations.
Philippines urges residents in the affected areas to evacuate as the super typhoon Man Yi intensifies on its approach
The Philippine authorities made an urgent call on Saturday to residents of coastal towns and low-lying areas to evacuate as the super typhoon Man Yi gained strength in its approach to the main island of Luzon. Man-Yi intensified, with sustained maximum winds of 195 kph and gusts reaching up to 240kph. It was prompted to increase its alert level to the highest for the provinces Catanduanes Sur and Camarines Sur, located in central Bicol. Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense urged residents to evacuate if they were in the projected path of the typhoon. Man-Yi was expected to bring heavy rains, powerful winds, and possibly storm surges.
Trump's Victory Lifts Small-Caps, Banks
Donald Trump's second term as U.S. President on Wednesday lifted equity markets, on the back of bets on lower corporate taxes, favorable tariffs, and deregulation. This lifted shares of local small-cap companies, banks, and Trump Media.Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors, was appointed to head a government efficiency panel after Trump endorsed the billionaire during his election campaign. This led to an increase of 12.6% in Tesla's shares.Futures linked to the Russell 2000 small-cap index surged by 6%. The Dow and S&P 500 were both set to open on record highs.The market believes that a Trump presidency would unleash animal spirits…
Orsted Addresses Swedish Baltic Sea Wind Concerns
Orsted CEO assures Sweden that the offshore wind industry has solutions that would address defense concerns. At issue: Sweden's rejection of a proposed 13 offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea.Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said on Monday that building wind farms in the Baltic Sea would pose defense risks, by making it harder to detect and shoot down missiles. As Europe turns to renewable sources to diversify energy supplies away from Russian oil and gas, concerns have also risen about how to secure critical maritime infrastructure.Sweden joined NATO this year in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden rejects 13 Baltic Sea Wind Farms, citing defense concerns
The Swedish government announced on Monday that it has rejected 13 applications for offshore wind farms to be built in the Baltic Sea because of defence concerns. However, it has approved one project on the west coast. Pal Jonson, the Swedish Defence Minister, said at a recent press conference that wind farms built in the Baltic Sea could harm defence interests. This is because they would make it more difficult to detect and shoot missiles with Patriot batteries in a conflict. Poseidon, a single wind farm on the west coast that has been given the green light, will produce 5.5 Twh per year of electricity, according to the government.
Shares of US energy companies rise as Middle East crisis fuels supply concerns
The shares of U.S. Energy companies rose in premarket trading on Wednesday. This was due to the rise in oil prices, which was a result of concerns about a possible escalation in tensions in Middle East. The markets went into a risk off mode after the announcement. The demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese yen, Swiss franc and oil stocks was strong. Benchmark Brent crude rose by 2.8% to $75.59 per barrel while U.S. crude climbed 3% to $71.92. Matthew Ryan, director of Ebury's market strategy, said that the involvement of Iran was a worrying development for the markets.
