John Faraclas
The BDI (Baltic Dry Index) lost 14 points earlier on today and dropped below the 700 point-threshold that we have long been expecting in this medium; the geopolitics too are also a disaster on all counts given the sensitive situation in the EU which might turn for many… very nasrty… John Faraclas daily brief:
The Capers’ BCI 2014 lost 78 points and is about to go below even the 600 point-mark; actually at 609 points the Capers are raising the alarm and it remains to be seen if the Chinese factor works favourably – at what level and for how long….!
The Panamaxes BPI also losing steam, just managed to clinch a point and at 944 remain in the dangerous zone; better plus though than minus.
The Supras’ BSI gained four points and try hard. At 676 points still in danger.
The Handies’ BHSI was fighting to remain close to the 400 points; now at 376 – minus one since last Friday they also struggle.
So, high and dry again and let us hope we go on the reverse as any further drop which will lead to the 600 point level will rock the entire dry market. Let Posidon do the trick or else…
The Wets still at the same more or less levels; the last published BDTI ((Dirties) and BCTI (Cleans) both gained a point and now stand at 847 and 582 respectively…
The WTI has fallen since Friday and now stands just below the US$ 53 mark, at precisely US$ 52,87! A very good …fall which will greatly support the poor and reduce the cost of production and many other costs to the benefit of the majority on Planet Ocean.
The Stock Markets are doing fine with 20,412 points the new record for NYSE; other indices too there and in Europe were on a plus modus, but, repeat but this doesn’t reflect the market’s reality and the real performance of the World’s Economy. In Greece, things are going down for the ATHEX and it remains to be seen who can trigger the reviving there…
The Geopolitical front too is a multiple disaster waiting to happen. You haven’t seen anything yet.
MIGRANTS remain on top of the issues and I am afraid to say it will rock all us very soon; just wait and see…
You don’t need to be further advised what happens right now in the North Africa to Afghanistan – Caucuses to the Horn of African zone with respect to the MIGRANTS; pretty much the same as yesterday and the day before yesterday…. But, but we want to ask you to learn president Trumps points who is defending in his own right for the benefit of the American people on the MIGRANTS issue, immigration in particular and “handling” and or “accepting” visitors. It is absolutely correct to have in anybody’s land those visitors who really love the country they visit, stay or whatever; End of the story…Why? Because you can all see how many “visitors”, MIGRANTS or with all due respect with whatever epithet or name we can call them, they have overstayed our welcome. Today it was a very important day in the White House during Canada’s Prime Minister’s visit; Justin Trudeau did managed though well and saw his respect in avoiding to lecture Donald Trump.-
Mexico unites against president Trumps immigration policies. President Trump though targets, and rightly so, drug traffickers and criminals…
Another issue which is about to enfold and also involves MIGRANTS and Peace in the turbulent Middle East region and which stands at the heart of the parameters of the region we always mention (Northern Africa coast to Afghanistan and Caucuses to the Horn of Africa) is the coming up meeting between president Trump and Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu. A lot depends there and given the Wars in Syria and Iraq with ISIS still around, this meeting and its outcome will be paramount for all. Watch this space!
Turkey’s erratic course in the region continuous and Turkish appetite must be stopped before the wider region goes on flames. The coming Referendum there in exactly a month from today and other events will be crucial for all in the region and its wider periphery… The Turkish establishment must proves it respects all neighbours in the region and Treaties. By the way: There are NO grey zones in the Aegean Sea, and both Turkey and Greece must have a 12 (twelve) miles zone.-
Greece next door suffers from the Muppet Puppet show of the 300 MPs in Constitution’s Square Greek Parliament and no one can imagine what to expect from an incompetent lefty government squeezing the Greeks in tandem with Mrs. Merkel’s Germany and the bureaucrats in Brussels; SHAME! Ah! Can the Greek opposition deliver, or all is populist propaganda blah blah…?
The Balkans are about to be reignited with incalculable repercurrsions for all. Caution.
The French and German upcoming elections as well as those in other EU nations will be decisive but you need pragmatism as otherwise, the Mighty Continent will for sure go up in flames AND into pieces!
In France the Theo rape case brings a Paris southern region, Les Ulis in flames…
In Sweden the headscarves case vis-à-vis a visit to Iran makes headlines and brings-in more headaches…
BREXIT continues its course and we reiterate the view that despite the animosity and propaganda from Mainland Europe, BREXIT will be the best ever good thing to happen in the United Kingdom and beyond. We stress this beyond as , if you know and understand trade geopolitics, you will see for yourself why!!!!
In the Subcontinent and in particular in Pakistan two main issues needs caution; the blast in Lahore today killing 11 people and the ban for Valentine’s Day following a court order in Lahore… Somebody is looking for trouble…
In the Fareast all are in full readiness given the state of affairs in the Korean peninsula, following the latest ballistic test carried out by North Korea. Japan is in our view ready as is the USA supporting the Abe regime there. China’s though real position on the matter remains unclear…
Chinese leaders remain concerned with the One China nation policy and president Trump; a very long walk to make… Let’s see what the aftermath of the Year of the Rooster’s celebrations bring…
In the Pacific, banned chemical from the 70’s were found sending ecological alarms…
Cooper Hefner will revitalise the Play Boy with nudity all over again. Back to traditional basics! Another …issue surfacing…
In South America the troubled Venezuela has another issue to tackle; drugs trafficking by what is alleged from the USA for the vice president of the country Tareck el-Aissami behaviour. Nicolas Maduro’s days, might be numbered – you never ever know though…
In Africa, the troubled continent, a shut-down of the net in Cameroon makes waves..
That’s all more or less and be on guard for every eventuality.
Given all the above, shipping remains the most promising investment; tough times is the best investor’s hope.
Have a nice evening and be merry; tomorrow is Valentine’s Day!
