Read more on https://www.fxstreet.com
Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy’s Patuanelli: Need to prepare for the end of lockdown
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Italy Consumer Price Index (MoM) meets expectations (0.1%) in March
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy Consumer Price Index (YoY) above expectations (-0.4%) in March: Actual (0.1%)
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (MoM) came in at 2.2%, above expectations (1.7%) in March
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy Consumer Price Index (EU Norm) (YoY) above forecasts (-0.2%) in March: Actual (0.1%)
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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The Latest: India links virus cases to religious gathering
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— United States poised to surpass China's toll of 3,300 deaths.
— India says hundreds at religious gathering carried virus to other parts of the country.
— More than 5,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in Africa.
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NEW DELHI — A neighborhood in the Indian capital where a religious sect is headquartered has been sealed off from outsiders after police evacuated more than 1,000 people believed to have been exposed to the coronavirus during a religious gathering earlier this month before the government imposed the world’s largest lockdown.
Police said on Tuesday that hundreds of people, many of them foreign nationals, carried the virus to several other parts of India after attending a mosque in the crowded majority-Muslim enclave of Nizamuddin West.
Paramedics have transported hundreds of Muslim worshippers to nearby quarantine facilities. Officials say at least 300 people have symptoms of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus.
Officials in other Indian states raced to confine others who attended the Nizamuddin mosque.
India has 1,200 confirmed cases of the coronavirus across the country, including 32 deaths, a quarter of which have been linked to the gathering.
A 21-day long nationwide lockdown that began last week has resulted in the suspension of trains and airline services and effectively kept 1.3 billion Indians at home for all but essential trips to places like markets or pharmacies.
The overall number of known cases in India is small compared with the United States, Italy and China, but health... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— United States poised to surpass China's toll of 3,300 deaths.
— India says hundreds at religious gathering carried virus to other parts of the country.
— More than 5,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in Africa.
___
NEW DELHI — A neighborhood in the Indian capital where a religious sect is headquartered has been sealed off from outsiders after police evacuated more than 1,000 people believed to have been exposed to the coronavirus during a religious gathering earlier this month before the government imposed the world’s largest lockdown.
Police said on Tuesday that hundreds of people, many of them foreign nationals, carried the virus to several other parts of India after attending a mosque in the crowded majority-Muslim enclave of Nizamuddin West.
Paramedics have transported hundreds of Muslim worshippers to nearby quarantine facilities. Officials say at least 300 people have symptoms of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus.
Officials in other Indian states raced to confine others who attended the Nizamuddin mosque.
India has 1,200 confirmed cases of the coronavirus across the country, including 32 deaths, a quarter of which have been linked to the gathering.
A 21-day long nationwide lockdown that began last week has resulted in the suspension of trains and airline services and effectively kept 1.3 billion Indians at home for all but essential trips to places like markets or pharmacies.
The overall number of known cases in India is small compared with the United States, Italy and China, but health... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
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Europe's hospitals among the best but can't handle pandemic
LONDON (AP) — As increasing numbers of European hospitals buckle under the strain of tens of thousands of coronavirus patients, the crisis has exposed a surprising paradox: Some of the world’s best health systems are remarkably ill-equipped to handle a pandemic.
Outbreak experts say Europe’s hospital-centric systems, lack of epidemic experience and early complacency are partly to blame for the pandemic’s catastrophic tear across the continent.
“If you have cancer, you want to be in a European hospital,” said Brice de le Vingne, who heads COVID-19 operations for Doctors Without Borders in Belgium. “But Europe hasn’t had a major outbreak in more than 100 years, and now they don’t know what to do.”
Last week, the World Health Organization scolded countries for “squandering” their chance to stop the virus from gaining a foothold, saying that countries should have reacted more aggressively two months ago, including implementing wider testing and stronger surveillance measures.
De le Vingne and others say Europe’s approach to combating the new coronavirus was initially too lax and severely lacking in epidemiological basics like contact tracing, an arduous process where health officials physically track down people who have come into contact with those infected to monitor how and where the virus is spreading.
During outbreaks of Ebola, including Congo’s most recent one, officials released daily figures for how many contacts were followed, even in remote villages paralyzed by armed attacks.
After the new coronavirus emerged late last year, China dispatched a team of about 9,000 health workers to chase thousands of potential contacts in Wuhan every day.
But in Italy, officials in some cases have left it up to ill patients to inform their potential contacts that they had tested positive and... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
Outbreak experts say Europe’s hospital-centric systems, lack of epidemic experience and early complacency are partly to blame for the pandemic’s catastrophic tear across the continent.
“If you have cancer, you want to be in a European hospital,” said Brice de le Vingne, who heads COVID-19 operations for Doctors Without Borders in Belgium. “But Europe hasn’t had a major outbreak in more than 100 years, and now they don’t know what to do.”
Last week, the World Health Organization scolded countries for “squandering” their chance to stop the virus from gaining a foothold, saying that countries should have reacted more aggressively two months ago, including implementing wider testing and stronger surveillance measures.
De le Vingne and others say Europe’s approach to combating the new coronavirus was initially too lax and severely lacking in epidemiological basics like contact tracing, an arduous process where health officials physically track down people who have come into contact with those infected to monitor how and where the virus is spreading.
During outbreaks of Ebola, including Congo’s most recent one, officials released daily figures for how many contacts were followed, even in remote villages paralyzed by armed attacks.
After the new coronavirus emerged late last year, China dispatched a team of about 9,000 health workers to chase thousands of potential contacts in Wuhan every day.
But in Italy, officials in some cases have left it up to ill patients to inform their potential contacts that they had tested positive and... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
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Holy See flies flags at half-staff (Vatican Press Office)
“Today, in solidarity with Italy, the Holy See will fly flags at half-mast in mourning, to express its closeness to the victims of the pandemic in Italy and around the world, to their families and to those who generously fight to bring it to an end,” Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, announced on March 31.
Reported by Catholic Culture 2 days ago.
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Italy 10-y Bond Auction: 1.48% vs 1.29%
Read more on https://www.fxstreet.com
Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy 5-y Bond Auction: 0.8% vs 0.36%
Read more on https://www.fxstreet.com
Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Operating Performance Improved Significantly with Clear and Firm Development Strategy COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Announces 2019 Annual Results
*SHANGHAI, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2020 /* The leading integrated container shipping service provider, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd. ("COSCO SHIPPING Holdings" or "the Company") (SSE: 601919; HKEx: 1919) today announced its annual results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2019 (the "Period").In 2019, global economic and trade situation faced severe challenges. Economic growth had hit a new low since the financial crisis of 2008, and the demand growth in container shipping had slowed year-on-year.
However, in the face of challenges, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings adhered to the guiding principle, deeply facilitating various work including globalization, quality improvement, digitalization and end-to-end business development. The Company continued to improve quality and efficiency and realized synergies in various aspects, which significantly improved the Company's operating performance compared with the same period of the previous year.
During the Period, according to Hong KongAccounting Conventions, the revenue of the Company reached RMB150.54 billion, up by 25.1% year-on-year. Operating profit amounted to RMB7.22 billion, up by 44.5%.The net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company amounted to RMB6.69 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of RMB5.46 billion or 443.9%, and the basic earnings per share amounted to RMB0.55per share.
The revenue of the Company's container shipping business amounted to RMB14.48 billion, up by 26.1%. The Company's container shipping business completed 25.74 million TEUs of bills of lading, representing an increase of 18.1% year-on-year, ifoncomparable basis, up by 2.7%. The container shipping business of the Company recorded revenue of RMB7.22 billion, up by 8.8%. COSCO SHIPPING Ports achieved a total throughput of 124 million TEUs in terminal business, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.5%.During the Period, Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), a subsidiary of the Company, completed the sale of LBCT LLC, which generated a one-time net income and achieved good shareholder returns.
During the Period, the Company's cash flow from operating activities had a solid performance, with a net cash inflow of RMB 21.2 billion. Net cash inflow from investing activities amounted to RMB4.03 billion, and net cash outflow from financing activities amounted to RMB9.54 billion. As at 31 December 2019, cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB49.76 billion, representing an increase of RMB16.56 billion or 49.9% as compared to the beginning of the Period.
Benefited from the significantly improved operating results and the approximately RMB7.7 billion raising through the A-share non-public offering in January 2019, the Company's financial foundation has been further consolidated. As at 31 December 2019, total assets of the Company amounted to RMB262.22 billion, and total liabilities amounted to RMB193.1 billion. Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company amountedto RMB35.36 billion, representing an increase of 12.47 billion year-on-year. Thenet debt to equity ratio was 101.54%, representing a significant decrease of 83.7 percent point as compared to the end of last year.
As at 31 December 2019, the Company's container fleet had 507 vessels, with the total shipping capacity reached 2.97 million TEUs, representing a growth of 7.6% as compared to the end of 2018. The capacity scale continued to rank the third in the world. COSCO SHIPPING Ports, a subsidiary of the Company, operated 197 container berths in 36 ports worldwide with an annual designed handling capacity of 113 million TEUs.
On 10 March 2019, OOIL, a subsidiary of the Company, announced that ordered 5 vessels with 23,000 TEUs are estimated to be delivered in 2023 as planned. The move will fill the shipping capacity gap caused by the gradual withdrawal of unsuitable vessels in the future. After the delivery, OOCL will be able to independently form a complete loop in the Asia-Europe trade and provide more stable and highly efficient services for customers.
Release development potentialafterthe restructuring, anddeepen reform and innovation to improve market competitiveness
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings has completed the restructuring of major transactions since March 2016, divesting its dry bulk business and container leasing business. The Company's strategy has transformed from "comprehensive shipping services" to "focusing on the development of container shipping service supply chain". The main business development path became clearer.
Benefitedfromthe effective development strategy and efficient execution, the Company can quickly adapt to the changing macro environment, and properly respond to external challenges, presenting a sound development trend. In the four fiscal years (2016-2019) after the restructuring, the annual average level of China Container Freight Index (CCFI) trended flat, but the Company's operating performance improved steadily, showing strong profitability and development potential.
2016
2017
2018
2019
CCFI
711
820
818
824
Net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company after deduction of non-recurring (billion)*
-7.1
1
0.2
1.6
Operatingcashflow(billion）
1.5
7.1
8.1
21.2
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company (billion)
18.3
20.7
22.9
35.4
*According to China Mainland Accounting Standards, net profit data excludednon-recurring profit and loss
The Company completed the initial grant of Share Option Incentive Scheme in July 2019. The measure was important to the Company's continuous deepening reform and innovation, which further improved the Company's med to long term incentive plan, promoted the unification of operating management activities with shareholders' interests, and played an important role in promoting the enhancement of corporate value and sustainable development.
Adhering to the globalization strategy, promoting the risk resistance capability
In 2019, based on maintaining the service advantages of the major east-west services, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings adhered to the globalization strategy and continued to increase its shipping capacity in emerging markets, non-China markets and regional markets, which was in line with the changes in the global economic and trade pattern. The cargo volume of the Company in emerging markets and non-China markets increased by 7.0% and 7.9% year-on-year respectively, much higher than the overall volume growth rate on the comparable basis(2.7%). The ratio of the Company's non-China cargo volume to the total foreign trade volume (i.e. volume excluding China domestic routes) increased from 35.5% in 2018 to 37.0%. The Company further consolidated its foundation for global development and enhanced its ability to resist regional and periodic risks.
In respect of the terminal business, as the world's leading ports operator, COSCO SHIPPING Ports, a subsidiary of the Company, actively optimized the global terminal network and improved the operation quality and service level of terminal companies in which it has controlling stakes. COSCO SHIPPING Ports Abu Dhabi Terminal successfully entered formal commercial operations and aims to become a major container gateway port and important hub in the Middle East. During the Period, COSCO SHIPPING Ports successfully acquired 60% equity interest in Chancay Terminal in Peru, which is the first terminal project in South America controlled by the company.
Promoting the digitalized development with conforming to the trend of information era
In July 2019, CargoSmart, the subsidiaries of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings announced the execution of Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) services agreements with other maritime industry operators. Under these agreements, each signatory commits to establish the GSBN, a non-profit joint venture to accelerate the digital transformation of the shipping industry. In early 2020, the GSBN Shareholder Agreements were signed, GSBN will be formally established and put into operation after completing all the regulatory approval procedures. CargoSmart will provide technical solutions and platform operation services for GSBN.
COSCO SHIPPING Lines, a wholly-owned subsidiary, actively built its self-operated e-commerce platform. In 2019, at the domestic e-commerce platform, the cargo volume increased by 14% year-on-year, and the transaction volume exceeded RMB1.3 billion. The company's foreign trade e-commerce business continued to expand and covered all foreign trade routes, with the total cargo volume year-on-year increase of 150%.
In the long term, the Company's unremitting efforts in the digitalized field based on its core business will be conducive to improving the efficiency of internal management and customer service experience, so as to drive customer retention and loyalty.
Actively fulfilling social responsibilities and driving the sustainable development of the industry
In 2019, the Company continued to promote and use various advanced energy-saving and emission reduction technologies. With the Company's fleet capacity growth of 7.6% in 2019, the annual fuel consumption volume of the Company reduced by 1.0% as compared with the volume in 2018.
In response to the new regulation on limiting sulphur emission implemented worldwide by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2020, the Company proactively studied and compared various solutions. At present, the Company has decided to use low-sulphur fuel that complies with the standards and install scrubbers on a small number of vessels to meet the requirement of the new regulation.
During the Period, the brand image and market recognition of the Company have been further enhanced. In July 2019, the Company was included in FORTUNE China 500, ranking the 75th in the list. In September 2019, the shares of the Company were selected as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series for the second successive year. In January 2020, the Company won "Best Infrastructure and Public Utilities Stock Company Award" and the "Best Listed Company with Social Responsibility" for the second successive year in the Golden Hong Kong Stock Award, fully reflecting the Company's benchmarking position and outstanding influence in the industry.
Since the beginning of 2020, facing the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings has actively fulfilled its social responsibilities and made every effort in the epidemic prevention and control. While effectively protecting the life, health and safety of its on-shore and off-shore employees and ensuring the smooth and orderly business operation, the Company coped with the difficult situation to give priority to ensure the transportation of supplies for epidemic prevention and the living in the epidemic areas by providing "Green Channel", making outstanding contributions to the battle against the epidemic.
At the time when domestic confirmed cases reached a peak, many domestic and overseas partners and suppliers of COSCO SHIPPING Group offered support and assistance for epidemic prevention and control in China. Today, COSCO SHIPPING Group will also do its utmost to help other countries overcome difficulties and join hands to combat the epidemic.
On 16 March, a flight carrying anti-epidemic supplies, including 50,000 surgical masks and 200 protective suits, donated by COSCO SHIPPING Group set off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Liguria, Italy, with sincere wishes "Attraverso le Asperità Alle Stelle".
On 19 March, COSCO SHIPPING Group donated a batch of medical supplies including 10,000 pairs of latex gloves, 500 sets of protective suits and 500 pairs of protective gogglesto Greek Shipping and Island Policy Ministry in a bid to assist the daily patrol and emergency response of the Greek Coast Guard.
On 26 March, 20,000 surgical masks donated by COSCO SHIPPING Group to Port of Antwerp successfully arrived in Belgium. The Antwerp Port Authorityexpressed gratitude to COSCO SHIPPING Group on the official website with an ancient Chinese saying "a drop of water in need, shall be thanked with a fountain of deed", meaning that Belgium and China are closely connected by shipping despite the thousands of miles in between.
On 25 March, COSCO SHIPPING (North America) Co., Ltd. donated cash and medical supplies to Secaucus city government and Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey to support the local fight against the epidemic. The donation, including a total of USD35,000 in cash and 2,000 N95 masks, was delivered to Hackensack University Medical Center in a contactless way throughout the whole process to protect the front-line medical workers so that they can continue to save lives of the local people on the premise of ensuring their own safety.
Looking forward to 2020, the Company will pay close attention to challenges brought by COVID-19 to the global economy and shipping market. While boosting confidence, the Company will continue to focus on high-quality development, innovative development and coordinated development, and keenly grasp opportunities in the industry to continuously optimize the Company's international development path in the fast-changing environment. In addition, the Company will initiatively integrate internal and external resources to enhance the core competitiveness of high-quality development and improve the ability to continuously serve customers worldwide.
In terms of high-quality development, the Company will firmly advance the global route network layout and the construction of the global terminal network in order to continuously improve service quality and customer experience. Meanwhile, the Company will continue to consolidate the advantages of low-cost development and strengthen cost control in key areas.
In terms of innovative development, the Company will comprehensively deepen enterprise reform and innovation, release development vitality, actively promote the construction of digital network and strengthen the capability of service integration to constantly improve management efficiency and customer experience.
In terms of coordinated development, the Company will deepen the mechanism of collaboration and integration and stick to the dual-brand operating mode. The Company will continue to promote industrial chain collaboration, especially the synergy between ports and shipping businesses.
In the future, COSCO SHIPPING Holdings will continuously endeavor to build the Company as a top-tier integrated container shipping service provider, to create value and returns for customers and shareholders, and achieve win-win and common development with all parties.
About COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd.
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd. ("COSCO SHIPPING Holdings", Stock Code: 1919.HK; 601919.SS) is the listed company controlled by China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited. The Company was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in June 2005 and the Shanghai Stock Exchange in June 2007.
The Company focuses on container shipping and terminal operations. As of 31 December 2019, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, COSCO SHIPPING Lines and its holding subsidiary Oriental Overseas International, the Company operates a total fleet capacity of 507 ships and 2.97 million TEUs, ranking as the world's third largest container shipping company. COSCO SHIPPING Ports, another controlled subsidiary of the Company, operates a total of 197 container berths in 36 ports around the world, with an annual design processing capacity of 113 million TEU. COSCO SHIPPING Holdings is committed to become a top-tier integrated container shipping service provider with its continuing efforts to build up a global network, improve operational quality, provide customers with services and create value for shareholders.
*Media Enquiries*
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Company Limited
Xu Junjie / Dong Dai
Tel: (86) 021-6029 8620/ (86) 185 1617 9776
Email: investor@coscoshipping.com
PRChina Limited
Ray Sun / Jack Liu
Tel: (852) 2522 1838/ (852) 2522 1368
Email: rsun@prchina.com.hk/ zyliu@prchina.com.hkDocument: https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=XICFETYEEB
Document title: Operating Performance Improved Significantly with Clear and Firm Development Strategy COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Announces 2019 Annual Results
31/03/2020 Dissemination of a Marketing Press Release, transmitted by EQS Group.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media archive at www.todayir.com
*SOURCE:* COSCO International Holdings Ltd. via EQS Newswire
View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/583285/Operating-Performance-Improved-Significantly-with-Clear-and-Firm-Development-Strategy-COSCO-SHIPPING-Holdings-Announces-2019-Annual-Results Reported by Accesswire 2 days ago.
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'A glimmer of hope': Stocks, oil jump on signs of a Chinese manufacturing recovery and progress in the coronavirus fight in Europe
· *Stocks climbed on Tuesday, driven by signs of a Chinese manufacturing recovery and the prospect of the novel coronavirus passing its peak in Europe.*· *The Chinese government released a purchasing managers' index reading of 52 for March, up from 35.7 in February.*
· *Analysts were skeptical of the figure and said it was "incompatible" with past readings.*
· *The World Health Organization suggested the outbreak in Europe could be stabilizing as growth in new cases slowed.*
· **Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.**
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Stocks jumped on Tuesday as investors cheered evidence of a Chinese manufacturing recovery and signs of progress in combating the novel coronavirus in Europe.
China's statistics office published a purchasing managers' index reading of 52 for March — a sharp rally from 35.7 in February, a record low — as manufacturing output and new orders improved. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a figure below 50 suggests contraction.
"For investors this is enough for now because all they wanted to see was a glimmer of hope," Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at AvaTrade, said in a morning note.
On Monday, the World Health Organization pointed to signs of stabilization in Europe and expressed hope that outbreaks in Italy and Spain are approaching their peak, Bloomberg reported. Italy reported 4,050 new cases on Monday, its lowest daily tally in nearly two weeks.
*Read more: UBS outlines 3 major investing themes the coronavirus crisis is shaping today — and breaks down how they'll play out in the years to come*
Analysts were suspicious of the sudden resurgence of Chinese manufacturing.
The statistics "stretch the bounds of belief," Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group, said in a morning note.
*Read more: Macro hedge funds are soaring while quants and stock-pickers tank. Here are the biggest winners and losers.*
Other commentators argued the reading can't be compared to previous ones.
"These PMI surveys asked Chinese firms how they feel now compared to February — NOT to how they usually operate," Michael Every, global strategist at RaboResearch, said in a research note.
"The exercise is therefore incompatible with the normal PMI metric."
*Here's the market roundup as of 10:40 a.m. in London (5:40 a.m. ET):*
· European equities jumped, with Germany's *DAX* up 2.5%, Britain's *FTSE 100* up 1.8%, and the *Euro Stoxx 50* up 2%.
· Asian indexes broadly rose, with China's *Shanghai Composite* up 0.1% and Hong Kong's *Hang Seng* up 1.9%. Japan's *Nikkei* fell 0.9%.
· US stocks are set to open higher, with futures underlying the *Dow Jones Industrial Average* and the *S&P 500* up 0.7%, and *Nasdaq* futures up 1.1%.
· Oil prices rebounded after slumping to 17-year lows on Monday. *West Texas Intermediate* rose 6.4% to $21.40, and *Brent* crude rose 3.4% to $27.30.
· The benchmark* 10-year Treasury* yield dipped below 0.7%.
· *Gold* fell 1.6% to $1,617.
· *Bitcoin* rose about 4% to around $6,500.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: A big-money investor in juggernauts like Facebook and Netflix breaks down the '3rd wave' firms that are leading the next round of tech disruption Reported by Business Insider 2 days ago.
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Italy Producer Price Index (MoM) down to -0.4% in February from previous -0.2%
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Italy Producer Price Index (YoY) fell from previous -2.3% to -2.6% in February
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Reported by FXstreet.com 2 days ago.
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Vatican flags at half-staff in solidarity with coronavirus victims
Vatican City, Mar 31, 2020 / 04:15 am (CNA).- Vatican flags are flying at half-staff on Tuesday in solidarity with the victims of the coronavirus in Italy and worldwide.
“Today, in solidarity with Italy, the Holy See will display flags at half-mast in mourning to express its closeness to the victims of the pandemic in Italy and in the world, to their families, and to all those who generously struggle for its end,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni told journalists March 31.
Pope Francis met with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the Vatican the day prior as the Italian government attempts to confront an outbreak which has led Italy to have the highest number of coronavirus mortalities in the world.
More than 11,500 people have died of COVID-19 in Italy after a total of 101,739 people have been documented by the Italian Ministry of Health as infected with the coronavirus. Throughout the world, more than 37,800 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
Italy was the first country outside of China to implement a mandatory lockdown in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Conte announced the lockdown on March 9, and has since said that the national quarantine will be extended beyond the original April 3 deadline.
The Italian government has suspended all public religious gatherings, including funerals, throughout the country, and all restaurants, schools, and non-essential businesses remain closed.
Pope Francis also met with the mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi on March 28 at the Vatican. The Holy See did not release any further details about either of the private meetings.
Lazio, the Italian region in which Rome is located, has had 2,914 documented cases of COVID-19, including Rome’s vicar general, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.
There have been six coronavirus cases connected to Vatican City. The Holy See has tested at least 170 employees for COVID-19, according to the Holy See Press Office, which confirmed that Pope Francis does not have the coronavirus on March 28.
Vatican liturgies for Holy Week and Easter will take place without the presence of people this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will be broadcast live for those quarantined at home. Reported by CNA 2 days ago.
“Today, in solidarity with Italy, the Holy See will display flags at half-mast in mourning to express its closeness to the victims of the pandemic in Italy and in the world, to their families, and to all those who generously struggle for its end,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni told journalists March 31.
Pope Francis met with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the Vatican the day prior as the Italian government attempts to confront an outbreak which has led Italy to have the highest number of coronavirus mortalities in the world.
More than 11,500 people have died of COVID-19 in Italy after a total of 101,739 people have been documented by the Italian Ministry of Health as infected with the coronavirus. Throughout the world, more than 37,800 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
Italy was the first country outside of China to implement a mandatory lockdown in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Conte announced the lockdown on March 9, and has since said that the national quarantine will be extended beyond the original April 3 deadline.
The Italian government has suspended all public religious gatherings, including funerals, throughout the country, and all restaurants, schools, and non-essential businesses remain closed.
Pope Francis also met with the mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi on March 28 at the Vatican. The Holy See did not release any further details about either of the private meetings.
Lazio, the Italian region in which Rome is located, has had 2,914 documented cases of COVID-19, including Rome’s vicar general, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.
There have been six coronavirus cases connected to Vatican City. The Holy See has tested at least 170 employees for COVID-19, according to the Holy See Press Office, which confirmed that Pope Francis does not have the coronavirus on March 28.
Vatican liturgies for Holy Week and Easter will take place without the presence of people this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will be broadcast live for those quarantined at home. Reported by CNA 2 days ago.
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EU launches new naval mission to police Libya arms embargo
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union announced Tuesday the launch of a new naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea aimed at enforcing the U.N. arms embargo on Libya, after Italy blocked a previous operation claiming that the warships attracted migrants.
The new operation, dubbed Irini, the Greek word for “peace,” will start work for a year from Wednesday. The European Council said it will have as “its core task the implementation of the U.N. arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets.”
“In particular the mission will be able to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya,” a statement said.
It will also gather information about illegal fuel and oil smuggling from Libya and help build up the Libyan coast guard, including by training its personnel.
The EU’s previous naval mission, Operation Sophia, was set up after tens of thousands of migrants began attempting potentially perilous crossings of the Mediterranean in 2015 in search of better lives in Europe.
Italy’s previous populist government blocked Sophia from using ships because its vessels were occasionally used to rescue migrants. Planes and drones were still used.
Aid groups were shocked by the seemingly absurd prospect of a naval operation without any boats and accused the EU of abandoning people seeking refuge. Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
The new operation, dubbed Irini, the Greek word for “peace,” will start work for a year from Wednesday. The European Council said it will have as “its core task the implementation of the U.N. arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets.”
“In particular the mission will be able to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya,” a statement said.
It will also gather information about illegal fuel and oil smuggling from Libya and help build up the Libyan coast guard, including by training its personnel.
The EU’s previous naval mission, Operation Sophia, was set up after tens of thousands of migrants began attempting potentially perilous crossings of the Mediterranean in 2015 in search of better lives in Europe.
Italy’s previous populist government blocked Sophia from using ships because its vessels were occasionally used to rescue migrants. Planes and drones were still used.
Aid groups were shocked by the seemingly absurd prospect of a naval operation without any boats and accused the EU of abandoning people seeking refuge. Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
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The Latest: WHO warns `far from over' in Asia and Pacific
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— WHO warns COVID-19 epidemics “far from over” in Asia and Pacific.
— South Korea sending special flights to evacuate citizens from Italy.
— Japan extends travel warnings to 49 countries, including U.S. and Britain.
— Opera star Placido Domingo resting at home after catching coronavirus.
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JAKARTA, Indonesia — The World Health Organization warns that while attention has shifted to epicenters in Western Europe and North America, COVID-19 epidemics are “far from over” in Asia and the Pacific.
Urging governments at all levels in the region to stay engaged in efforts to combat the virus, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Takeshi Kasai says, “This is going to be a long-term battle and we cannot let down our guard. We need every country to keep responding according to their local situation.”
He said the WHO realizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach but there are common tactics. “Those are: finding, isolating and testing case early, tracing and quarantining contact quickly, and putting in place multiple public health interventions to place physical distance between people to slow and stop transmission.”
Takeshi also cautioned that countries still need to prepare for large-scale community transmission.
“We need to be clear that even with all of these measures, the risk will not go away as long as the pandemic continues. Rather, these measures can buy us valuable time to prepare,” he said.
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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea says it will send two special flights to evacuate... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— WHO warns COVID-19 epidemics “far from over” in Asia and Pacific.
— South Korea sending special flights to evacuate citizens from Italy.
— Japan extends travel warnings to 49 countries, including U.S. and Britain.
— Opera star Placido Domingo resting at home after catching coronavirus.
___
JAKARTA, Indonesia — The World Health Organization warns that while attention has shifted to epicenters in Western Europe and North America, COVID-19 epidemics are “far from over” in Asia and the Pacific.
Urging governments at all levels in the region to stay engaged in efforts to combat the virus, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Takeshi Kasai says, “This is going to be a long-term battle and we cannot let down our guard. We need every country to keep responding according to their local situation.”
He said the WHO realizes there is no one-size-fits-all approach but there are common tactics. “Those are: finding, isolating and testing case early, tracing and quarantining contact quickly, and putting in place multiple public health interventions to place physical distance between people to slow and stop transmission.”
Takeshi also cautioned that countries still need to prepare for large-scale community transmission.
“We need to be clear that even with all of these measures, the risk will not go away as long as the pandemic continues. Rather, these measures can buy us valuable time to prepare,” he said.
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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea says it will send two special flights to evacuate... Reported by SeattlePI.com 2 days ago.
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Custom Protection Successfully Launches Frontline Coronavirus Screening Service
*CONROE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2020 /* Custom Protection Services Inc. (OTC PINK:CSPS) (‘Custom Protection', ‘CSPS', or the ‘Company'), an emerging leader in the tailored security and protection services marketplace, is excited to announce that it has successfully completed its first frontline engagement for its recently launched solution, designed to screen for Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19"), the respiratory illness that results from infection by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 virus ("SARS-CoV-2").This initial contract is with a leading Houston-based construction company. Over 75 employees were screened on the first day under engagement.
"For companies that can't virtualize operations and go to a remote participation model for employees, the difference between surviving and shutting down is frontline screening," stated George Rutherford, President of Custom Protection Services. "We are extremely pleased at how smoothly and efficiently initial testing went. Our procedure is quick and noninvasive, but professional-grade and accurate."
According to Johns Hopkins University, which has become a trusted source for leading-edge data on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US just overtook China and Italy, becoming the new epicenter of the global outbreak. The growth in confirmed cases has expanded at an increasing daily rate. There are now confirmed cases in all 50 US states, as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico.
Custom Protection recently announced the launch of a rapid, noninvasive frontline screening solution for COVID-19, similar to the process currently being employed at major airports. Demand for this type of solution is growing rapidly as recognition sets in by many commercial firms that this problem isn't going to just go away. The Company has fielded a large number of incoming inquires since announcing the launching this product.
Rutherford continued, "This new service proves how flexible and efficient the Custom Protection team is. We identified the opportunity, developed the logistics and procedures, secured the necessary equipment and manpower, tested the procedures, and went to market with a viable product in under 10 days."
*About Custom Protection Services Inc.*
Custom Protection Services Inc. is a Delaware incorporated company with head offices in Conroe, Texas. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of security and protection services which can be tailored to meet specific needs and situations. Services offered include personal protection, risk analysis, crisis response, guidance & strategic planning, maritime protection, travel security, legal investigation and POA security programs. Client contracts range from hourly to yearly depending on the type of service being provided. The Company can fulfill any client contract by utilizing a network of specialized consultants. Management has 100+ combined years of experience conducting security and protection operations.
*Company Contact Information:*
Tel: 936-703-5855
Email: info@customprotectionservices.com
Website: https://www.customprotectioninvestor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customprotectioninvestor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/customproteci1
*Forward-Looking Statements*
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. See Custom Protection Services Inc.'s filings with OTC Markets, which may identify specific factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
*Safe Harbor Statement*
This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions, sector changes and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, including codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
*SOURCE: *Custom Protection Services Inc.
View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/583218/Custom-Protection-Successfully-Launches-Frontline-Coronavirus-Screening-Service Reported by Accesswire 2 days ago.
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Spain sees record coronavirus deaths as world’s hospitals struggle
Spain's coronavirus deaths jumped by a record number Tuesday as the country's medical system strained to care for its tens of thousands of infected patients, and Italy opened a 200-bed field hospital at a fairgrounds in Milan to ease the pressure on overcrowded intensive care units.
Reported by Denver Post 2 days ago.
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The US is tracking people's movements with phone data, and it's part of a massive increase in global surveillance
· As coronavirus sweeps across the globe, governments are stepping up surveillance of their citizens.· A new index from digital rights group Top10VPN documents which countries are introducing new measures to track people's phones.
· Some countries are collecting anonymized data to study the movement of people more generally, while others are providing detailed information about individuals' movements.
· Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Governments across the world are galvanizing every surveillance tool at their disposal to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Countries have been quick to use the one tool almost all of us carry with us — our smartphones.
A live index of ramped up security measures by Top10VPN details the countries which have already brought in measures to track the phones of coronavirus patients, ranging from anonymized aggregated data to monitor the movement of people more generally, to the tracking of individual suspected patients and their contacts, known as "contact tracing."
Samuel Woodhams, Top10VPN's Digital Rights Lead who compiled the index, warned that the world could slide into permanently increased surveillance.
"Without adequate tracking, there is a danger that these new, often highly invasive, measures will become the norm around the world," he told Business Insider. "Although some may appear entirely legitimate, many pose a risk to citizens' right to privacy and freedom of expression.
"Given how quickly things are changing, documenting the new measures is the first step to challenging potential overreach, providing scrutiny and holding corporations and governments to account."
While some countries will cap their new emergency measures, otherwise may retain the powers for future use. "There is a risk that many of these new capabilities will continue to be used following the outbreak," said Woodhams. "This is particularly significant as many of the new measures have avoided public and political scrutiny and do not include sunset clauses."
*Here's a breakdown of which countries have started tracking phone data, with varying degrees of invasiveness:*
-The US is reportedly gathering data from the ads industry to get an idea of where people are congregating-
Sources told The Wall Street Journal that the federal, state, and local governments have begun to gather and study geolocation data to get a better idea of how people are moving about.
In one example, a source said the data had shown people were continuing to gather in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and this information had been handed over to local autorities. The eventual aim is to create a portal for government officials with data from up to 500 US cities.
The data is being gathered from the advertising industry, which often gains access to people's geolocation when they sign up to apps. Researcher Sam Woodhams says using the ad industry as a source poses a particular problem for privacy.
"Working closely with the ad tech industry to track citizens' whereabouts raises some significant concerns. The sector as a whole is renowned for its lack of transparency and many users will be unaware that these apps are tracking their movement to begin with. It is imperative that governments and all those involved in the collection of this sensitive data are transparent about how they operate and what measures are in place to ensure citizens' right to privacy is protected," Woodhams told Business Insider.
The US' coronavirus economic relief bill also included a $500 million for the CDC to build a "surveillance and data collection system"
-South Korea gives out detailed information about patients' whereabouts-
South Korea has gone a step further than other countries, tracking individuals' phones and creating a publicly available map to allow other citizens to check whether they may have crossed paths with any coronavirus patients.
The tracking data that goes into the map isn't limited to mobile phone data, credit card records and even face-to-face interviews with patients are being used to build a retroactive map of where they've been.
Not only is the map there for citizens to check, but the South Korean government is using it to proactively send regional text messages warning people they may have come into contact with someone carrying the virus.
The location given can be extremely specific, the Washington Post reported a text went out that said an infected person had been at the "Magic Coin Karaoke in Jayang-dong at midnight on Feb. 20."
Some texts give out more personal information however. A text reported by The Guardian read: "A woman in her 60s has just tested positive. Click on the link for the places she visited before she was hospitalised."
The director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jeong Eun-kyeong, acknowledged that the site infringes on civil liberties, saying: "It is true that public interests tend to be emphasized more than human rights of individuals when dealing with diseases that can infect others."
The map is already interfering with civil liberties, as a South Korean woman told the Washington Post that she had stopped attending a bar popular with lesbians for fear of being outed. "If I unknowingly contract the virus... that record will be released to the whole country," she said.
The system is also throwing up other unexpected challenges. The Guardian reported that one man claiming to be infected threatened various restaurants saying he would visit and hurt their custom unless they gave him money to stay away.-Iran asked citizens to download an invasive app-
Vice reported that Iran's government endorsed a coronavirus diagnosis app that collected users' real-time location data.
On March 3, a message went out to millions of Iranian citizens telling them to install the app, called AC19, before going to a hospital or health center.
The app claimed to be able to diagnose the user with coronavirus by asking a series of yes or no questions. The app has since been removed from the Google Play store.-Israel passed new laws to spy on its citizens-
As part of a broad set of new surveillance measures approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 17, Israel's Security Agency will no longer have to obtain a court order to track individuals' phones. The new law also stipulates all data collected must be deleted after 30 days.
Netanyahu described the new security measures as "invasive" in an address to the nation.
"We'll deploy measures we've only previously deployed against terrorists. Some of these will be invasive and infringe on the privacy of those affected. We must adopt a new routine," said Netanyahu.-Singapore has an app which can trace people within 2 meters of infected patients-
Singapore's Government Technology Agency and the Ministry of Health developed an app for contact tracing called TraceTogether which launched on March 20.
Per the Straits Times, the app is used: "to identify people who have been in close proximity — within 2m for at least 30 minutes — to coronavirus patients using wireless Bluetooth technology."
"No geolocation data or other personal data is collected," TraceTogether said in an explanatory video.
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-Taiwan can tell when quarantined people have left the house-
Taiwan has activated what it calls an "electronic fence," which tracks mobile phone data and alerts authorities when someone who is supposed to be quarantined at home is leaving the house.
"The goal is to stop people from running around and spreading the infection," said Jyan Hong-wei, head of Taiwan's Department of Cyber Security. Jyan added that local authorities and police should be able to respond to anyone who triggers an alert within 15 minutes.
Even having your phone turned off seems to be enough to warrant a police visit. An American student living in Taiwan wrote in a BBC article that he was visited by two police officers at 8:15 a.m. because his phone had run out of battery at 7:30 a.m. and the government had briefly lost track of him. The student was in quarantine at the time because he had arrived in Taiwan from Europe.-Austria is using anonymized data to map people's movements-
On March 17 Austria's biggest telecoms network operator Telekom Austria AG announced it was sharing anonymized location data with the government.
The technology being used was developed by a spin-off startup out of the University of Graz, and Telekom Austria said it is usually used to measure footfall in popular tourist sites.
Woodhams told Business Insider that while collecting aggregated data sets is less invasive than other measures, how that data could be used in future should still be cause for concern.
"Much of the data may remain at risk from re-identification, and it still provides governments with the ability to track the movement of large groups of its citizens," said Woodhams.-Poland is making people send selfies to prove they're quarantining correctly-
On March 20 the Polish government announced the release of a new app called "Home Quarantine." The point of the app is to make sure people who are supposed to be quarantining themselves for 14 days stay in place.
To use the app first you have to register a selfie, it then sends periodic requests for geo-located selfies. If the user fails to comply within 20 minutes, the police will be alerted.
"People in quarantine have a choice: either receive unexpected visits from the police, or download this app," a spokesman for Poland's Digital Ministry said.
The Polish government is automatically generating accounts for suspected quarantine patients, including people returning from abroad.-Belgium is using anonymized data from telcos-
The Belgian government gave the go-ahead on March 11 to start using anonymized data from local telecom companies.-Germany is modeling how people are moving around-
Deutsche Telekom announced on March 18 it would be sharing data with the Robert Koch Institute (Germany's version of the CDC).
"With this we can model how people are moving around nationwide, on a state level, and even on a community level," a spokesperson for Deutsche Telekom told Die Welt.-Italy has created movement maps-
Italy, which has been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus outbreak, has also signed a deal with telecoms operators to collect anonymized location data.
As of March 18 Italy had charged 40,000 of its citizens with violating its lockdown laws, per The Guardian.-The UK isn't tracking yet but is considering it, and is reportedly working on an opt-in contact tracing app-
While nothing official has been announced yet, the UK is in talks with major telecoms providers including O2 and EE to provide large sets of anonymized data.
Google has also indicated it is taking part in discussions.
Sky News also reported the NHS and NHSX (the digital wing of the NHS) have been working on an opt-in contact tracing app. The app would work similarly to Singapore's, using Bluetooth and self-reporting to establish whether you've been near someone with suspected coronavirus.
According to Sky, alerts will be sent out on a delay to stop individuals from being identified. The app will be released either just before or just after Britain's lockdown is lifted. Reported by Business Insider 2 days ago.
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