Former Vice President Mike Pence Officially Launches 2024 Presidential Bid, Setting Up a Showdown with Trump

Economic

Political

Summary:

Des Moines, Iowa - In a surprising turn of events, former Vice President Mike Pence has formally announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with his former boss, Donald Trump. Pence's decision to challenge Trump's bid for a second term has sparked intense speculation and raised questions about the future of the Republican Party.

Pence, who served as Vice President under the Trump administration, filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Monday, solidifying his entry into the race¹. This move signals his intention to pursue the Republican nomination and presents a direct challenge to Trump's hold on the party.

According to sources close to Pence, he is expected to personally launch his campaign on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa, a strategic choice to kickstart his bid for the presidency⁴. Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses, making it a critical battleground for candidates seeking to build early momentum and secure crucial support.

The announcement of Pence's candidacy comes as no surprise to political observers who have closely followed his trajectory since leaving office. While serving as Vice President, Pence was widely seen as a loyal ally to Trump, often providing a calming and measured presence to counterbalance the former President's more controversial statements and actions.

However, as the 2024 race began to take shape, Pence's relationship with Trump became more strained. Reports suggest that the rift between the two escalated following the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, with Pence facing immense pressure from Trump to overturn the election results. Pence's refusal to comply with Trump's demands led to a noticeable deterioration in their once-close bond.

Pence's decision to challenge a sitting President from his own party is a bold move that underscores the growing divisions within the Republican Party. Trump, who has maintained a strong grip on the party's base, wasted no time in announcing his intention to seek re-election, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the two figures².

The upcoming clash between Pence and Trump is likely to have significant implications for the Republican Party's future direction and the broader political landscape. It remains to be seen how other Republican contenders will position themselves in the face of this high-profile confrontation. Will they align with Pence, attempt to rally behind Trump, or carve out their own paths?

The financial markets will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this contest as it unfolds. The outcome of the 2024 presidential race will have far-reaching consequences for various sectors, including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and taxation, among others. Investors will carefully evaluate the policy proposals put forth by both candidates and consider the potential impact on industries and markets.

As the race for the Republican nomination gains momentum, the spotlight will be on Mike Pence and Donald Trump, two influential figures who will vie for control of the party's future. Their clash will test the loyalty of Republican voters and reshape the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race.

Only time will tell how this showdown will ultimately unfold, but one thing is certain: the battle for the Republican nomination is set to be a closely watched and pivotal moment in American politics.

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

You understand and acknowledge that there is a high degree of risk involved in trading. Following any strategies or investment methods may lead to potential losses. The content on the site is provided by our contributors and analysts for information purposes only. You are solely responsible for determining whether any trading assets, securities, strategy, or any other product is suitable for investing based on your own investment objectives and financial situation.

Comments

Add to Favorites

Devin

Stocks

Commodity

European markets got off to a negative start to the week as the effects of the Friday U.S. employment report rebound were tempered by a disappointing ISM services report which painted a contrastingly different picture of the U.S. economy.

The weekend Saudi Arabia oil production cut, which ordinarily should have prompted a sharp upwards move in oil prices initially saw prices move to one-month highs, however most of the gains quickly disappeared on concerns over the demand outlook.

U.S. markets initially got off to a reasonably positive start but the disappointment over the May ISM services report tempered gains, as well as prompting a sharp reversal in yields which had been higher in the lead-up to yesterday's 3pm data drop.

The weak nature of the ISM services report was in sharp contrast to other service sector numbers, raising more questions, than answers about the strength of the U.S. economy, ahead of next week's Fed meeting.

While the S&P500 managed to put in a fresh 9-month high the index finished the session slightly lower, as did the Nasdaq 100 after Apple shares which had initially posted a new record high, rolled out into the close after the first day of the WWDC got underway.

The unveiling of the new Vision Pro Headset was the centrepiece of a host of product and software upgrades. The Vision Pro will allow users to view content in virtual and mixed reality, with Disney+ signing a deal with Apple to stream its content by way of the headset, with a total price tag of $3,499. The headset looks a little like a pair of ski goggles or scuba mask, with initial impressions seeing the shares rollover into the close to finish lower.

With U.S. central bank officials now muzzled until after next week's rate decision markets now must reassess whether we do see a pause next week, or whether we see another 25bps hike. The odds still favour a pause even more so after yesterday's ISM report, however we still have next week's CPI numbers to contend with.

Earlier today we saw the RBA kick off an important two weeks for central bank rate decisions by raising rates by 25bps taking the headline rate to 4.10%. Today's decision could have gone either way, but in the past few weeks there has been a sea change in Australia when it comes to how the RBA is viewed as well as its competence.

Last month the RBA surprised the markets by unexpectedly hiking the cash rate by 25bps to 3.85%. Only days before that decision the RBA had been heavily criticised for being too slow in spotting the inflation surge seen at the end of 2021, and through 2022.

This criticism appears to have stung, and now the hawkish turn we're currently raises the prospect the central bank could possibly overcompensate in the opposite direction. This runs the risk of them tightening too hard and unsettling the housing market That said the headline rate in Australia remains well below its immediate peer the RBNZ where it sits at 5.5%, so the RBA still has plenty of room to catch up.

Today's European market session is set to see EU retail sales for April which are predicted to see a modest improvement of 0.2% after the sharp -1.2% decline in March.

Before that we have German factory orders for April, with the hope that after an awful March number of -10.7% and an economy in recession that Q2 will get off to a positive start with a gain of 2.8%.

EUR/USD – the failure at the 1.0780 area last week has seen the euro slip back, still within a tight range, with support back at the recent lows at 1.0635. We need to see a break of this range with broader resistance at the 1.0820/30 level.

GBP/USD – after slipping back the 1.2540 area last week we remain in a broader uptrend with support at the 1.2300 area and trend line resistance from the 2021 highs at 1.2630. This, along with the May highs at 1.2680 is a key barrier for a move towards the 1.3000 area.

EUR/GBP – found support at the 0.8560 level last week, just above the December 2022 lows at 0.8558. Is currently squeezing higher with the next resistance now at the 0.8660 area. We also have major resistance at the 0.8720 area.

USD/JPY – rebounded back towards last week's highs at the 140.95 area, falling short and slipping back below the 140.00 area. Is the U.S. dollar trying to carve out a top? We have support at the 138.40 area which if broken could see a move back to the 137.00 area.

Source: CMC

Today's European market session is set to see EU retail sales for April which are predicted to see a modest improvement of 0.2% after the sharp -1.2% decline in March.

Before that we have German factory orders for April, with the hope that after an awful March number of -10.7% and an economy in recession that Q2 will get off to a positive start with a gain of 2.8%.

Source: CMC

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Comments

Add to Favorites

Warren Takunda

Traders' Opinions

Istanbul, Turkey - The Turkish lira, the nation's currency, has extended its downward trajectory, hitting a new all-time low against the US dollar at over 21 lira per USD. This decline comes amidst a backdrop of uncertainty as investors eagerly anticipate insights into Turkey's economic policies following President Erdogan's recent re-election for a third term and the unveiling of his new cabinet. Despite the appointment of Mehmet Simsek, a pro-market advocate, hopes for a reversal of the unconventional policies that had resulted in soaring inflation, low interest rates, a plummeting lira, and negative net foreign exchange reserves remain tentative.

Turkish Lira's Downward Trend Persists Despite Cabinet Changes_1

Addressing the concerns of market participants, Simsek acknowledged the urgent need for a return to a "rational ground" to restore predictability to the Turkish economy. The new Finance Minister emphasized the importance of adopting a more orthodox approach to address the prevailing challenges. However, traders and investors are anxiously awaiting further details on the specific measures that will be implemented to guide Turkey's economic trajectory.

Inflation in Turkey, on the other hand, has shown signs of abating for the seventh consecutive month, marking its lowest level since December 2021. However, economists caution that this decline can be partially attributed to the pre-election promise of providing unlimited free natural gas to all households for a year. As the impact of this temporary measure fades, the underlying inflationary pressures that have plagued the Turkish economy will likely regain prominence.

The Turkish economy has faced significant headwinds in recent years, with high inflation eroding purchasing power and unsettling foreign investors. The previous administration's policies of suppressing interest rates and favoring fiscal expansion over orthodox economic principles contributed to the erosion of market confidence. As a result, the Turkish lira has experienced substantial depreciation, heightening concerns over the nation's economic stability.

While the cabinet changes, including the appointment of Simsek, indicate a potential shift towards more market-friendly policies, investors remain cautious, yearning for greater clarity on the government's roadmap for economic reform. International market observers and domestic stakeholders are keenly monitoring the upcoming policy announcements, hoping for concrete steps to address the pressing economic challenges and restore confidence in the Turkish economy.

As the Turkish lira continues to face downward pressure, market participants and citizens alike are anxiously awaiting comprehensive reforms that prioritize stability, encourage foreign investment, and provide a robust framework for sustainable economic growth. The forthcoming period will be critical in determining Turkey's economic path and its ability to regain the confidence of both domestic and international investors.

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Comments

Add to Favorites

Warren Takunda

Traders' Opinions

Cryptocurrency

In a significant development that has sent shockwaves throughout the cryptocurrency industry, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a lawsuit against Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, and its charismatic CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ). The allegations put forth by the SEC outline a range of serious illegal practices and fraudulent behavior that could have far-reaching consequences for Binance, CZ, and the broader crypto market.

According to the SEC's complaint, Binance and CZ stand accused of operating illegal trading platforms that offered unregistered crypto asset securities to U.S. customers. This violation of securities laws raises concerns about the protection of investors and the potential risks associated with investing in digital assets.

One of the most shocking allegations revolves around the commingling of customers' funds with Binance's own funds, which were subsequently transferred to a separate company secretly controlled by CZ. Such commingling and unauthorized transfers not only undermine the integrity of the trading platform but also raise serious questions about the security and protection of user assets.

The SEC's complaint further contends that Binance and CZ diverted customer assets for their personal gain, including the purchase of luxury items such as a yacht. If proven true, this would expose a gross misuse of customer funds and a betrayal of the trust placed in the exchange by its users.

Additionally, the SEC accuses Binance and CZ of deceiving regulators and investors by providing false information about their business practices and compliance efforts. Such alleged misrepresentation of facts could have serious consequences not only for Binance and CZ but also for the overall reputation of the cryptocurrency industry, which has been striving to establish trust and credibility among traditional financial institutions and regulators.

These allegations come at a time when the crypto market is already grappling with heightened scrutiny and evolving regulations. If the SEC's claims are substantiated, the fallout could extend beyond Binance and CZ, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny of other crypto exchanges and a potential reevaluation of the regulatory landscape governing the industry.

It is important to note that Binance and CZ have not yet issued an official response to the SEC's lawsuit. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future trajectory of Binance and the wider crypto market, as well as serve as a litmus test for the regulatory environment surrounding digital assets.

As the legal proceedings unfold, investors, industry experts, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the case, awaiting further clarity on the allegations and potential repercussions. The outcome of this lawsuit has the potential to shape the future of the crypto industry and its relationship with regulators worldwide.

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Comments

Add to Favorites

Alex

Bond

Republicans and Democrats are touting a hastily-written debt ceiling deal that staves off a devastating U.S. default, but does little to slow a massive buildup of total federal debt now on pace to exceed $50 trillion in a decade.

The deal's first problem, budget experts say, is it only curbs non-defense discretionary spending, or just about one-seventh of this year's $6.4 trillion federal budget. Defense, veterans' care and big-ticket safety-net programs are spared.

Longer term, it fails to alter the U.S.'s chronic and growing revenue shortfall, thanks to health and retirement spending on the country's aging population and Congress's failure to raise taxes.

"If you're worried about the deficit and debt problem, this thing does nothing," said Dennis Ippolito, a public policy professor and fiscal expert at Southern Methodist University.

"What you've got in place is essentially Democratic spending policy and Republican tax policy, and there is nothing in the works that suggests any change to either of those," he said.

The deal to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling until January 2025 holds non-defense discretionary spending largely flat this year, with a 1% increase in fiscal 2024.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this would result in $1.3 trillion in savings over a decade. Debt Ceiling Deal Ignores U.S. Debt Time Bomb_1

Debt Ceiling Deal Ignores U.S. Debt Time Bomb_1

Even those savings may prove illusory, as Congress would be free to abandon its self-imposed spending limits within two years. On top of that, tax cuts passed by Republicans in 2017 expire on schedule in 2025, but the party is pushing to extend them.

Making matters worse, higher interest rates are pushing up the government's debt service costs. CBO projects that these will triple to $1.4 trillion by 2033 -- far exceeding the projected defense budget at that time.

Social Security, Medicare Off Limits

In their debt limit negotiations, both President Joe Biden and House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy vowed not to touch the main driver of U.S. debt: rising Social Security pension and Medicare health benefit costs.

Social Security costs are projected to increase by 67% by 2032, and the Medicare health program for seniors will nearly double in cost during that period, according to CBO, as Americans 65 or older top 46% of the U.S. population, up from 34% this year.

Together, these two programs account for roughly 37% of current federal spending and are both on a path toward insolvency in about a decade. Other programs for veterans and low-income people push such safety-net spending to over half the budget.

Debt Ceiling Deal Ignores U.S. Debt Time Bomb_2

Unlike discretionary programs, which are given a fixed amount of money each year, these "mandatory" programs pay benefits to all who qualify for them. CBO projects the government will spend $6 trillion on mandatory spending programs in the 2033 fiscal year, up from $4.1 trillion this year.

To start to shrink debt, the International Monetary Fund has recommended that the U.S. cut Social Security and Medicare costs with higher eligibility ages, means testing and other restrictions.

But Washington policymakers aren't discussing such options, especially heading into the 2024 presidential election.

There is a simple reason for this: they are popular with the public, in part because they are available to nearly everybody and form a lifeline for many U.S. seniors. A January Reuters/Ipsos poll found 84% of Democratic voters and 73% of Republican voters opposed reducing spending on the two programs.

Higher Taxes, Not Just on The Wealthy

U.S. tax revenues are among the lowest among wealthy OECD countries and should be increased, some budget experts say.

Debt Ceiling Deal Ignores U.S. Debt Time Bomb_3

"The pure math of the federal budget is such that there has to be action on the revenue side," said Nigel Chalk, the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department acting director.

That is not likely in the next several years. Biden was unable to get many of his proposed tax hikes passed last year, when his Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, and Republicans who now control the House of Representatives say they are out of the question.

Biden's proposal would raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations while sparing those earning less than $400,000 from tax hikes, a carve-out that the IMF says is "unfeasible."

Brian Riedl, a fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute, has estimated that the full menu of Democratic-backed tax hikes would not balance the budget over 10 years.

The IMF suggested higher tax rates on corporations and wealthy individuals as well as revenue raisers well outside of the normal Washington fiscal debate: broad-based consumption taxes, carbon taxes and cutting long-cherished tax breaks for employer-provided health care benefits, mortgage interest and gains on sales of primary residences.

Debt Ceiling Deal Ignores U.S. Debt Time Bomb_4

Linda Bilmes, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and former Commerce Department finance officer who helped achieve the last balanced budgets at the turn of the millennium, said the deal ignores a growing array of tax breaks that are routinely extended with little debate.

"We have $1 trillion in tax expenditures which stop money coming in, that are very, very targeted to the 'haves' of society. We haven't even glanced at that in this agreement," she said.

New way forward?

Fiscal experts believe making painful changes to spending and revenues will require a new bipartisan fiscal commission that is given the authority to revamp a broken budget process that was last updated in 1974.

These have had marginal success. A 1983 commission led to payroll tax and retirement age increases for Social Security. In 2010, when the federal debt was $13.5 trillion, the bipartisan Bowles-Simpson Commission recommended $4 trillion in 10-year deficit reduction through tax hikes and spending cuts.

But the plan failed when then-president Barack Obama declined to endorse it, setting up Congress for the debt ceiling battle of 2011.

A new commission would need to go further, changing the unwieldy fiscal committee structure in Congress and possibly replacing the debt ceiling, Bilmes said.

That limit "doesn't force some kind of Hamiltonian thoughtfulness around how we allocate resources in society. It is just a gun to the head."

Source: News24

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Comments

Add to Favorites

Warren Takunda

Commodity

In a surprising turn of events, oil prices experienced a significant surge on Monday, with WTI crude futures trading over 1% higher, reaching approximately $72.5 per barrel. Despite apprehensions regarding slowing demand, the market was buoyed by expectations of reduced supply. The rally was prompted by Saudi Arabia's announcement during the high-stakes OPEC+ meeting that it would curtail production by an additional 1 million barrels per day, bringing it to a historic low of around 9 million barrels per day in July. This commitment by the world's largest oil exporter aimed to stabilize the market. However, while some OPEC+ members supported the decision to maintain existing production cuts until the end of 2024, others, such as Russia, did not commit to further reductions. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates was permitted to raise its output targets for the upcoming year. Notably, oil prices had experienced a sharp decline of 11% in May and are currently down by nearly 10% for the year.

Supply Constraints Outweighing Demand Concerns

The recent price rebound in the oil market can be primarily attributed to the anticipation of lower oil supply. Saudi Arabia's commitment to deepening production cuts signifies its determination to ensure market stability. By reducing output, the country aims to counterbalance any potential oversupply and prevent a downward spiral in oil prices. Such a move demonstrates Saudi Arabia's willingness to take necessary measures to sustain a favorable price environment. Although Russia did not pledge additional reductions, the impact of Saudi Arabia's decision to curtail production should still have a notable effect on rebalancing supply and demand dynamics.

While concerns regarding slowing global oil demand persist, they were overshadowed by the positive market sentiment generated by the supply-side developments. The ongoing global economic recovery and the resumption of travel and industrial activities in many parts of the world provide a glimmer of hope for oil demand growth. Moreover, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently revised its global economic growth forecast upward, further underpinning expectations of improved oil consumption.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the recent uptick in oil prices, challenges remain on the horizon. Geopolitical tensions, such as the uncertain future of the Iran nuclear deal and potential disruptions in oil-producing regions, could impact global supply dynamics. Any setbacks in the recovery or the emergence of new variants could dampen the positive outlook for oil consumption.

Furthermore, the divergence within the OPEC+ alliance regarding production levels could introduce volatility to the market. Disagreements among member countries may hinder the organization's ability to swiftly respond to changing market conditions and effectively manage supply levels. The resolution of such disagreements will be crucial in maintaining stability and avoiding price fluctuations.

The recent surge in oil prices, driven by expectations of reduced supply, presents a welcome relief for the market. Saudi Arabia's commitment to further production cuts, albeit unilaterally, has instilled confidence among investors and stakeholders. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including uncertainties surrounding global oil demand and potential geopolitical disruptions. Market participants should closely monitor developments within the OPEC+ alliance, as any changes in production levels or disagreements among member nations could introduce volatility. As the world continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the path to a sustained and balanced oil market remains contingent upon careful supply management and a gradual resurgence in global demand.

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Comments

Add to Favorites

FastBull Featured

Daily News

[Quick Facts]

1. The U.S. service sector nearly stagnated.

2. Russia's revenue from oil and gas fell by more than a third in May.

3. Demand-side drag on commodity performance, a rebound is still expected in 2H 2023.

4. European natural gas prices soar as LNG supply is expected to tighten.

5. Canada's strong economy puts the central bank's next move in doubt.

[News Details]

The U.S. service sector nearly stagnated

The U.S. service sector nearly stagnated in May as business activity and orders downshifted and a measure of prices paid slipped to a three-year low. Data released on Monday showed that the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) overall gauge of services fell to 50.3, the weakest level this year, from 51.9 in April. The May reading was barely above 50, which separates growth and contraction, weaker than expected. U.S. Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar fell after the data were released, and traders scaled back bets on a Fed rate hike next week. The ISM measure of prices paid for materials and services dropped more than 3 points to 56.2 in May, closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Russia's revenue from oil and gas fell by more than a third in May

Russia's revenues from oil and gas slumped by more than a third in May as crude oil prices dropped under Western sanctions and gas exports to Europe declined. Budgeted revenues from oil and gas taxes fell 36 percent year-on-year to 570.7 billion rubles ($7 billion), according to data released on Monday by Russia's Finance Ministry. Gas revenues fell nearly 46 percent y/y to 145 billion rubles in May. Higher revenues from mineral extraction taxes failed to compensate for the loss of export duties. Revenues from tariffs on gas export plummeted 81% to 38.3 billion rubles after Gazprom reduced pipeline gas supplies to Europe, its largest market of all time.

Demand-side drag on commodity performance, a rebound is still expected in 2H 2023

Since February this year, global commodity prices have continued to adjust sharply. Important commodity indices have fallen by more than 20% compared with the high point in May last year. Insiders believe that the economic downturn and recession expectations in Europe and the United States are important factors driving the continued adjustment of commodity prices since this year. In general, global monetary policies, economic fundamentals, and commodity supply and demand are three important aspects to judge the trajectory of commodity prices. This year, due to the lack of effective demand, commodity prices are expected to remain weak, but some inventory replenishment activities and the already weak enough real estate industry and other factors may promote a rebound in the commodity market.

European natural gas prices soar as LNG supply is expected to tighten

European natural gas futures rose 12% intraday to €26.53/MWh, after falling to their lowest level in two years last week. There are signs of tightening supply in the LNG market and Asian demand is likely to be stronger. The U.S. can profit more by exporting gas to Asia in July, August, and September. The rise in European gas prices may also be related to the oil market. Last weekend, Saudi Arabia decided to further restrict crude oil supplies in July to boost the falling oil prices. Long-term LNG contracts are usually tied to oil, which means buyers may prefer spot shipments for now.

European gas prices have trended back up after the oil price crash, and prices could move higher. So far, weak demand has kept gas prices low, possibly masking a dwindling supply buffer in Europe through next winter and a possible recovery in Asian LNG demand in the second half of the year.

Canada's strong economy puts the central bank's next move in doubt

In January, the Bank of Canada became the first major global central bank to pause on rate hikes. Canada's economy has been surprisingly strong since then. It will test Governor Tiff Macklem's resolve to keep a wait-and-see attitude this week. A return to rate hike mode would raise questions about how high the central bank can crank up borrowing costs without causing the economy to fall into chaos. Between March 2022 and January this year, the Bank of Canada has raised interest rates eight times in total, bringing them to a 15-year high of 4.50%. But still, the rapid rise in currency prices has failed to cool an overheated economy. This resilience has boosted the possibility of another rate hike by the central bank after a rapid improvement in the housing market and an unexpected uptick in CPI in April. They now consider it more likely than not that the Bank will raise interest rates.