Can China still attract polymer investments?
Prema Viswanathan on the recent announcement by energy major BP which says it is looking to divest 50% of its stake in its Chinese petrochemicals joint venture SECCO.
Composition of trade influences goods output, shaping industrial sector energy intensity
(Fri, 19 Aug 2016) Industrial sector energy intensity is heavily influenced by the composition of goods and services, which is based on both domestic and international demand. In EIA's <em>Annual Energy Outlook 2016</em> (AEO2016), industrial energy intensity is expected to decline by 15% from 2015 to 2040.
The effects of negative interest rates on markets, economies and more
John Kingston on how an extreme policy approach of negative interest rates will have consequences, both intended and unintended, for markets, macroeconomic balances, investors, consumers, and policymakers.
New Brazil political scenario fuels talk of Vale CEO change
With a formal impeachment of Brazil’s former president Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party (PT) now expected at the end of August, talk has resurfaced of a change of command at Brazilian iron ore miner Vale.
Crude oil disruptions in Nigeria increase as a result of militant attacks
(Thu, 18 Aug 2016) Crude oil production disruptions in Nigeria reached 750,000 barrels per day (b/d) in May 2016, the highest level since at least January 2009. The increased disruptions come as militants continue to focus attacks on oil and natural gas infrastructure in the West African region. Nigeria is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and was Africa's largest oil producer until Angola's oil production surpassed Nigeria's earlier this year.
Move over, Optimus Prime: The optimizer is a scrappy competitor
The unique nature of the US ferrous scrap trade makes for some tense moments and critical decisions.
Energy-related CO2 emissions from natural gas surpass coal as fuel use patterns change
(Wed, 17 Aug 2016) Energy-associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from natural gas are expected to surpass those from coal for the first time since 1972. Even though natural gas is less carbon-intensive than coal, increases in natural gas consumption and decreases in coal consumption in the past decade have resulted in natural gas-related CO2 emissions surpassing those from coal. EIA's latest <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> projects energy-related CO2 emissions from natural gas to be 10% greater than those from coal in 2016.
Black Sea wheat market quiet on lack of trading
The Black Sea wheat market was quiet August 16 mainly due to a lack of trading in
Russian wheat despite the fact that this is now the peak of the season.
U.S. crude oil exports are increasing and reaching more destinations
(Tue, 16 Aug 2016) The number of countries receiving exported U.S. crude oil has risen since the removal of restrictions on exporting U.S. crude oil in December 2015. U.S. crude oil exports have occurred despite relatively small price spreads between international crude oils and domestic crude oils, as well as other factors that should reduce crude oil exports, such as falling U.S. crude oil production and added cargo export costs.
Performance versus prescription in new US Arctic rules: Fuel for Thought
In its new rules for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, the US has taken the biggest step yet toward a performance-based system that sets clear standards, but allows industry flexibility in how to meet them.