February 2019

IMF - The Dutch economy has performed very well in recent years. Growth is estimated at 2.6 percent in the 2018, owing to strong domestic demand and robust net exports.

REUTERS - U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $52.09 per barrel at 0347 GMT, down 63 cents, or 1.2 percent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude oil futures were down 49 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $61.61 a barrel.

PLATTS - "Imports of Russian crude oil and LNG do not go through any chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore they are important for the diversification of Japan's energy import sources, and I hope that Russia will play an even larger role. I would like to continue working to expand our cooperation," Seko said.

REUTERS - Nord Stream 2 has divided the EU, with German opposition to the new draft rules stalling discussions since it was proposed by the EU executive in November 2017.

REUTERS - The pipeline project, which is majority owned by Russian energy giant Gazprom, plans to tap lenders this year, a spokesman for Nord Stream 2 told Reuters. He did not comment on the risk of new sanctions.

REUTERS - Global ratings agency Moody’s Investor Service raised Russia’s rating to investment grade on Friday, saying the policies enacted in recent years will strengthen the country’s already robust public finances.

IMF - the global economy will grow by 3.5 percent this year, 0.2 percentage points below what we expected in October. And risks are up, given escalating trade tensions and tightening financial conditions.

ЦБ РФ - Совет директоров Банка России 8 февраля 2019 года принял решение сохранить ключевую ставку на уровне 7,75% годовых. Годовая инфляция в январе 2019 года соответствовала нижней границе ожиданий Банка России. Инфляционные ожидания населения и предприятий несколько выросли. Вклад повышения НДС в годовые темпы роста потребительских цен в январе был умеренным. С учетом принятого решения Банк России прогнозирует годовую инфляцию в интервале 5,0–5,5% по итогам 2019 года с возвращением к 4% в первой половине 2020 года.

WBG - The report argues that reforms in three areas, in particular, are needed to reignite productivity growth: 1) creating supportive conditions for private sector development by adjusting the role of the state; 2) addressing corporate debt overhang by strengthening the legal framework, strengthening the financial system, and shoring-up the fiscal position of the government; and 3) strengthening Ukraine’s markets by lifting the moratorium on agriculture land sales and increasing incentives to accumulate savings and human capital.

BHGE - U.S. Rig Count is up 4 rigs from last week to 1,049 rigs, with oil rigs up 7 to 854 and gas rigs down 3 to 195. Canada Rig Count is down 3 rigs from last week to 240, with oil rigs down 1 to 158 and gas rigs down 2 to 82.