April 2019

The outlook for Vietnam’s economy remains sound, aided by its strong fundamentals, diversified trade structure, and by the authorities’ commitment to macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth. However, a soft landing of growth is expected, to 6.5 percent in 2019 and over the medium term, reflecting weak external conditions. Inflation is expected to pick up slightly in 2019 on the back of administered price increases but should remain below the authorities’ four percent target.

“Markets remained volatile with Brent averaging $63/b in the first quarter, down 6% from last year, while natural gas prices were down 11% in Europe and 30% in Asia. Adjusted net income was $2.8 billion this quarter, down 4%, and return on equity held steady at 12% this quarter.

Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced estimated first quarter 2019 earnings of $2.4 billion, or $0.55 per share assuming dilution, compared with $4.7 billion a year earlier.

BHGE - U.S. Rig Count is down 21 rigs from last week to 991, with oil rigs down 20 to 805, gas rigs down 1 to 186, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Canada Rig Count is down 3 rigs from last week to 63, with oil rigs unchanged at 19 and gas rigs down 3 to 44.

Oil prices dipped on Friday on expectations that producer club OPEC will soon raise output to make up for a decline in exports from Iran following a hardening of sanctions on Tehran by the United States.

Crude oil prices are expected to average $66 a barrel in 2019 and $65 a barrel in 2020,

In 2018, global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased by 3.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to 41.3 Bcf/d, an 8% increase from 2017

Global oversupply that has pulled spot LNG prices down by more than 50 percent over the past half-year has producers succumbing to consumer demands for fuel on shorter notice and without sourcing or destination restrictions.

World capital expenditure for both LNG plant and upstream infrastructure will total more than $200bn between 2019 and 2025.

In March 2019, Venezuela's crude oil production (excluding condensate) averaged 840,000 barrels per day (b/d), down from 1.1 million b/d in February,