Business
U.S. Stocks End Higher
NEW YORK – U.S. stocks edged higher Friday, but blue chips closed with a loss for the week amid lingering concerns over economic growth.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended up 5.71 points, or less than 0.1%, to 16851.84, leaving it down 0.6% for the week.
The S&P 500 index gained 3.75 points, or 0.2%, to 1960.97, and the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 18.88 points, or 0.4%, to 4397.93.
Stocks have stalled near record highs, as mixed readings on economic output have some investors betting that corporate profits will continue to show lackluster growth, traders say. This week brought disappointing readings on first-quarter economic growth and May consumer spending. Since stock benchmarks are trading at or above long-term average valuations, many investors are waiting for the next round of corporate earnings reports to determine their next move.“Even attractively priced names are trading at less of a discount than I would like to see,” said Ann Miletti, who manages nearly $2 billion for the Wells Fargo Opportunity Fund. “But if you see growth accelerate, there’s a lot of potential out there.”
But rather than selling, many investors are sitting tight with their holdings of U.S. shares, arguing low yields on bonds make stocks’ dividends and potential gains look attractive by comparison. The S&P 500 is down just 0.1% from last Friday, when it closed at a record high of 1962.87, and is up 1.9% in June.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a bump in this great ascent in the relative near term. But we would use that as a buying opportunity,” said Diane Jaffee, who oversees $7.5 billion as senior portfolio manager at TCW Group Inc.’s relative value team.
Ms. Jaffee has been buying shares in sectors like pharmacy-benefits management and financials. Even as the market’s rise has forced her to sell holdings that have become richly valued, “we’ve been finding good places to put some of that money,” she said.On the economic front Friday, the Thomson Reuters and University of Michigan’s consumer-sentiment index for June showed a better-than-expected final reading of 82.5 in June, up from a preliminary reading of 81.2.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note edged up to 2.531%, after settling at a four-week low of 2.525% late Wednesday.
Gold futures ticked up 0.2% to $1,319 an ounce, after snapping a six-session win streak on Thursday. Crude-oil futures eased 0.1% to $105.74 a barrel. The dollar fell against the yen and the euro.
European markets were little changed, as investors digested mixed economic data out of France and the U.K. The Stoxx Europe 600 gained less than 0.1%.
Asian markets were mostly lower. Japan’s Nikkei slumped 1.4% as a stronger yen weakened exporter shares, while China’s Shanghai Composite eased 0.1%.In corporate news, Nike rose 1.1% after the sporting-gear giant posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings and revenue. Higher average selling prices lifted Nike’s margins.
DuPont slumped 3.3% after the chemical company lowered its earnings outlook for the year, citing a weaker-than-expected performance in its agriculture business during the second quarter.
Manitowoc ran up 11% after activist investor Relational Investors disclosed late Thursday an 8.5% stake in the company and called for Manitowoc to spin off its food-service-equipment business.
The U.S.-listed shares of U.K.-based banking giant Barclays PLC rose 2%, after slumping 7.4% on Thursday. Investors and brokers have cut ties with a stock-trading venue run by Barclays, which is battling allegations of fraud and misleading its customers.
Arts-and-crafts retailer Michaels Cos. edged up 0.1% in its trading debut. The Irving, Tex.-based company, mostly owned by private-equity firms Bain Capital LLC and Blackstone Group LP, priced its initial public offering at the low end of expectations late Thursday, raising $472 million.
– WALLSTREET JOURNAL
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a temporary suspension of petroleum product sales in Naira, citing a misalignment between its sales proceeds and crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the refinery explained that its sales in Naira had exceeded the value of Naira-denominated crude it had received.
As a result, the company said it was necessary to adjust its sales currency to align with its crude procurement requirements.
The refinery also addressed online reports alleging that loading activities had been halted due to ticketing fraud.
Dismissing the claims as “malicious falsehoods,” Dangote Refinery assured stakeholders that its systems remain robust and that no fraudulent activities had occurred.
The statement reads, “We wish to inform you that, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.
“To date, our sales of petroleum products in Naira have exceeded the value of Naira-denominated crude we have received. As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency.
“Our attention has also been drawn to reports on the internet claiming that we are stopping loading due to an incident of ticketing fraud. This is malicious falsehood. Our systems are robust and we have had no fraud issues.
“We remain committed to serving the Nigerian market efficiently and sustainably. As soon as we receive an allocation of Naira-denominated crude cargoes from NNPC, we will promptly resume petroleum product sales in Naira.
It added “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period”.
Stock markets in Europe and Asia showed mixed performances on Wednesday, while gold reached a historic high, surpassing $3,045 per ounce.
The rise in gold prices was driven by renewed geopolitical concerns and trade uncertainties, following a tech-led selloff on Wall Street on Tuesday.
Investors turned to gold as a safe-haven asset after Israel carried out its most intense airstrikes on Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas took effect.
Despite the escalation, oil prices edged lower as Hamas signaled openness to negotiations and urged international intervention for a truce.
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The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its interest rate pause as it navigates economic turbulence linked to former President Donald Trump’s shifting tariff policies.
Many economists warn that the ongoing trade disputes, along with retaliatory measures from affected nations, could push the U.S. and other economies toward recession.
In Europe, markets showed varied trends, with London’s FTSE 100 and Frankfurt’s DAX dipping slightly, while Paris’ CAC 40 registered a gain.
Official data from the eurozone revealed that inflation slowed to 2.3% in February, a minor revision from the previously reported 2.4%, largely due to moderating consumer prices in Germany.
Asian markets also fluctuated, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 reversing earlier gains to end lower after the Bank of Japan opted to keep interest rates unchanged.
The central bank cited “high uncertainties” in the global economy, particularly concerning trade.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s stock market attempted a mild recovery after Tuesday’s sharp decline of more than 7%, its biggest drop since 2011, amid concerns over weak consumer spending.
Political and Economic Pressures Mount
In Moscow, Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to “derail” agreements between President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at halting strikes on energy infrastructure.
In Turkey, the lira plunged to an all-time low of 39 per dollar following a police raid on the home of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
His detention over a corruption probe was condemned by his CHP party as a “coup,” adding to concerns over political stability in the country.
As U.S. markets prepared to reopen, analysts predicted a cautious session.
Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented: “The S&P 500 is set to open flat, amid high caution ahead of the crunch central bank decision.”
She added, “The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold, but investors will be hanging on [Fed chief] Jerome Powell’s words about future rate cuts. The tide has turned, with even the prospect of lowering borrowing costs unlikely to provide much solace given that they would be seen as indicating increasing weakness in the US economy.”
Key Market Figures (as of 10:30 GMT):
London – FTSE 100: ↓ 0.1% (8,696.72)
Paris – CAC 40: ↑ 0.5% (8,154.74)
Frankfurt – DAX: ↓ 0.1% (23,351.57)
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: ↓ 0.3% (37,751.88)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng: ↑ 0.1% (24,771.14)
Shanghai – Composite: ↓ 0.1% (3,426.43)
New York – Dow: ↓ 0.6% (41,581.31)
Currencies & Commodities:
Euro/Dollar: ↓ $1.0898
Pound/Dollar: ↓ $1.2969
Dollar/Yen: ↑ ¥149.73
Gold: ↑ $3,045 per ounce
WTI Crude Oil: ↓ 0.4% ($66.50 per barrel)
Brent Crude: ↓ 0.3% ($70.33 per barrel)
The Dangote Cement Zambia, a subsidiary of the Dangote Cement Plc has bagged three awards at the 6th national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability Awards in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.
It was gathered that at the awards organised by CSR Network Zambia, the company carted home the Food Security Initiative Award in the Excellence in Agriculture category, the Best Waste Recycling Initiative Award in the Environmental Sustainability category, and the Mental Healthcare Award in the Excellence in the Workplace category.
The award ceremony with the theme Driving Sustainable Impact through Innovation place held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka.
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The event saw the participation from the country’s over 60 major corporate organizations celebrating outstanding impactful CSR & Sustainability initiatives.
CSR Network Zambia’s Executive Director, Lee Muzala, commended Dangote Cement Zambia for its outstanding contributions to sustainable development and community empowerment.
He stated, “Dangote Cement Zambia has demonstrated exceptional commitment to driving positive change in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and workplace well-being. These awards are a testament to their dedication to creating a lasting impact in Zambia.”
Receiving the award, Head Environment and Social Performance (Sustainability Lead) Dangote Cement Zambia, Víctor Mpundu said, “We are deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards. They reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. At Dangote Cement, we believe that sustainable development is not just a responsibility but a core value that drives our operations.”
These awards are a significant milestone for Dangote Cement Zambia, highlighting the company’s leadership in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. They underscore the company’s efforts to promote food security through agricultural support, environmental conservation through innovative waste recycling initiatives, and employee well-being through mental health and wellness programs.
The recognition not only reinforces Dangote Cement Zambia’s position as a socially responsible corporate citizen but also serves as a motivation to continue driving impactful initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of Zambia.
The Dangote Cement Plant, Zambia, located in Ndola, is a 1.5mta capacity fully integrated plant and part of Dangote Cement Group. In addition, Dangote Cement has operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (2.0Mta clinker grinding and import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta).
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 35.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta; Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta; and Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta.
Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.
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