China’s Xi Renews Vow to Open Economy, Cut Tariffs as US Trade Row Deepens – Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised to open the country’s economy further and lower import tariffs on products like cars, in a speech seen as an attempt to defuse an escalating trade dispute with the United States.


IMF Chief Optimistic on Global Growth, but Warns Against Trade Protectionism – Reuters

The International Monetary Fund is optimistic on the outlook for global growth but warned darker clouds are looming due to fading fiscal stimulus and rising interest rates, the fund’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.

Don’t Be So Downbeat on Loonie – Bloomberg

The outlook for the Canadian dollar has become far too gloomy, according to the currency’s top forecaster.

AIMA Publishes Brexit White Paper – Profit & Loss

The Alternative Investment Management Association has published a position paper entitled Brexit and Alternative Asset Managers: Managing the Impact.

South Africa Growth Could Pick Up Faster Than Expected, Reserve Bank Says – Bloomberg

South Africa’s economic growth could pick up faster than forecast if the right structural reforms are implemented, the Reserve Bank said.

Draghi Nagged by Unwelcome Distractions From Euro Area’s East – Bloomberg

Mario Draghi is finding the euro area’s eastern flank to be an unwelcome distraction.

Heat of US Sanctions Leaves Rouble Twisting in the Wind – Financial Times(subscription)

This time last week, investors were bullish on the Russia bear.

First Interest Rate Hike Will Come as a Shock, Warns RBA Governor – Australian Financial Review(subscription)

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe says a likely official interest rate hike will come as a shock to many households given they haven’t seen one in seven years, but insisted it will only happen once growth and incomes lift.

Trader Accused of Euribor Rate-Rigging Flees Trial – The Times(subscription)

A former City trader facing charges that he helped to rig bank borrowing rates will be tried in absentia after he failed to attend court, saying that he did not think he would get a fair trial.

Regulatory News 

Framework for Supervisory Stress Testing of Central Counterparties – BIS

In April 2015, the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors asked the Financial Stability Board to work with the CPMI, IOSCO, and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to develop and report back on a workplan for identifying and addressing any gaps and potential financial stability risks relating to CCPs that are systemic across multiple jurisdictions and for helping to enhance their resolvability.

Associations Urge EU Regulation Change – Profit & Loss

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association, the European Banking Federation, International Capital Market Association and the International Securities Lending Association have published a whitepaper on the benefits of post-trade risk reduction services as a crucial risk management tool.

How Cryptocurrency Investors Could Find Themselves Behind Bars – CNBC

The IRS has defined cryptocurrencies as property, meaning no matter where you buy your digital coins, you’ll pay taxes at your capital gains rate.

The World Is Cracking Down on Bitcoin—Except Japan – Bloomberg

Over the last few months, governments around the world have cracked down on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but one country is sticking to its crypto-friendly policies: Japan.

Company News

Brevan Howard to Launch Asia-Focused Macro Fund – Financial Times(subscription)

Brevan Howard is raising money for a new fund that will make bets on Asian markets, as the former hedge fund behemoth seeks to reverse recent outflows.

Federal Reserve Proposes New Capital Rules for Wall Street – Reuters

The Federal Reserve has proposed new rules that could allow some large banks to reduce the amount of capital they must hold as a cushion against a future economic shock.

Fintechs Hit Wall with Banking Sector – FOW(subscription)

Former Traiana founder Roy Saadon, now chief executive of AccessFintech, says tech firms have a hard time getting financial institutions to adopt their products.

Market Savvy

US-China Trade War May be a Boon to the Euro and Brazilian Real – South China Morning Post

Amid the US-China trade crossfire, holdings of the euro may gain on the dollar and the Brazilian currency may rise against America’s.

Dollar Near Two-Week Lows as Risk Appetite Improves – Reuters

he dollar traded near a two-week low against a basket of currencies on Wednesday after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s promise to cut import tariffs eased concerns about a US-China trade conflict.

Trade Risks Aside, Singapore Central Bank Is Ready to Tighten – Bloomberg

Singapore’s central bank is one step closer to tightening monetary policy this week.