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On February 24, UBS published a report stating that Hong Kong Telecom (06823.HK) recorded service revenue of HK$16.3 billion in the second half of last year, an increase of 1.4% over the same period last year; EBITDA was HK$7.6 billion, an increase of 2.5% over the same period last year; and net profit was HK$3.1 billion, an increase of 1.3% over the same period last year. Its service revenue was roughly the same as the banks forecast, while EBITDA and net profit were 1 to 7% lower than the banks forecast, mainly due to reduced mobile phone sales and increased income tax. The report stated that Hong Kong Telecom declared a final dividend of HK$0.4588 per share, an increase of 3.2% over the same period last year, with a dividend payout ratio of 100%, which was similar to the banks forecast, meaning that the full-year dividend yield was above 8%. After the results were announced, the banks profit forecast for Hong Kong Telecom remained roughly unchanged, and raised the target price from HK$12.5 to HK$13, maintaining a buy rating.On February 24, UBS published a report stating that PCCWs (00008.HK) revenue in the second half of last year rose 2% year-on-year to 19.9 billion yuan, and EBITDA remained flat at 7.2 billion yuan, which was lower than expected, mainly due to increased expenses for the expansion of the media business. The company announced a final dividend of 0.2848 yuan per share, similar to last year, which is equal to 95% of the full-year dividend of Hong Kong Telecom (06823.HK). The bank lowered PCCWs revenue and EBITDA forecasts from this year to 2027 by 0% to 6%, and lowered its dividend per share forecast by 1% to 5%, expecting the dividend per share to remain flat, rather than maintaining a stable pass-through ratio for Hong Kong Telecoms dividends to support the media and solutions business that may still be burning money. The bank raised the companys target price from HK$5 to HK$5.5, with a dividend yield of 7.8%, and maintained its buy rating.Hong Kong-listed electronic parts stocks fluctuated and retreated, with Q Technology (01478.HK) falling more than 4.5%, AAC Technologies (02018.HK) falling more than 3.5%, and Sunny Optical Technology (02382.HK) falling more than 3%.Hong Kong-listed tourism stocks fluctuated upward, with Ctrip Group (09961.HK) rising nearly 4%, Tongcheng Travel (00780.HK) rising more than 2.5%, and Guangdong Transport (03399.HK) following suit.The Swiss franc rose to 0.8958 against the dollar, a two-month high.

Natural Gas: XNG/USD bears continue to monitor $2.13 in advance of EIA inventories

Daniel Rogers

Mar 30, 2023 15:59

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Natural Gas (XNG/USD) price fluctuates near the intraday low of $2.23, declining the previous day's corrective rebound off a five-week low ahead of Thursday's European session. In doing so, the energy instrument fails to bolster expectations of increased demand from China in the face of inflation concerns, hawkish central bank actions, and a stronger US dollar.

 

China's willingness to import 65,000 tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Premier Li Qiang's upbeat comments have supported the XNG/USD. Premier Qiang of China stated that the economic situation in March is even better than in January and February. However, the policymaker also increased geopolitical tension by opposing trade protectionism and decoupling, which indirectly target the United States and stimulate the Natural Gas bulls.

 

On the other hand, rumors that German gas pipelines are once again reliable for transporting energy, following previous challenges from Russia, impact on the XNG/USD exchange rate. In addition, the majority of central bankers defend their prior bias regarding inflation, exerting downward pressure on the commodity. In addition, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, stated on Thursday, "Urgently need faster, more efficient mechanisms for providing debt support to vulnerable countries." Her remarks revive previously alleviated banking concerns.

 

The US Dollar Index (DXY) adheres to modest gains while S&P 500 Futures struggle around a one-week high set the day before. In addition, the yields on the 10-year and 2-year US Treasury bonds grind higher after tantalizing bond purchasers the day before.

 

Moving forward, Weekly Natural Gas Storage Change data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), preceding -72B, may influence XNG/USD price action. Nonetheless, the headlines surrounding inflation and the banking system, as well as China, should be given the utmost focus for direction.