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EU Eyes ‘Reparations Loan’ for Ukraine Backed by Frozen Russian Assets

Ukraine would only pay back the reparation loan once it receives compensation from Russia for damage inflicted during the war. The European Union is exploring a plan to channel billions from frozen Russian central bank assets into a new “reparations loan” for Ukraine, aiming to bolster Kyiv’s wartime finances while sidestepping a potential veto from Hungary. Under the proposal, around €210 billion immobilised in Europe — much of it held as cash by Belgian securities depository Euroclear — would be swapped for zero-coupon EU bonds. The proceeds would be lent to Ukraine, with repayment required only if Russia eventually pays war damages. The scheme, championed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is designed to avoid outright seizure of Russian assets, a legal red line for some member states. If Hungary refuses to participate, officials say a “coalition of the willing” could move ahead independently. Supporters argue the plan could unlock long-term investment potenti...
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Canada Econmy: How the Canadian Dollar Reacts to Oil Price Fluctuations

                                         


The Canadian dollar (CAD) is one of the most sensitive currencies to oil price movements. Canada is one of the world's largest oil producers and exporters, and oil revenues account for a significant share of its gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, when oil prices rise or fall, the CAD tends to follow suit.

In recent weeks, oil prices have been on a roller coaster ride, driven by various factors such as geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, demand outlooks and inflation expectations. The CAD has also experienced volatility, reflecting the changing market sentiment.

For example, on October 9, 2023, oil prices surged by more than 4% after an escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, a major oil-producing region. The CAD gained strength against the US dollar (USD), as investors anticipated higher oil revenues for Canada. The USD/CAD pair dropped to 1.3620, extending the Loonie's rebound from its seven-month high of 1.3785 reached on October 5.

However, on October 11, 2023, oil prices pulled back as the Gaza situation eased and some OPEC members signaled their willingness to increase production to ease the global supply crunch. The CAD lost some of its recent gains, as oil revenues prospects dimmed. The USD/CAD pair rose to 1.3660, as the USD also benefited from better-than-expected US producer price index (PPI) data.

The next day, on October 12, 2023, oil prices resumed their upward trend, supported by strong demand forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The CAD regained some ground against the USD, as oil prices boosted Canada's terms of trade. The USD/CAD pair fell to 1.3600, as the USD also faced some pressure ahead of the US consumer price index (CPI) data due on October 13.

These examples illustrate how the CAD reacts to oil price fluctuations in the short term. However, in the long term, other factors such as interest rate differentials, fiscal policies, trade balances and economic growth may also influence the exchange rate. Therefore, investors should be aware of the multiple drivers of currency movements and not rely solely on oil prices as a predictor of the CAD's performance.

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