The US Treasury Department has opened a pathway for companies to negotiate the purchase of Lukoil’s foreign assets, representing approximately 0.5% of global oil production. This decision, conveyed through updated Russia licenses, allows discussions with the sanctioned Russian oil giant, contingent on severing Lukoil’s control and funneling proceeds into a frozen escrow account. Key licenses include General License 131, which allows asset purchase negotiations, and General License 128A, which allows continued business with Lukoil-branded gas stations outside Russia. This move comes after sanctions were imposed on Russia’s top oil companies and reflects a calibrated approach to isolate Moscow’s oil sector while avoiding disruptions to global energy markets.
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Treasury Defends Minting a $1 Trump Coin Despite 1866 Law, a situation that’s certainly stirring up a lot of discussion, and for good reason. It’s a tangled web of legal arguments, political maneuvers, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of public opinion. The core issue? There’s a long-standing federal law, specifically 31 U.S. Code 5112, that seems pretty clear: no coin can bear the image of a living former or current President. Yet, here we are, seemingly staring down the barrel of a potential Trump dollar coin.
The Treasury’s defense, as I understand it, hinges on the circulating collectible coin redesign act.… Continue reading
China’s holdings of US Treasury bonds decreased for the third consecutive month in May, reaching the lowest level since March 2009, amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States and anxieties surrounding financial markets. The reduction occurred despite a temporary truce in the trade war. This decrease followed China’s fall to third place among foreign holders of US debt. Fears of escalating trade conflicts have increased speculation about China selling off its large holdings of US Treasury bonds.
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The Japanese finance minister’s statement regarding the sale of US bonds as a “card on the table” is a significant development with potentially far-reaching consequences. This isn’t simply a threat; it highlights a shift in the global financial landscape and the weakening position of the US dollar. The sheer magnitude of Japan’s holdings of US Treasury bonds makes this a serious matter. Their potential divestment could trigger significant market instability.
The implications extend beyond the immediate impact on bond prices. The move suggests a growing dissatisfaction among key US allies with current economic policies and international relations. Japan’s traditionally close relationship with the US adds another layer of complexity, signaling a potential erosion of trust and cooperation.… Continue reading
Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato stated that Japan’s substantial holdings of U.S. Treasuries could be leveraged in trade negotiations with the Trump administration. While acknowledging this option, Kato did not confirm its use, noting that various factors would influence the decision. Japan, the largest foreign holder of U.S. government debt, faces potential economic harm from impending U.S. tariffs on vehicles and auto parts. The possibility of selling Treasuries is being considered amidst escalating trade tensions and concerns about the stability of U.S. government bonds.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood