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Economy

Brent, WTI End 2025 in Red

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brent crude oil

By Adedapo Adesanya

The prices of the two major crude oil grades depreciated on Wednesday, the final trading session of 2025, as expectations of oversupply increased in a year marked by wars, higher tariffs, increased output by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) and sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Brent futures settled at $60.85 a barrel after it went down by 48 cents or 0.8 per cent and the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by 53 cents or 0.9 per cent to $57.42 a barrel.

Brent crude futures shed about 19 per cent in 2025 while the US crude benchmark logged an annual decline of almost 20 per cent.

Market analysts noted that prices will remain down before recovering to $60 a barrel for the rest of 2026 as supply growth normalises and demand stays flat.

It is expected that the supply from shale producers will be more consistent and insensitive to price movements in the new year.

Already, oil production in the US hit a record in October, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Crude inventories fell by 1.9 million barrels to 422.9 million barrels in the week ended December 26, the EIA said. US gasoline (petrol) stocks rose by 5.8 million barrels in the week to 234.3 million barrels while distillate stockpiles, including diesel and heating oil, rose by 5 million barrels to 123.7 million barrels.

In recent weeks, OPEC’s biggest producers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have become locked in a crisis over Yemen. However, the latest public spat between the two OPEC players over Yemen created just a temporary blip in crude prices.

In the end, the UAE said it would pull out its remaining forces out of Yemen.

The market was also watching US President Donald Trump ordering a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports and his threat of another strike on Iran.

OPEC+ is due to meet on January 4 to look at the next decision after the alliance paused oil output hikes for the first quarter of 2026 after releasing some 2.9 million barrels per day into the market since April.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Economy

Customs Street Suffers 0.08% Contraction as Investors Book Profit

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Customs Street Nigerian Stock Exchange

By Dipo Olowookere

Another opportunity presented itself for investors to book profit on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Wednesday, and this was grabbed with both hands.

This profit-taking moderated Customs Street by 0.08 per cent at midweek, as market participants monitor global happenings, especially the Middle East crisis.

Last weekend, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, causing the price of crude oil to rise on the global market.

Energy stocks on the local bourse have gained because of this in the past trading sessions, but yesterday, they witnessed sell-offs.

According to data from the NGX, only the insurance counter ended in green after it chalked up 0.33 per cent, as the others pointed south.

The consumer goods sector depreciated by 0.86 per cent, the banking index shed 0.45 per cent, the industrial goods space shrank by 0.03 per cent, and the energy segment also declined by 0.03 per cent.

As a result, the All-Share Index (ASI) gave up 158.74 points to settle at 196,463.22 points compared with the previous day’s 196,621.96 points, and the market capitalisation decreased by N102 billion to N126.097 trillion from N126.199 trillion.

Jaiz Bank crashed by 10.00 per cent to N10.80, Dangote Sugar also lost 10.00 per cent to trade at N74.70, CAP slipped by 9.97 per cent to N84.85, Union Dicon staggard by 9.94 per cent to N14.95, and Haldane McCall went down by 9.89 per cent to N3.92.

On the flip side, Premier Paints gained 10.00 per cent to sell for N12.10, Fortis Global Insurance appreciated by 9.73 per cent to N1.24, UAC Nigeria increased by 7.78 per cent to N115.00, Eterna jumped by 6.38 per cent to N35.00, and Custodian Investment grew by 6.06 per cent to N70.00.

At the close of business, there were 22 appreciating stocks and 37 depreciating stocks, implying a negative market breadth index and weak investor sentiment.

Investors transacted 805.3 million shares worth N38.4 billion in 71,312 deals yesterday compared with the 880.0 million shares valued at N44.5 billion traded in 86,761 deals a day earlier, indicating a shortfall in the trading volume, value, and number of deals by 8.49 per cent, 13.71 per cent, and 17.81 per cent, respectively.

The busiest stock on Wednesday was Veritas Kapital with 56.4 million units valued at N130.0 million, Jaiz Bank exchanged 51.0 million units worth N576.2 million, Universal Insurance transacted 48.4 million units for N61.4 million, Zenith Bank sold 47.6 million units valued at N4.4 billion, and Access Holdings traded 46.4 million units worth N1.2 billion.

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Economy

Bankroll Management Strategies for Long-term Survival

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Mr Bet casino

In an era where digital financial opportunities are more accessible than ever, the difference between success and failure often boils down to a single factor: discipline. Whether one is navigating the volatile world of stock trading, exploring the emerging DeFi sector, or engaging with high-performance entertainment platforms, the ability to manage capital is paramount. In Romania, where the digital economy has seen an unprecedented surge, many participants focus heavily on “the big win” while neglecting the defensive strategies required to stay in the game long enough for those wins to materialize.

Understanding the core principles of capital preservation

A robust strategy begins with separating personal funds from the “bankroll.” This removes emotional weight from losses and protects household stability—a habit increasingly adopted in Romania as financial literacy grows. This foundation ensures rational decision-making during volatility. Once established, the “Rule of Survival” mandates that no single event should deplete the fund, requiring fractional allocation. Several models help implement this:

  • Fixed percentage: Risking 1% to 3% per transaction to prevent total wipeouts.
  • Kelly criterion: Adjusting allocation based on perceived edge and probability for efficient growth.
  • Unit-based: Dividing the bankroll into units (e.g., 100) to standardize risk based on confidence levels.

These systems provide a roadmap to navigate uncertainty and prevent “chasing losses,” turning a reactive participant into a strategic manager.

The role of digital platforms in financial monitoring

The modern Romanian user has access to a wide array of tools that make tracking and managing a bankroll easier than in previous decades. From mobile banking apps that categorize spending to specialized software for portfolio tracking, the technological infrastructure in Romania supports high levels of transparency. Choosing the right environment is just as important as the strategy itself, as the speed of execution and the reliability of the system can directly impact the bottom line. Reliable digital environments like mrbet showcase how integrated technology can help users keep track of their activity while maintaining a focus on performance and security.

Adapting strategies to the Romanian economic landscape

Romania presents a unique set of circumstances for capital management, characterized by a mix of local currency (RON) and the heavy use of the Euro for major investments or digital transactions. Currency fluctuations can add an extra layer of risk that is often overlooked. A savvy manager must account for exchange rates and transaction fees when calculating their net bankroll, as these “hidden” costs can erode profit margins over time. Furthermore, the local tax regulations regarding digital earnings require a proactive approach to ensure that a portion of the bankroll is always set aside for legal obligations.

Long-term survival through emotional discipline

The most sophisticated mathematical model in the world will fail if the individual lacks the emotional discipline to follow it. Human psychology is hardwired to feel the pain of loss more acutely than the joy of gain, a phenomenon known as loss aversion. In Romania’s competitive digital space, the pressure to “keep up” with others’ perceived successes can lead to over-leveraging and the abandonment of sound management principles. In dynamic settings like mr bet casino live, where interaction is constant and the pace is fast, long-term survival depends on the ability to remain detached from the outcome of any single event and to focus instead on the integrity of the process.

Setting “stop-loss” limits and “take-profit” targets are essential psychological anchors. These are not just technical tools; they are commitments made to oneself during a state of calm that serve as a guardrail when the “heat of the moment” takes over. To maintain this discipline over months or years, consider the following habits:

  • Maintaining a detailed log: Documenting every move, the reasoning behind it, and the emotional state at the time helps in identifying recurring mistakes.
  • Scheduled reviews: Taking time every week or month to evaluate the bankroll’s health away from the “active” environment ensures a more objective perspective.
  • Continuous education: Staying informed about new financial tools and local economic shifts in Romania helps in refining the strategy as the environment evolves.

By treating capital management as a skill to be mastered rather than a chore to be avoided, the individual builds a psychological fortress. This mindset is what separates the survivors from those who are merely passing through the digital economy.

Building a legacy of financial resilience

Bankroll management is the ultimate survival tool in the digital age. It is the bridge between reckless speculation and sustainable growth, providing the structure needed to navigate the complexities of the Romanian and global financial markets. By understanding the principles of preservation, utilizing the right digital tools, and maintaining a high level of emotional discipline, anyone can increase their chances of long-term success. The goal is not just to survive the next week or month, but to build a foundation that can withstand the tests of time and market volatility.

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Economy

Minister Woos European Investors With Nigeria’s Steel Industry

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steel industry

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Mr Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has told European investors that the country’s steel sector alone consumes about $10 billion annually, presenting a huge market opportunity for serious global players.

In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Ms Salamatu Jibaniya, it was stated that the Minister made this disclosure when he took Nigeria’s industrialisation drive to Germany, declaring that the country is ready to trade its abundant raw materials status and embrace full-scale value addition.

Addressing the Nigeria–German Economic Forum in Dortmund, Mr Audu projected Nigeria as Africa’s next industrial hub, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“With a population of nearly 250 million, largely youthful and energetic, Nigeria is primed for industrial take-off,” he said.

He disclosed that the country holds over three billion tonnes of iron ore, alongside vast deposits of limestone, manganese, copper, lead-zinc, lithium and rare-earth minerals, positioning Nigeria for both domestic industrial growth and export expansion.

Mr Audu urged EU investors to key into steel and aluminium production, mineral beneficiation and processing, as well as critical infrastructure development covering power, rail, gas and ports.

He stressed that beyond capital inflow, Nigeria is prioritising technology transfer and technical skills development to strengthen local capacity.

At the high-level forum, the minister was received by Germany’s Minister for Federal, International and European Affairs, Mr Nathanael Liminski; Lord Mayor of Dortmund, Mr Alexander Kalouti; President of the Dortmund Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Heinz-Herbert Dustmann; and Consul General to Slovakia, Mr Klaus Wagener.

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