GLOBAL MARKETS Asian shares extended losses on Thursday as troubles at U.S. lender First Republic Bank continued to unnerve investors amid concerns that growth in the world's biggest economy could very well surprise to the downside. WORLD OIL PRICES Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, finding some support after heavy losses in the previous two sessions that were driven by fears of a U.S. recession and an increase in Russian oil exports which dulled the impact of OPEC production cuts. EMERGING MARKETS For the top emerging markets news, double click on AFRICA STOCKS For the latest news on African stocks, click on SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS
The South African rand was steady against the dollar on Wednesday following data showing a dip in local producer inflation.
KENYA MARKETS
Kenya's shilling slipped lower against the dollar on Wednesday, as companies required hard currency to meet end-month payments, while fuel and merchandise importers also sought foreign exchange, traders said.
SUDAN POLITICS
Sudan's army and a paramilitary force battled on Khartoum's outskirts on Wednesday, undermining a truce in their 11-day conflict, but the army expressed willingness to extend the ceasefire.
MOZAMBIQUE GAS
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on Wednesday said it was safe for TotalEnergies to restart the Cabo Delgado liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that was halted in 2021 after insurgent attacks on civilians.
KENYA CULT
The leader of a Kenyan cult told his followers the world would end on April 15 and instructed them to starve themselves to be the first to go to heaven, a relative of cult members and hospital staff told Reuters on Wednesday.
GHANA ECONOMY
Some investors of Ghana's 2030 Eurobond XS1297557412=TE have received coupon payments which had been due on April 14, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday.
UGANDA LGBT
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has asked lawmakers to make clear in a proposed anti-homosexuality law that it is not criminal to merely identify as gay, as part of an attempt to tone down a bill that has drawn international condemnation.
For the latest precious metals report click on For the latest base metals report click on For the latest crude oil report click on
499 1232))