Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a permit for the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project, allowing the export of approximately 13.5 million tonnes per annum of U.S.-produced LNG to non-FTA countries, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the project [1][2]. Group 1: Project Development - The Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project aims to enhance the U.S. position in global energy markets and support trade goals while providing economic opportunities at various levels [2]. - The project is under active marketing and development, with authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission received in September 2023 [2]. - The Phase 2 project will include two liquefaction trains, increasing the total liquefaction capacity of the Port Arthur facility from approximately 13 million tonnes per annum for Phase 1 to about 26 million tonnes per annum [2]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - In June 2024, Sempra Infrastructure and a subsidiary of Aramco signed a non-binding heads of agreement for a long-term LNG offtake agreement and equity investment in the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project [3]. - Bechtel was selected for a fixed-price engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the project in July 2024 [3]. Group 3: Current Status and Future Outlook - The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project is currently under construction, with expected commercial operation dates for the first two trains set for 2027 and 2028, respectively [4]. - Future phases of the Port Arthur LNG project are in the early development stage, indicating ongoing expansion plans [2].

Richard Koo The first was the period up to the reciprocal tariff announcement on 2 April, which President Trump dubbed "Liberation Day"; the second was when markets plunged in response to the US announcement; and the third is the ongoing "ceasefire" brought about by subsequent policy adjustments. Free trade system under GATT was designed to allow some unfairness In the first phase, people in business and financial circles had prepared themselves for the announcement of significant reciprocal tariffs by Pres ...

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Economic Overview - The U.S. trade deficit reached a record low of -$140.5 billion in March, surpassing the previous estimate of -$137.6 billion and the revised prior record of -$123.2 billion [2] - The trade deficit metric has been consistently reported since 1992, indicating ongoing trade challenges [3] Company Earnings Reports - DoorDash (DASH) reported Q1 earnings of 44 cents per share, beating estimates by 10%, but revenues of $3.03 billion fell short by nearly 2%. The company announced acquisitions of Deliveroo for $3.9 billion and SevenRooms for $1.2 billion [3] - Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) reported earnings of 70 cents per share, slightly beating estimates but significantly lower than the $1.46 per share from the previous year. Revenues of $20.18 billion missed expectations by 2.5% [4] - Marriott International (MAR) reported Q1 earnings of $2.32 per share, exceeding estimates by 5 cents, with revenues of $6.26 billion, which was slightly below expectations but an increase from $5.98 billion a year ago [5] Market Expectations - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is underway, with no expected changes to the Fed funds rate, which has been stable in the 4.25-4.50% range since December [6][7] - The U.S. dollar has shown some instability due to new global trade realities, but bond yields remain stable, indicating no immediate pressure for rate changes [8] Upcoming Earnings Reports - Upcoming earnings reports include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Electronic Arts (EA), and Wynn Resorts (WYNN), with The Walt Disney Company (DIS) reporting the following day [9]