Latest news with #BNO
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oil ETFs Gain Renewed Attention on Israel-Iran Conflict
Oil prices and oil ETFs spiked sharply on Friday following a surprise Israeli airstrike on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the U.S. oil benchmark, surged as much as 14% overnight before paring gains. By midday, prices were up around 7%, trading near $72.50—a level not seen since January. Brent crude, the global benchmark, also jumped 7% to roughly $74 per barrel, its highest since April. The rally propelled oil-related ETFs higher. The United States Oil Fund (USO), which tracks WTI futures, and the United States Brent Oil Fund (BNO), which tracks Brent futures, each rose 7% on the day. Both funds flipped into positive territory for the year, up about 6% year to date after Friday's move. The sharp rebound comes just weeks after oil prices slumped. WTI briefly dipped below $57 in May amid expectations of weakening demand and growing supplies. While the fundamental supply-demand outlook hasn't meaningfully changed, geopolitical risks have taken center stage. Israel's overnight strike did not damage Iran's oil infrastructure, but Israeli officials warned that more attacks are likely in the days ahead. That has markets on edge about the possibility of future damage to Iran's facilities—or retaliatory strikes by Iran on key oil-producing neighbors like Saudi Arabia. There are also fears Iran could target infrastructure elsewhere in the region or attempt to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport. An estimated 20 million barrels of oil per day—about 20% of global supply—flows through the strait. Energy stocks also got a lift from the rally. The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) rose just over 1% Friday, bringing its year-to-date gain to around 3%. As the geopolitical situation evolves, oil and energy ETFs like USO, BNO and XLE are likely to remain in the spotlight, serving as vehicles for investors looking to trade or hedge around the volatility in energy | © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved
Cedar News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Cedar News
The FBI is reviewing a controversial social media post by former Director James Comey that appeared to reference President Trump
'The FBI is reviewing a controversial social media post by former Director James Comey that appeared to reference President Trump. The announcement follows a now-deleted Instagram post by Comey showing the numbers '8647' arranged in the sand with shells and stones, captioned, 'Cool shell formation on my beach walk.' The post offered no further context.' BNO
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UK overtures to China worry Hongkongers
As a Hongkonger with a British national (overseas) – BNO – passport who is now living in Britain, I read your editorial about the UK's evolving position on China with both personal and political weight (The Guardian view on UK-China relations: a dilemma made sharper by Brexit, 16 April). For many of us who left Hong Kong following the imposition of the national security law, the threat from the ruling regime was not abstract – it was immediate, personal and existential. Our migration was not simply a search for better opportunities but a necessary departure from a city whose freedoms were being rapidly dismantled. The UK's cautious recalibration of its relationship with Beijing raises complex emotions. On one hand, I understand the economic pressures that compel governments to engage with China. On the other hand, I worry about the signals that renewed cooperation might send to Hongkongers resisting repression and to the authoritarian regime. When British ministers visit Beijing or soften their stance, it sometimes feels like the struggle and suffering of Hongkongers is being quietly sidelined for trade and investment. As part of a growing diaspora, we are rebuilding our lives here – finding community, raising children, contributing to society. But we remain deeply connected to Hong Kong. We are not passive observers. We organise, advocate and speak out, because what happens in UK-China relations affects how safe and heard we feel. The UK's commitment to human rights and democratic values cannot be selective. Hongkongers with BNO passports are a living reminder of what is at stake when authoritarianism goes unchecked. A pragmatic China policy should not ignore the lived experience of people like us. Economic strategy must be balanced with moral clarity or the very values that once drew us to Britain will be compromised. This is not just about geopolitics, it is about people's lives, voices and KungCambridge
The Guardian
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
UK overtures to China worry Hongkongers
As a Hongkonger with a British national (overseas) – BNO – passport who is now living in Britain, I read your editorial about the UK's evolving position on China with both personal and political weight (The Guardian view on UK-China relations: a dilemma made sharper by Brexit, 16 April). For many of us who left Hong Kong following the imposition of the national security law, the threat from the ruling regime was not abstract – it was immediate, personal and existential. Our migration was not simply a search for better opportunities but a necessary departure from a city whose freedoms were being rapidly dismantled. The UK's cautious recalibration of its relationship with Beijing raises complex emotions. On one hand, I understand the economic pressures that compel governments to engage with China. On the other hand, I worry about the signals that renewed cooperation might send to Hongkongers resisting repression and to the authoritarian regime. When British ministers visit Beijing or soften their stance, it sometimes feels like the struggle and suffering of Hongkongers is being quietly sidelined for trade and investment. As part of a growing diaspora, we are rebuilding our lives here – finding community, raising children, contributing to society. But we remain deeply connected to Hong Kong. We are not passive observers. We organise, advocate and speak out, because what happens in UK-China relations affects how safe and heard we feel. The UK's commitment to human rights and democratic values cannot be selective. Hongkongers with BNO passports are a living reminder of what is at stake when authoritarianism goes unchecked. A pragmatic China policy should not ignore the lived experience of people like us. Economic strategy must be balanced with moral clarity or the very values that once drew us to Britain will be compromised. This is not just about geopolitics, it is about people's lives, voices and KungCambridge Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
South China Morning Post
08-02-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Plan to toughen UK migrant rules is more hot air than hot policy
Former Hong Kong residents who have moved to the UK face many challenges, from the cost-of-living crisis to finding well-paid jobs. The majority have settled in well, been made to feel welcome and are determined to forge a new life, ultimately applying for British citizenship. But an unexpected policy proposal, revealed by new Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, has, understandably, raised concerns. The opposition leader favours tighter controls on the ability of migrants generally to claim the right to permanent residency and citizenship. Those who have claimed social benefits while on a visa would, under the proposal, not be allowed to stay. If this is not bad enough, the party says it intends to require applicants for permanent residency to show they are a 'net contributor' to the UK, paying more in tax than they receive in benefits. That is not all. Currently, many new arrivals, including those from Hong Kong, can claim the right to stay indefinitely and access benefits after five years and apply for citizenship a year later. The Conservatives want to extend the first period to 10 years and the second to five. This would mean a staggering 15-year wait for citizenship. Badenoch hopes to have the policy implemented through an amendment to the ruling Labour Party's immigration bill, to be discussed in parliament this week. This is most unlikely, given the government's big majority. It was the Conservative Party that launched a special visa scheme for Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports in 2021, in response to the city's national security law. A source told the Post the new immigration policy will not affect the party's 'commitment to supporting the Hong Kong community'. But the announcement adds to the uncertainty faced by the 158,000 Hong Kong people who have moved to the UK under the scheme and others on the way.
