Confidence levels in corporate bond and equity markets have diverged to an extent not seen since the financial crisis as fixed income traders signal rougher times ahead. Investment-grade bond yields and equity volatility, measures of investor sentiment in their respective markets, have moved further apart than at any time since March 2008. Source Financial Times
Around 100 km of the subsea Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany are left to lay, Russia’s ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev, said May 8. In an interview with German media outlet RND, Nechayev also said he was hopeful the pipeline would be completed before the upcoming German election on Sept. 26. Source S & P Global
Already rising ahead of the summer travel season, U.S. gasoline prices could soon approach $3 a gallon depending on how long a major pipeline remains out of commission after a ransomware attack. “AAA forecasts gas prices to climb this week in reaction to the shutdown,” the auto club said on Monday. Source CBS News
A second Russian vessel has now begun laying the almost-complete Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in Danish waters, the pipeline development company said April 27, in a move likely to accelerate the final work on the Russia-Germany link. The Adakemik Cherskiy — which has dynamic positioning capabilities allowing for speedier pipelaying — has joined the Fortuna pipelayer carrying out work south of the Danish island of Bornholm in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Source S & P Global
