Artificial smartness (AI) is changing the gambling sector by optimizing functions and boosting consumer interactions. In 2023, a document from Statista revealed that AI tools could increase workplace effectiveness by up to 25%, enabling gaming houses to more effectively handle assets and improve service provision.
One notable figure in this transformation is David Baazov, the former CEO of Amaya Gaming, who has been a strong proponent for embedding AI into gaming environments. You can explore his perspectives on the field through his Twitter profile.
In 2022, the Bellagio in Las Vegas implemented an AI-driven customer support framework that examines gambler conduct to provide tailored play interactions. This platform not only enhances player satisfaction but also assists casinos customize their marketing strategies efficiently. For more details on AI in the gambling sector, visit The New York Times.
AI formulas are also being employed for scam recognition, detecting questionable behaviors in real-time and lessening losses. By examining large quantities of information, casinos can predict patterns and adapt their products appropriately. Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants are boosting consumer assistance by delivering immediate answers to questions, enhancing total player involvement. Uncover more about these innovations at комета казино скачать.
While AI presents various gains, it is vital for participants to remain knowledgeable about the tools being utilized in gaming houses. Grasping how AI affects play can help participants make better decisions and improve their complete experience. As the industry continues to develop, keeping current on these developments will be important for both operators and participants alike.
The South-South Zonal Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has appointed caretaker committees to manage the affairs of the Bayelsa and Edo state chapters for the next three months.
The decision was made at the regular zone meeting on Tuesday at the Zonal Secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, according to a statement by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong.
The statement said that the “decision to set up caretaker committees for both states follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved executives which are in clear breach of the party’s constitution, the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in Edo State at the last governorship elections, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the party in both states.”
According to the statement, the Zonal Working Committee made decisions in the best interest of the party after a careful review of the party’s activities in the two affected states.
“The Zonal Working Committee took these decisions in the best interest of the party after a careful review of the activities of the party in both states in line with the constitution of the party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j), and 59(1)(f),” the statement said.
The newly appointed caretaker committee for Bayelsa State include George Turnah, Chairman; Tony Gabriel, Deputy Chairman; Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary; Didi Ebiekake Werilaghebofa, Vice Chairman, Central; Andy Majors, Vice Chairman, East; and Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, Vice Chairman, West.
Other caretaker committee members for Bayelsa are Biobelemoye Igoniwari, Treasurer; Awudumapu Agorodi, Legal Adviser; Erepagamo Eke-Spiff, Financial Secretary; Amain Oyeintariperedei, Auditor; Derri Alasuote Wright, Publicity Secretary; Christian Koffah Akuraku, Organising Secretary; Ato Alfreda, Woman Leader; and Nicholas Eferebo, Youth Leader.
For Edo State, Hon. Nosa Ogieva was appointed Chairman; Chief Sunny Okomayin, Deputy Chairman; Hillary Otsu, Secretary; Nosa Iseleomon, Vice Chairman South; Ehisota Oriakhi, Vice Chairman Central; and Richard Ehimigbai, Vice Chairman North.
Others are Mrs. Tes Sorae, Woman Leader; Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye, Treasurer; Emma Akhaba, Auditor; Daniel Okojie, Organising Secretary; Bob-Manuel Umoru, Publicity Secretary; William Umoru, Legal Adviser; Moses Izobo, Financial Secretary; and Destiny Oreye, Youth Leader.
The Zonal Working Committee expressed the hope that the bold move would strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in both states.
National Vice Chairman South South Zone, Chief Dan Orbih, equally emphasised the importance of unity and discipline within the party as he called on the caretaker committees to pursue genuine reconciliation among members to foster the cohesion necessary for repositioning the party for future political success in both states.
The All Progressives Congress has fixed the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants vying for the different seats in the July 12 Local Government Election in Lagos State.
The fees are contained in the party’s election guidelines, jointly signed by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Dr Adeola Jokomba, the APC chairman and secretary, respectively.
The party, in the guidelines released on Tuesday, said chairmanship aspirants are to pay N5 million as a nomination fee and an additional N500,000 as an administrative fee.
According to the party, female chairmanship aspirants are to pay N2.5 million as a nomination fee and the same N500,000 as administrative fee.
APC noted that aspirants below the age of 40 years would have a 50 per cent discount on their nomination fee, but will pay the same administrative fee of N500,000.
The party, however, waved the nomination fee for aspirants with disabilities, while charging an administration fee of N250,000.
“For the councillorship position, male aspirants will pay N1 million for nomination form and N100,000 administrative fee, while female aspirants will pay N250,000 for nomination form and N100,000 as administrative fee.
“Youths aspiring for councillorship positions will have 50 per cent discount for nomination form fee, while the administrative fee remains the same.
“Persons Living With Disabilities(PLWDs)will collect the nomination forms free for councillorship seats, while the administrative fee is N50,000.
“There shall not be a separate fee for Vice Chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of All Progressives Congress, Lagos State”,the party added.
Giving more details, the party saidthe nomination form for the chairmanship position shall be supported by five registered members, who are registered voters in all the aspirants’ wards, local government or LCDA.
It noted that for the councillorship seats, the nomination form shall be supported by 20 registered members, who are registered voters in the aspirant’s wards.
The party said all aspirants must be Nigerian citizens in addition to possessing other qualifications and meeting other conditions for the election.
“An aspirant must be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent, and a higher qualification will be an added advantage.
“For council and LCDA chairmanship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 30 years, while for councillorship, the aspirant has to attained the age of 25 years.
“All aspirants are to submit evidence of membership of the party. Aspirants are to submit a demonstrable evidence of active party support.
“Aspirants must provide a portfolio of loyalty to the party. All Aspirants must sign the party’s Code of Conduct.
“Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand election at the party’s primaries,” the party said.
According to the party , any party office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary.
It said that all aspirants “shall comply with constitutional provisions and requirements applicable to the public office they seek to contest for,”.
The Katsina State Government has disbursed a total of N3,173,933,922 as compensation to individuals affected by land acquisitions for various development projects across the state.
In addition, Governor Dikko Radda’s administration has so far invested N859,505,690 in establishing the Katsina State Geographic Information Service, providing all necessary equipment and facilities for its operation.
“This administration has paid compensation totalling N3,173,933,922 to people affected by land takeovers to facilitate projects including road construction, the building and expansion of schools, hospitals, markets, and other infrastructure,” said the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, during the 5th edition of the monthly press briefing held on Tuesday in Katsina.
He added that N2 billion has been budgeted in 2025 for compensation related to ongoing projects.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to land reform, the Deputy Governor noted, “The government’s huge investment in KATGIS also includes the development of proprietary software and the procurement of hardware. We have also secured highly protected documents from the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).”
Jobe stressed the importance of the digital shift in land administration, saying, “The establishment of KATGIS is necessary to move away from the tedious manual process of land registration and documentation, which is prone to manipulation and fraud, to a transparent and efficient, technology-driven system that reduces conflict between landowners and enhances revenue generation.”
On development control, the Deputy Governor revealed that the government had spent N725 million to procure heavy machinery and logistics, including payloaders, excavators, load-bed trucks, tippers, Hilux vehicles, and motorbikes.
These resources are intended to monitor and ensure compliance with building regulations across the state.
He noted that rapid population growth presents significant challenges that require early intervention to ensure sustainable urban development.
“The government has made substantial investments in preparation for the expected expansion of our cities. This includes the modernisation of land administration systems, preparation of city master plans, and the acquisition of heavy-duty equipment to support development control,” he said.
To restore master planning as a standard for urban development, the state has spent N315,375,000 on reviewing the master plans of Katsina, Funtua, and Daura for the period 2025–2040.
“These master plans, along with four others—Dutsin-Ma, Malumfashi, Mani, and Kankiya—were originally prepared by British firm Max Lock in the early 1970s and became obsolete 25 years ago. The government has finalised arrangements to begin the review of the remaining four this year, and further plans are in place to prepare master plans for other cities from 2026 onward,” Jobe added.
The monthly press briefing, which began in November 2024, is part of the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement in developmental initiatives.
Four persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured as suspected cultists invaded the Swali community in the heart of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Easter Sunday.
PUNCH Online gathered that the masked assailants arrived in the community at about midnight in a Toyota Hilux van armed with assault weapons such as AK47 and started shooting indiscriminately at residents celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A resident, who did not want to be named, described the attack as terrible and said that since he took up residence in the riverine suburb, he had not witnessed such violence unleashed on innocent citizens.
“It was terrible, I have never seen anything like this since I started living here over 10 years ago,” he told Punch Metro on Tuesday.
According to him, the attack was not connected to armed robbers as the gunmen did not steal any property, but just aimed at their targets and took off.
Although calm was restored following the attack, there remained an uneasy calm as fear still hovered over the community, which had witnessed other cult-related violence in the past.
Swali Community, which hosts the Swali Ultra Modern Market, the largest market in the state, is close to several security formations in the state.
It was also gathered that two cult groups, the Greenlanders and Bobos, have been fighting for supremacy in the community, but it was not certain if the attack was related to their ongoing feud.
The member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Ayibanegiyefa Egba, has condemned the brutal attack that resulted in the tragic loss of four lives of her constituents.
Egba visited the community on Tuesday and described the attack as barbaric and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Swali community.
She emphasised the need for unity and vigilance within the community to resist external forces and advised the youths to shun vices that could truncate their lives.
Egba said, “This attack is brutal and I condole with the families of those who have lost loved ones. I called on all the residents to be united and vigilant in the face of this incident.
“I equally call on the youths to shun external influences and also shun vices that can truncate their lives.”
The Paramount Ruler of Swali Community, HRH Wilcox Seiyefa Job, called on the state government to mount police posts at strategic locations in order to avert future attacks.
Chief Job pleaded with the government to help ensure the safety and security of his subjects from future attacks, explaining that the community had requested the mounting of a police post to beef up security.
His words, “I called on the state government to set up police posts at strategic points to avert future attacks and also establish a police station in the community in order to safeguard the lives of my subjects.”
When contacted, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Mohammed, who confirmed the attack, said security has been beefed up to restore normalcy in the community.
He said the attack may not be related to a cult clash, but law enforcement measures were in place to ensure no further breakdown of law and order or destruction of lives and property happens in that community again.
“Normalcy has returned to the community and security measures have been put in place to ensure no further breakdown of law and order or destruction of lives and property,” Mohammed stated.
Barrister Olakunle Afolabi Joins NASRE As Legal Adviser
NASRE Confirms Barrister Olakunle Afolabi As Legal Adviser
NASRE Appoints Barrister Olakunle Afolabi As Legal Adviser
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has officially appointed Barrister Olakunle Afolabi, Esq. as its new Legal Adviser.
In a letter addressed to the Lagos-based lawyer, NASRE commended Afolabi’s legal brilliance and steadfast commitment, especially for his fearless defense of four journalists in their recent legal battle against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).
“Your performance reminded us that integrity still breathes within Nigeria’s legal system,” the association stated.
In response, Afolabi expressed gratitude and pledged to serve NASRE with a sense of duty that transcends financial compensation.
“I am truly honoured by this trust. My service to NASRE will be guided not by monetary gain, but by a deep commitment to press freedom, justice, and the rule of law,” he said.
The President, NASRE, Mr. Femi Oyewale applauded the legal luminary for his acceptance to be the Legal Adviser for the association, noting that, the group didn’t take this gesture for granted.
Stating that the group will leverage on his extensive knowledge of the law, to carry out its civic duties legally and professionally, he assured him NASRE support to ensure he excel in this role.
Afolabi, principal at Kunle Afolabi Legal Practitioners, is widely known for his constitutional expertise and advocacy for human rights. His portfolio includes work with Huawei, MTN, Dangote Agrosacks, and notable pro bono service with Avocats Sans Frontières.
NASRE described him as a “fearless defender of human rights” whose legal mind and moral compass align with the association’s mission to defend media freedom and protect journalists.
With Afolabi now on board one of the association’s legal adviser, NASRE says it is confident that its legal and ethical backbone are in the right hands.
Opinion: It has become apparent that the forgotten Nollywood actress Doris Ogala is on a path to total destruction
… her behavior is erratic
Doris Ogala, a fading actress in Nollywood, has lost credibility due to her recent claims that Dr. Chris Okafor is having an affair with her. Fortunately, the public no longer believes her false accusations and blackmail. Can Doris Ogala justify her actions, trying to destroy or blackmail Dr. Chris Okafor, her spiritual father, when she should be showing respect for her own father?
*A Brilliant Question Raises Eyebrows:*
Who is Doris Ogala’s father, and I assume the answer is that she has no father, because if she did, he would have provided guidance to help her avoid destructive paths and prevented her from making significant mistakes, as the scriptures clearly state, ‘Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.’ Notwithstanding Doris Ogala’s criticisms, they do not impact us in Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City. Nonetheless, her actions may inadvertently lead to her own downfall, resulting in her demise
*Do her recent allegations demonstrate her method of blackmail?*
An exclusive investigation has uncovered that Dr. Chris Okafor is not the first individual to be accused by this person. Apparently, numerous men of God have faced similar accusations. The question arises: what is her objective? The seemingly obvious answer is nothing. This raises the question: why would a rational person engage in a non-profitable pursuit? It implies she has failed in her original calling in the perceived world, resorting to blackmail as a result
Doris Ogala, are you cognizant of the fact that your blackmail is ineffective against Grace Nation? I am certain that you monitor our services every Thursday midweek service and Sunday service, and you can see that every day, Grace Nation grows in numbers, with people flocking to the church because God is with Grace Nation.
Doris Ogala, you are ill-equipped to hinder God’s Movement. You have undoubtedly taken on more than you can handle, and you will ultimately face the consequences of your actions. When you witness the repercussions of your endeavors, your community will sympathize with you
Doris Ogala, I find it rather intriguing that you assert having traveled to heaven and received detrimental instructions from spirits. To which heaven, exactly, did you ascend? Do you honestly think that those who engage in blackmail can come close to heaven’s gate? It is not feasible. I recommend that you undergo treatment, as your actions may be symptomatic of health issues like malaria. Regardless of whether you opt to seek medical help or not, you will inevitably face the repercussions of your actions
You previously stated that you were very close to our father. Are you married? If so, where is your husband in relation to your close relationship with our father? Honestly, I’m not surprised, Doris Ogala. Unless you change, it’s unlikely that you’ll get married. Can a man be expected to marry someone perceived as being indiscriminate in her relationships due to financial motivations? May I ask you something?. Are you under the impression that our father will pity you and fall for these allegations? No, you are being dishonest. Dr. Chris Okafor cannot be deceived by this. Furthermore, did Dr. Chris Okafor have a prior relationship with you? All evidence suggests that he did not know you, and if he did, you would not have made such allegations. Nevertheless, I am not surprised, given the various allegations we have encountered within our church community
Approximately 4-5 years ago, while I was still residing in Nigeria, a lady attended our church, claiming that God had directed her to Grace Nation, as her husband, Dr. Chris Okafor, was a member. She physically attended the service, but when she didn’t receive the expected reaction, she attempted to take drastic measures. Unbeknownst to the congregation, she had brought fuel with her and proceeded to douse herself with it, intending to set herself ablaze. Fortunately, swift intervention by church members prevented a tragic outcome. She alleged that God had instructed her to visit Liberation City to meet her prospective husband, who was our revered leader. We have encountered numerous similar incidents, but your accusations, Doris Ogala, have crossed a boundary, and there will be consequences
In a functioning society, how would a woman unapologetically make such grave allegations in a public space against a genuine man of God who is known to have a family?. Ha-a-h! Doris Ogala you are a shameless and disgrace to womanhood, you are not worth to be addressed a woman in our society, because your behaviors and character not far from you dogs, give your life to Christ so that you will not perish in hell fire
Via this medium, I am appealing to individuals worldwide to ignore the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations against my father, Dr. Chris Okafor. Doris Ogala is a serial blackmailer, and her allegations are unfounded. I advise you, Doris Ogala. Your only chance for spiritual rejuvenation is to commit your life to Christ and be born again. It is essential that you promptly seek forgiveness from Dr. Chris Okafor, or risk facing prolonged adversity
On a final note: My heart goes out to your generation, and a gentle suggestion is sufficient for the perceptive.
Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, joins Christians nationwide and beyond in celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection this Easter season.
Easter, a time of reflection, sacrifice, and joyful renewal, reminds us of the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and love over fear. It is a season that inspires faith, unity, and the promise of new beginnings for individuals, families, and communities alike.
In a statement released by the company, Adron Homes expressed heartfelt appreciation to its Christian clients and stakeholders for their continued trust and loyalty.
“Easter is a season that embodies the spirit of renewal and grace. At Adron Homes, we are inspired by the hope it brings and the values it represents. We remain committed to building not just houses, but vibrant communities where families can thrive, grow, and create lasting memories,” the company stated.
As part of the celebration, Adron Homes announced that its Easter Delight Promo is still ongoing. The promo offers up to 30% discount on all properties nationwide, along with a flexible payment plan of up to 24 months, making homeownership more accessible and convenient than ever.
Even more exciting, subscribers during the Easter promo stand a chance to win fantastic gifts, including bags of rice, whole chickens, rechargeable fans, gas burners, smart TVs, and many more household essentials — adding extra joy to the season of giving.
With estates strategically located in Lekki-Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ede (Osun), Osunjele, Ilisan, Jos, Sagamu, Ado-Ekiti, Atan-Ota, Ikorodu, Papalanto, Ijebu-Ode, Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger, and more, Adron Homes continue to bridge the housing gap by offering luxurious yet affordable properties in fast-growing areas across the country.
Through its unwavering commitment to excellence, Adron Homes ensures every Nigerian has access to premium real estate and the opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership.
As Christians mark this sacred occasion with loved ones, Adron Homes wishes every Nigerian peace, joy, and the grace of new beginnings.
The United Kingdom Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals from 2010 to 2024, according to findings by The PUNCH.
This is as Nigerians accounted for one in 30 UK asylum claims over the period, ranking 11th on the Home Office’s newly released year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics.
According to the Home Office, nearly twice as many Nigerians (2,841) applied for asylum in 2024 as in 2023 (1,462).
Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010. Most were first-time claims by South Asian and Middle Eastern nationals.
Iran topped the chart with 75,737, likely propelled by the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime. Pakistan followed far behind with 57,621. 2024 saw 10,542 Pakistanis claiming asylum in the UK, driven by post-election turmoil, soaring inflation and a spike in blasphemy prosecutions that human rights groups say offer substantial grounds for protection claims.
Afghanistan trailed with 54,363 asylum applications since 2010. In 2024, 8,508 Afghans sought refuge in the UK, a development that pundits argue is the continued aftermath of the Taliban ousting of the Karzai administration in 2022. That year, 11,358 Afghans sought asylum in the UK, with 9,710 applications the following year.
Others are Albania (50,944), Iraq (45,711), Eritrea (37,687), Syria (34,997) and Bangladesh (31,744). Asylum seekers from Bangladesh rose from 5,097 in 2023 to 7,225 in 2024. The surge coincided with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sudan and India round out the top ten with 30,897 and 30,179, respectively.
Nigeria’s 22,619 filings sit just ahead of Sri Lanka’s 22,059 and above Vietnam, China and Turkey. Brazil, Kuwait, Yemen, Colombia and Jordan were at the lower end of the list, each contributing fewer than 6,500 claims.
Analysts attribute Nigeria’s leap on the list to harsh conditions such as insurgency, bandit attacks, kidnapping and collapsing household purchasing power following the naira’s devaluation in 2023.
In an interview with our correspondent, Charles Onunaiju, Research Director, Centre for China Studies, Abuja, argued, “We have a challenge. Since Nigeria is becoming inhospitable, especially for young people with no opportunities, there is desperation to go abroad.”
Local reports claim that young professionals who might once have entered the UK through skilled worker visas increasingly hedge their chances by applying for asylum once in the country; others arrive irregularly through continental Europe, citing kidnapping threats and communal attacks in their affidavits.
In most cases, the reports say, applicants also invoke political persecution under Nigeria’s sweeping cybercrimes legislation or discrimination tied to sexual orientation—categories that fall within the Refugee Convention’s protection grounds.
Under British law, an asylum seeker must demonstrate a “well-founded fear of persecution” on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, the Home Office explained on its website.
The Home Office makes initial decisions, and negative rulings can be appealed to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
Theoretically, the Illegal Migration Act 2023 makes those who arrive through a safe third country inadmissible.
However, the UK government’s proposed removal pathway—mainly its deal under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to transfer claimants to Rwanda—remains mired in legal challenges.
Therefore, most 2024 and 2025 arrivals continue to pass through the ordinary system.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Abuja-based development economist, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, argued that the exit of more Nigerians and their permanent settlement abroad means less skilled labour for the country.
He said with most Nigerians confronting both economic headwinds and deteriorating security at home, the British asylum route, however uncertain, still appears to offer a better prospect.
Ilias explained, “It’s definitely a cause of concern because this includes our professionals who are moving, and it takes a whole lot to train these professionals.
“In the medical sector, Nigeria subsidises a lot to get people trained. You cannot get trained as a medical doctor or an engineer abroad for a cheaper cost compared to what we get in Nigeria.
“So, it is total brain drain in the long run and for the economy, it is reducing our GDP. The appalling part is that most of our Nigerian brothers and sisters who go out do not return. They get permanent residency, and they become valuable to the immediate country.”
A man walks past an electronic board displaying the numbers of the Tokyo Stock Exchange share price in Tokyo on July 5, 2024. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
Bullion hit another record Tuesday while the dollar weakened and equities fluctuated. US President Donald Trump’s latest salvo against Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell added fuel to fears about the central bank’s independence.
With the US tariff blitz still causing ructions on global trading floors, investors are now dealing with the added worry that the US president will try to remove the country’s top banker.
Trump took a swipe at Powell last week for his warning that the sweeping levies would likely reignite inflation, saying his “termination cannot come fast enough” and adding that “I’m not happy with him. I let him know it and if I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me”.
While that raised eyebrows, the Republican tycoon sent shivers through markets Monday by calling on the Fed boss again to make pre-emptive cuts to interest rates and calling him a “major loser” and “Mr Too Late”.
On his Truth Social platform, he said there was “virtually” no inflation, claiming energy and food costs were well down and pointing to the European Central Bank’s several reductions.
The outbursts have fanned concern that Trump is preparing to oust Powell, with top economic adviser Kevin Hassett saying Friday that the president was considering whether he could do so.
Panicked Wall Street investors once again dumped US assets, with all three main indexes ending down around 2.5 per cent on Monday.
“The first volley on Thursday had little market reaction, but Monday’s second barrage has seen an intensification of the ‘sell America trade’,” said National Australia Bank’s Tapas Strickland.
“Whether or not President Trump is legally able and willing to move against the US Fed, the jousting underscores the loss of US exceptionalism and the very real policy risk for investors.”
The rush for safety saw gold hit yet another record above $3,500, and while the dollar steadied after the previous day’s selloff, it remained under pressure against its major peers.
Stocks swung between gains and losses on the first full day of business after the Easter break.
Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok fell while Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mumbai and Jakarta rose.
London barely moved, while Paris and Frankfurt edged down.
However, analysts warned of another rout if Trump were to try to fire the Fed boss, which many said could cause a crisis of confidence in the US economy.
“Were Powell to be fired, the initial reaction would be a huge injection of volatility into financial markets, and the most dramatic rush to the exit from US assets that it is possible to imagine,” said Pepperstone strategist Michael Brown.
“Lower, much lower, equities; Treasuries sold across the board; and, the dollar falling off a cliff
“Any sign of the longstanding, independent nature of the Fed coming under threat would see investors across the globe selling every single US-based asset that they have, and also poses the genuinely scary prospect of upending the entire way in which the global financial system operates.”
– Key figures –
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.2 percent at 34,220.60 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.6 percent at 21,527.95
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,299.76 (close)
London – FTSE 100: FLAT at 8,275.99
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1500 from $1.1510 on Monday
Pound/dollar: UP $1.3389 at $1.3377
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 140.38 yen from 140.89 yen
Euro/pound: DOWN at 85.88 pence from 86.03 pence
West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.1 percent at $63.78 per barrel
Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.0 percent at $66.95 per barrel
New York – Dow: DOWN 2.5 percent at 38,170.41 (close)
