Evening Bolt on par deux: Or converse morning Mumble...AFR, gold,

Good afternoon, 

Having been in meetings this morning, it’s refreshing to be out in the big wide world. With some sensibility about the place and the FX issues becoming more transparent with huge kicking to those whom were long GBP Vs...pre-the-Swiss-roll (WHY!?!?!?!) Seems some banking updates might need a little clarification post their most recent results. A not uncommon situation where analysis of your market always pays off. 

There's still a lot more to come with commodities in terms of volatility it won't be the last we hear of the situation. Once again, it’s with disappointment that another shorting fund has been outed, long may the press not break the status quo. 

Speculation about the PUSU (put up shut up) takeover requirements for Afren expiring on Monday (Jan 19, 2015), with 3 other suitors its rather irrelevant because they would only be exempt until another offer materialises; who wants to make the move first offer (poker faces required). 

With a rumoured three suitors, one of an opaque entity allegedly Chinese (ZhenHua Oil albeit owned by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO)) but actually on behalf of Liberian businessmen Bert Cooper. Perhaps we could as Mr Yuan at Forte energy! As reported by Agence Ecofin - Le nigérian Seplat Petroleum confirme son appétit pour Afren last Friday (Jan 09, 2015) and SEPLAT (SEPL) (although I am preferring Seplay!). The question is how much...with limited skin in the AFR its not something worry about too much until trading opportunities present (deal on or off)

With gold now heading above the crucial $1268/oz. support (approx.), its looking more probable on three very savvy investors set to make circa $117m EMC See: larger bets going in on NY and Asia for a material tick up some $100+/oz. This could just be the lowest cost trade of the year. 

Final thoughts for the weekend goes to oil predictably appreciating but what is the read through for Unilever, Nestle, Proctor & Gamble, surely an improvement in production and operating costs? Over to the analysts. 

Tonight is legalised gambling which will result on my counter-party gaining all my offerings, I suspect I shall require a Gift Aid contribution judging past-performance. 

Atb Fraser