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Southern Water Downgraded to Junk by Moody’s Amid Water Industry Challenges

Key Takeaway: Moody's downgraded Southern Water to junk status , citing financial and operational underperformance, compounding the broader issues facing the UK water sector. Southern Water Ltd’s credit rating was downgraded to junk by Moody’s , with a warning of potential further cuts due to its weak performance history and financial challenges. This downgrade impacts the company’s ability to raise the £4 billion in new debt and £650 million in equity required for its capital plans. The UK water industry is facing heightened scrutiny due to concerns over chronic leaks, sewage spills, and high-interest rates. Southern Water, which supplies over two million people in England, could face severe penalties from the regulator Ofwat , which may limit funds for essential upgrades. Following the downgrade, Southern Water’s 2026 bonds dropped 2.7 pence to around 85 pence on the pound. Despite the rating cut, Southern Water assured customers that services would continue unaffected, hig

Oil prices edge down, for higher oil output, weak demand growth weigh

Oil prices saw a slight drop on Thursday, impacted by expectations of increased global production and concerns over weak demand growth, particularly in China. Brent crude futures fell by 0.08% to $72.22 a barrel, while US WTI crude declined by 0.19% to $68.30.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) revised its 2024 global oil output forecast upward to 102.6 million barrels per day (bpd) and expects 104.7 million bpd in 2025. The EIA also raised its US output estimate to a record 13.23 million bpd this year.

This increase in output estimates comes alongside OPEC’s lowered demand growth forecast of 1.82 million bpd for 2024, down from 1.93 million bpd, citing weak demand from China, India, and other regions. The EIA’s demand growth estimate for 2024 remains below OPEC’s, at about 1 million bpd.

The market awaits the IEA’s oil market report and the EIA’s US crude stockpiles data for additional guidance.

Additionally, a stronger US dollar is exerting pressure on oil prices, making dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for international buyers. The dollar’s strength follows inflation data that aligns with expectations, indicating a sustained approach to rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

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