The number of total coronavirus cases in 192 states exceeded 157.8 million and the death toll draws near 3.3 million, according to the Coronavirus Resource Center of John Hopkins. Turkey rose to 5th place among these 192 countries with the highest number of cases. More than 5 million people have been infected and 43,029 people have lost their lives in total so far in the country.
As the daily number of coronavirus cases fell to 15,191 in the last 24 hours, we will know more about the consequences of the full lockdown or whether it will be extended or not by May 17, after the Ramadan Eid. The eid holiday will start on May 12, at the eve, and followed by three days. So, the domestic markets will operate 2.5 days this week.
USD/TRY, which fell to 8.20 with the impact of depreciated USD due to low level of non-agricultural employment below the expectations in the U.S., starts the day at 8.26. EUR/TRY is traded at 10.03.
Oil prices increased by over 0.5% after the cyber-attack to a pipeline operating company in the U.S. Brent crude exceeded USD 68.67 per barrel, while the U.S. crude oil reached USD 65.50.
Spot gold is traded at USD 1,834.
No tolls will be paid for motorways and bridges under the administration of the General Directorate of Highways between May 12, 12.00 a.m. and May 17, 07.00 a.m.
DAILY AGENDA
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 14.1% to 13.1%, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 13.4% to 13.1% in March, compared to the previous month, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).
The construction cost index increased by 31.97% on annual basis and by 3.44% on monthly basis in March, according to TurkStat.
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance will release domestic debt rollover ratio, average maturity and average cost of domestic debt for April (5.30 pm).
IN OUR MAGAZINE THIS WEEK:
>> On the cover: This week our Editor Erdinc Ergenc interviewed Yildizlar Yatirim Holding Board Member Hakki Yildiz. The conglomerate has three core businesses and is eyeing growth in Turkey and abroad with its facilities in Romania, Slovenia, the U.S. and Russia. Yildizlar represents a classical growth pathway of an Anatolian company and its vision from local to global. You can read the details in pages 14 and 15.
>> Professor Ilter Turan: Not so noble isolation. P. 10
>> Q&A: Nihat Ozdemir, President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), Honorary President of Limak Holding. P. 11
>> Diplomacy: Istanbul races for international physical congresses for post-COVID period. P.12
>> Startup: You can read the recent developments in the startup ecosystem on page 16.
>> Tourism: Fiddling with numbers. P.19
>> Energy: Sanko Enerji invests in hybrid plants. P. 22
>> Zeynep Gurcanli: The ‘new Middle East’ and trust. P. 24
>> Do not miss Time Out’s alternatives for the week.
