EUR/USD
1.15337
-0.481%
Gold
4650.49
-2.262%
Oil
103.820
10.217%
USD/JPY
159.646
0.528%
GBP/USD
1.32222
-0.634%
GBP/JPY
211.054
-0.073%
Real-time News
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Karas: Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries passage fees.JPMorgan Chase: The base case is that the disruption to cross-strait shipping will eventually be resolved, and oil prices are expected to remain high in the second quarter (above $100 per barrel) and fall in the second half of 2026.JPMorgan Chase: The near-term risk is that oil prices could be pushed to the $120-$130 per barrel range.European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Villeroy said on Thursday that the ECBs next move is likely to be an interest rate hike as the Middle East conflict continues, but it is too early to determine when such a hike will be necessary. The ECB kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2% last month, but outlined several ways the conflicts development could affect the eurozones economic outlook. In an adverse scenario, disruptions to oil and gas transport via the Strait of Hormuz would continue until the end of the second quarter, keeping energy prices high. In this scenario, ECB economists predict average inflation this year will reach 3.5%, well above its 2% target. Villeroy said, "A prolonged conflict is clearly a negative factor. We are closer to a moderately adverse scenario than the baseline scenario. The ECB must remain vigilant as there are signs that inflation expectations are rising."The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on April 2 that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal held a telephone conversation that day, expressing serious concern over the continued deterioration of the military and political situation in the Persian Gulf region. Both sides emphasized the urgent need to end the military confrontation, which has resulted in civilian casualties and severe damage to civilian infrastructure, including to countries not directly involved in the conflict. They affirmed the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the Middle East crisis, based on international law and taking into account the legitimate interests of all countries in the region. Against this backdrop, both sides reiterated their firm commitment to maintaining close diplomatic policy coordination between Russia and Saudi Arabia, particularly within the framework of the United Nations.
