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1.16514
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Gold
4613.78
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98.021
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158.489
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Real-time News
On May 15th, the Bank of Japan stated that Japan may face another round of across-the-board price increases around the summer as businesses ranging from food manufacturers to hot spring resorts consider passing on soaring energy costs caused by the Middle East conflict to consumers. In a report based on a survey of regional businesses conducted from January to April, the Bank of Japan noted that many service sector companies are gradually passing on rising raw material and labor costs to consumers, abandoning their long-standing practice of maintaining low prices. The report stated that rising energy costs due to the Middle East conflict have also prompted companies to accelerate price increases in their fiscal year business plans starting in April. Some companies, including those in the food, restaurant, and hot spring resort industries, have decided to raise prices at a faster pace. The report stated, "Other companies indicated they will soon decide whether to raise prices. As for the specific timing, some companies indicated they will decide around the summer or later." This report highlights the Bank of Japans growing concern about accumulating inflationary pressures in the economy, which could provide further justification for a near-term interest rate hike.May 15th - According to Japanese sources, a fire broke out at a ship dismantling plant in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture on May 14th, with multiple ships ablaze and explosions heard. No casualties have been reported so far. Local authorities have issued evacuation orders to approximately 650 residents living near the site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.May 15th - The State Council Information Office will hold a press conference at 3:00 PM on Monday, May 18th, 2026. Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping, along with relevant officials from the State Taxation Administration, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, will introduce measures to strengthen and optimize departure tax refunds to expand inbound consumption and answer questions from reporters.The South Korean Presidential Office announced that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet with President Lee Jae-myung in Andong, South Korea, from May 19 to 20.On May 15th, CMB International issued a report rolling over Alibabas (BABA.N) valuation window to fiscal year 2027, raising its SOTP-based target price from $206.1 to $220.1, and maintaining a "Buy" rating. The report stated that supported by strong demand, it is optimistic about further acceleration of cloud revenue growth, especially the further scaling up of MaaS (Model as a Service) related services. It also anticipates profit margin expansion, believing this should help drive a revaluation of Alibaba.
