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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde: The Eurozone economy started in a more favorable position under the energy shock than before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.On May 8, 2026, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, held talks in Beijing with Bonne, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the French President. Wang Yi stated that the foundation of China-France relations is solid political mutual trust, and the key is mutual respect for each others core interests. He hoped that France would take concrete actions to uphold the one-China principle, refrain from any form of official exchanges with the Taiwan authorities, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. Chinas policy towards Europe has been consistent; it has always viewed Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and supports European integration and the development and growth of the EU. China and the EU have always been partners, not adversaries. He hoped that France, as an important EU member state, would play a positive and constructive role, promote a correct and rational understanding of China within the EU, adopt pragmatic and open trade and economic policies towards China, and clear obstacles for the long-term, healthy, and stable development of China-EU relations.US military: The US has imposed a mandatory blockade on two Iranian oil tankers.On May 8th, U.S. consumer confidence fell to a new record low in recent weeks as consumers worried about the impact of inflation on their personal finances and purchasing power. Data from the University of Michigan showed that the preliminary consumer confidence index for May fell to 48.2 from 49.8 in April. Consumers expect annual price growth of 4.5% over the next year, a slight decrease from the previous month; their long-term inflation expectations for the next 5 to 10 years are 3.4%. Consumer confidence remains low due to growing anxiety about the overall cost of living, coupled with a sharp rise in gasoline prices. Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that the average U.S. gasoline price this week exceeded $4.50 per gallon for the first time since July 2022, and has risen by more than 50% since the start of the Iran-Iraq War. Joanne Hsu, the surveys director, stated, "About one-third of consumers actively mentioned gasoline prices, and about 30% mentioned tariffs. Overall, consumers continue to feel the impact of cost pressures, with the most significant driving factor being soaring gas station prices." The preliminary current conditions index for May fell to 47.8, a record low; the expectations index, however, rebounded for the first time since January. Consumers assessment of their current financial situation has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, and the criteria for purchasing has also dropped to a five-month low.European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde: The European Central Bank is able to react quickly when necessary.

WTI crude oil drifts above $80.00 amidst a US Dollar rebound and supply shortage concerns

Alina Haynes

Apr 10, 2023 14:16

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In the early hours of Monday, purchasers of WTI crude oil struggled to maintain the price above $80.70 as risk aversion and hawkish Fed forecasts bolstered the US Dollar. However, threats to Oil supplies, primarily emanating from China and OPEC+, appear to keep purchasers of black gold optimistic.

 

US Dollar Index (DXY) reverses a four-day downtrend near 102.25 despite the inability of US Treasury bond yields to recover due to recession concerns. However, US 10-year and 2-year Treasury bond yields remain under pressure near 3.37 percent and 3.95 percent, respectively. In doing so, the benchmark bond coupons extend the previous day's losses and illustrate the market's flight to protection in response to concerns of an economic decline.

 

In spite of this, the recent disappointing US data reignite concerns of a recession in the world's largest economy and challenge the optimists in the energy sector. However, the positive US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data enabled Fed hawks to return to the table and renew demands for a 0.25 percentage point rate hike in May. The same constrains the value of the US dollar and stimulates demand for WTI crude oil.

 

On the other hand, geopolitical concerns surrounding China, particularly after the dragon nation's military exercises near Taiwan, combine with last week's unexpected OPEC+ production cut to keep Oil purchasers optimistic.

 

China's willingness to defend the global economy through robust monetary and fiscal easing at home also enables Oil purchasers to maintain optimism in the face of optimism among the world's largest Oil consumers.

 

The Easter Monday holiday in spot markets may limit Oil price movements, but the investors appear to be out of steam, so US inflation and Fed Minutes will be closely monitored for signs of a pullback.