Real-time News

Unilever stated that the temporary suspension of hiring is due to environmental uncertainty.

On Tuesday, March 31, the Hang Seng Index closed up 37.35 points, or 0.15%, at 24,788.14; the Hang Seng Tech Index closed down 40.26 points, or 0.86%, at 4,649.82; the H-share Index closed down 24.82 points, or 0.3%, at 8,374.3; and the Red Chip Index closed down 26.52 points, or 0.64%, at 4,120.06.

The Bank of Japan plans to purchase 80 billion yen of 10-25 year government bonds three times a month from April to June (previously 95 billion yen three times a month).

The Bank of Japan plans to purchase 240 billion yen of 5-10 year government bonds three times a month from April to June (previously 260 billion yen three times a month). During the same period, it also plans to purchase 230 billion yen of 3-5 year government bonds three times a month (previously 245 billion yen three times a month).

The Bank of Japan plans to purchase 75 billion yen of Japanese government bonds with maturities of more than 25 years twice a month from April to June (previously 75 billion yen each time, twice a month).

On March 31, the State Administration for Market Regulation convened representatives from e-commerce companies, industry associations, regulatory departments, news media, and consumers in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, to launch a series of actions to improve online food safety compliance. These actions focus on addressing three major issues: the chaos in live-streaming e-commerce, the lack of verification of the qualifications of online vendors, and rampant false advertising. Through three key measures—severely cracking down on illegal and irregular activities in online food sales, strictly regulating the food safety management practices of platform companies, and continuously promoting the improvement of food safety management levels by platform companies—these actions aim to safeguard the public's "food safety" and create a safe, reliable, and convenient online food consumption environment.

ECB Governing Council member Mueller: Interest rates may rise in the coming quarters. If energy prices remain high for an extended period, the ECB will have to take action. The ECB's baseline scenario is currently likely biased towards optimism.

The Israel Defense Forces have detected a new round of ballistic missile attacks from Iran, once again targeting central Israel.

March 31 – Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that Malaysian oil tankers granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz will not be required to pay passage fees imposed by Iran. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Loke said, “The Iranian ambassador has made it clear that no passage fees will be levied on Malaysian vessels. We are a friendly party and maintain good diplomatic relations with the Iranian government.” Last Saturday, the Malaysian Foreign Minister stated that Iran had granted permission for seven Malaysian oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a strait that has become a focal point of conflict in the Middle East wars. Currently, Malaysian vessels stranded in this crucial waterway include those belonging to Malaysian energy giant Petronas, shipping company MISC, and vessels from Sapura Energy.

In a letter, the EU Energy Commissioner stated that countries should avoid taking any measures that would increase fuel consumption or suppress EU refinery output.

In a letter, the EU Energy Commissioner stated that EU member states should postpone all non-urgent refinery maintenance work.

Germany's seasonally adjusted total number of unemployed in March was 2.977 million, unchanged from the previous month.

In a letter, the EU Energy Commissioner stated that countries should consider promoting voluntary measures to reduce energy demand.

In a letter to energy ministers of EU member states, the EU's energy commissioner stated that EU countries should prepare for prolonged turmoil in energy markets caused by a war with Iran.

Fitch downgraded Honda Motor's rating to "A-" with a negative outlook.

The UAE Ministry of Defense stated that the country's defense systems are currently responding to missile and drone threats from Iran.