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U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): U.S. demand for distillate fuel oil hit a four-year high in February.

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): U.S. jet fuel demand hit a one-year low in February.

May 1, 2026 – Starting May 1, 2026, my country will fully implement zero-tariff measures on all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. At midnight on May 1, the Shenzhen Bay Port received the first shipment of imported goods nationwide under the new measures. 24 tons of apples originating from South Africa, after rapid inspection and clearance by Shenzhen Customs, will be distributed to major supermarkets and fruit and vegetable wholesale markets across the country. The tariff on these imported South African apples has been reduced from 10% to 0%, significantly enhancing the cost advantage of the goods. This zero-tariff measure is another significant step following the implementation of zero tariffs on all least developed countries with which my country has diplomatic relations, including 33 least developed countries in Africa, on December 1, 2024. It will undoubtedly inject strong momentum into China-Africa trade and investment cooperation and African development.

April 30th - Sources at the European Central Bank (ECB) said that unless there is positive progress on energy prices and the end of the war with Iran, ECB policymakers are likely to raise interest rates at their next meeting in June. Sources indicated that the likelihood of avoiding a rate hike is very small if the conflict continues. However, they emphasized that no decision has been made yet, and the situation could change rapidly. ECB President Christine Lagarde earlier hinted that the ECB would consider raising rates in June. Previously, the ECB discussed and rejected a rate hike at its meeting on Thursday, keeping the deposit rate at 2%. Officials will receive updated forecasts at the next meeting, and economists and investors expect them to choose a 25 basis point rate hike. Lagarde stated that the next six weeks "will be the right time" to assess the economy "and thus make informed decisions based on verified and re-examined information."

Apple (AAPL.O) accused Indian regulators of overstepping their authority in a filing and is seeking a suspension of the antitrust case.

April 30th - Sources say the EU's revised semiconductor industry stimulus plan will allow EU executive bodies to directly invest in manufacturing and prioritize the development of new technologies. This proposal, dubbed "The Chip Act 2.0," is expected to be published at the end of May and aims to improve upon the previous version from 2022. Previously, several large-scale chip production projects in Europe were postponed or canceled, and the EU's auditing body stated that the EU is unlikely to achieve its goal of doubling its share of global chip production. Sources indicate that the draft proposes authorizing the European Commission to directly invest in large-scale cross-border projects, whereas previously its function was limited to funding research and approving aid from member states. They stated that projects supported by the European Commission will still be public-private partnerships. Allowing the European Commission to invest directly through grants would make it easier for companies to plan projects across multiple countries simultaneously and could be a simpler way to obtain state funding than applying for state subsidies. Sources also say the new bill will focus on increasing research and development in key chip manufacturing technologies, including mechanics, materials, and circuit boards.

The German DAX 30 index closed up 330.65 points, or 1.38%, at 24,274.39 on Thursday, April 30; the UK FTSE 100 index closed up 154.65 points, or 1.51%, at 10,367.76 on Thursday, April 30; and the French CAC 40 index closed up 42.71 points, or 0.53%, at 8,114.84 on Thursday, April 30. The Stoxx 50 index closed up 57.88 points, or 1.00%, at 5874.36 on Thursday, April 30; the Spanish IBEX 35 index closed up 124.07 points, or 0.70%, at 17789.27 on Thursday, April 30; and the Italian FTSE MIB index closed up 422.47 points, or 0.88%, at 48218.50 on Thursday, April 30.

According to Ukrainian sources, 18 people have been injured in the Dnipro region due to Russian attacks.

On April 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is in a stalemate, awaiting the resumption of peace talks that could potentially end the conflict with Russia, with interference from the conflict with Iran being a key obstacle. In an interview on Thursday, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has not received any new signals from Russia or the United States regarding when negotiations might resume, while US Middle East envoy Vitkov and Trump senior advisor Jared Kushner are still considering visits to Kyiv. He stated that as a result, there are currently no new indications about when and where the Trump administration-mediated negotiations might take place. "I think it all depends on how the situation in the Middle East develops," Zelenskyy said.

The head of the container committee of the Iranian Shipping Association stated that up to 15% of transit traffic could be diverted to the North-South Corridor.

Vortexa analysts say that accurately calculating Iranian exports is no longer possible due to the tanker's disabling of tracking systems.

The head of the container committee of the Iranian Shipping Association stated that 40% of Iran's trade can be transshipped via land routes and corridors.

On April 30th, ING analyst Carsten Breski stated in a report that ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments at the press conference indicate a June rate hike is closer. Lagarde emphasized that risks to both growth and inflation are escalating. Breski pointed out that indeed, the most noteworthy comment was Lagarde mentioning that a rate hike was discussed at the meeting—although the decision to keep rates unchanged was consistent. However, the motivation or rationale behind such a rate hike is not entirely clear. Breski stated that the ECB has previously underestimated the adverse effects of shocks and focused too much on rising inflation, as seen during the 2011 sovereign debt crisis. Nevertheless, he stated that the ECB has introduced a clear inclination towards a rate hike within its wait-and-see stance.

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee stated that our nation's current strategic situation is worse than it was before the outbreak of war.

The chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee stated that the Iranian regime has consistently posed a threat to U.S. interests.

On April 30, Israeli media reported that Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that while Israel supports the diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, Israel may "soon need to take action again" to ensure the elimination of the "existential threat" posed by Iran.

Eli Lilly (LLY.N) shares narrowed their gains to 8% as management held an earnings conference call.