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Lotte Group's subsidiaries in Malaysia and Indonesia signed a naphtha deal worth RM103 million.

On April 20, President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the latter's request. Xi Jinping pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China is willing to take this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, and continuously broaden and deepen China-Saudi Arabia relations, setting an example for the development of relations between China and Arab countries. Regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi Jinping emphasized that China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. The Strait of Hormuz should remain open to normal navigation, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community. China supports regional countries in building a good-neighborly, developing, secure, and cooperative common home, taking their future and destiny into their own hands, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 5.1-magnitude earthquake 115 kilometers from Miyako City, Japan.

April 20th - According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of 6 PM local time on the 20th, Level 4 evacuation orders (out of 5) have been issued for 74,755 households and 156,471 people in four prefectures in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. A Level 4 evacuation order means that people in the affected areas should quickly evacuate from dangerous locations to safe areas or designated shelters. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported on the 20th that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Japan, and a tsunami of approximately 80 centimeters high was observed.

A spokesperson for the German Finance Ministry (regarding UniCredit and Commerzbank) stated that the government's position is well-known and unchanged: the federal government supports Commerzbank's strategy of maintaining its independent development. Hostile takeovers are unacceptable.

On April 20th, data from the People's Bank of China showed that at the end of March 2026, the Shanghai Gold Exchange's Au(T+D) contract closed at 1015.7 yuan per gram, a decrease of 11.1% month-on-month. In March 2026, the Shanghai Gold Exchange traded 5675.4 tons of gold, a decrease of 6.3% year-on-year; the Shanghai Futures Exchange traded 19,000 tons of gold, an increase of 8.8% year-on-year.

According to Al Jazeera, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil stated that oil exports via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline will resume within days, with an export volume of 500,000 barrels per day.

Bank of America Global Research raised its price target for Seagate Technology (STX.O) from $450.00 to $605.00.

Fitch: The affirmation of the Philippines’ rating reflects the baseline scenario that GDP growth will remain strong in the medium term despite rising risks.

Fitch: The Philippines’ credit rating is constrained by its relatively low GDP per capita and low governance score.

Fitch: The domestic political situation in the Philippines remains volatile due to the differences between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte.

Bank of America Global Research: Raised its price target for Amazon (AMZN.O) to $298.00 from $275.00. Lowered its price target for Meta Platforms (META.O) to $820.00 from $885.00.

Fitch: Given the Philippines' reliance on energy imports and the potential slowdown in remittances from the Gulf region, the country is highly sensitive to conflicts in the Middle East.

Fitch: The revised outlook for the Philippines reflects the increased risk to the Philippines’ strong medium-term growth prospects from recent disruptions in public investment.

Kremlin: (When asked whether Bulgarian President Radev was a Trojan horse for Russian President Putin) We are impressed by Radev’s statements on engaging in pragmatic dialogue with Moscow.

Kremlin: We hope that the negotiation process (on the Iranian issue) can continue in order to avoid negative impacts on the regional and global economies.

Kremlin: Russia is not a mediator in the Iranian issue, but we are willing to provide assistance if needed.

Kremlin: Russia is a responsible and extremely important player in the global energy market.

Kremlin: (Regarding the US exemptions for some Russian oil exports) It is difficult not to take into account the volume of Russian oil supplies.