Real-time News

March 20th - According to foreign media reports, following the attack on a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex in Qatar, which further exacerbated global fuel supply shortages, an increasing number of buyers and importers eager to secure LNG supplies turned to the United States on Thursday. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that companies seeking to import LNG have directly contacted U.S. fuel sellers. These sellers' supplies will be used for existing and under-construction projects. The United States is the world's largest exporter of LNG and plans to further expand its exports through several planned or under-construction facilities.

Swedish Prime Minister: EU leaders believe that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto of a €90 million loan is simply unacceptable.

Brazil's oil regulator, the ANP, will require Petrobras to provide the quantities of diesel and gasoline from auctions cancelled this month.

The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that U.S. citizens depart the country on commercial flights through Oman International Airport.

Israel Defense Forces: A missile launched from Iran has been detected heading towards Israeli territory. Defense systems are operational to intercept the threat.

FedEx (FDX.N) shares rose more than 8% in after-hours trading.

Foreign central banks held -$9.254 billion in U.S. Treasury securities in the week ending March 20, compared with -$39.755 billion in the previous week.

FedEx (FDX.N): The transformation plan may result in the layoff of approximately 5,000 frontline employees.

March 20 - On the evening of March 19 local time (early morning of March 20 Beijing time), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at a press conference that after 20 days of airstrikes by Israel and the United States, Iran no longer possesses the capability to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles, but military action against Iran will continue until necessary.

Joint statement from the United States and Japan: Japan has agreed to invest up to $73 billion in the United States in the small modular reactor project being pursued by GE Vernova and Hitachi, as well as in the field of natural gas power generation.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: As we have been doing all week, Democrats will continue to hold seats in Congress to block the SAVE Act, which Republicans claim suppresses voter rights. No matter how long it takes, we will not allow this bill to pass under any circumstances.

The Investment Company Institute (ICI) reported that money market fund assets increased by $38.68 billion in the week ending March 18, reaching $7.86 trillion.

French Foreign Ministry: French Foreign Minister Barrow will travel to Israel on Friday.

The Kremlin: Trilateral negotiations on Ukraine have been suspended due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Russia hopes the suspension can be lifted and a new round of negotiations can be held.

Google has begun testing the Gemini Mac app to compete with ChatGPT and Claude.

Italian Foreign Minister: Italy will not go to war. Our goal is to defend freedom of navigation and maritime trade.

On March 20th, local time, U.S. Defense Secretary Hergsays and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane held a briefing on March 19th regarding U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Hergsays declined to disclose when or how the U.S. military operation would end, stating that he "didn't want to set a timetable," but that "the U.S. military is proceeding as planned." He also confirmed that the Department of Defense had requested White House approval for a funding request exceeding $200 billion for military operations against Iran. Dan Kane stated that the U.S. would continue large-scale military operations in Iran. Iran possessed a substantial arsenal at the start of the conflict and still retains some missile capabilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: Oil prices are rising, but they will soon fall back down.