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Bank of Canada Governor Macklem: There remains “considerable uncertainty” regarding the continued impact on tanker shipping.

Swiss National Bank President Schlegel: The Swiss National Bank is more willing to intervene in the foreign exchange market.

Swiss National Bank President Schlegel: Inflation has risen slightly in the short term. Medium-term inflation remains largely unchanged.

On April 18, within hours of the Iranian Foreign Minister's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open to shipping, at least eight oil tankers rapidly sailed towards the strait. Ship tracking data shows that five of these tankers, previously anchored north of Dubai, began entering the waterway on Friday afternoon local time, immediately after the Iranian Foreign Minister's announcement. Three other tankers, which had been waiting about 70 miles to the west, also began moving towards the strait. If these vessels continue their journey, their movements will be one of the clearest signals since the outbreak of the war on February 28 that the Strait of Hormuz may finally be open to non-Iranian shipping. Despite Iranian media reports that the country is still attempting to impose restrictions, these tankers continue to move.

On April 18, a senior Iranian official stated on the 17th that Iran and the United States are expected to reach a preliminary agreement in the coming days, potentially extending the current ceasefire. The official said such a preliminary agreement could create space for lifting US sanctions against Iran and initiating war reparations negotiations. He also pointed out that significant differences remain between Iran and the US, including the nuclear issue, and these issues still require serious and in-depth negotiations to resolve.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: Reports from the Supreme Commander indicate that Russia appears to be redeploying its troops. Ukraine believes Russia will again attempt to drag Belarus into the war. Russian forces have increased their activity in Belarus and are carrying out road construction and establishing artillery positions in areas close to Ukraine.

A senior Iranian official said that Iran is prepared to assure the international community of the peaceful nature of its nuclear program if its demands are met.

On April 18, it was reported that on April 17, Ding Xuexiang, Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice Premier of the State Council, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Leader of the Nation of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Council of People's Council, jointly attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the Renaissance Gas Field project in Maly Region, Turkmenistan. Ding Xuexiang emphasized that the fourth phase of the Renaissance Gas Field project carries the earnest expectations of the top leaders of both countries and embodies the common aspirations of the people of both nations. He expressed hope that the relevant departments and enterprises of both sides would meticulously organize and scientifically construct the project, ensuring its solid and orderly progress. Ding Xuexiang stated that China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to take the fourth phase of the Renaissance Gas Field and other major projects as a new starting point to continuously deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, promote the development of both countries and regional prosperity and stability, and jointly build a closer China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future. Ding Xuexiang and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov jointly visited an oil and gas equipment exhibition, gave instructions via video link to commence drilling operations on-site, and held a groundbreaking ceremony.

The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $137 million from four counterparties in its fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.

The total number of natural gas drilling rigs in the United States for the week ending April 17 was 125, compared with 127 in the previous week.

On April 18th, US President Trump stated that US-Iran negotiations are expected to take place this weekend, adding that the two sides "could reach an agreement within a day or two." In a phone interview, Trump expressed optimism about the progress of the negotiations, saying that Iran "hopes to meet and reach an agreement." He also emphasized that the naval blockade against Iran would not be lifted until a formal agreement is reached, but he hoped the Strait of Hormuz would be open to all countries. It is understood that although significant progress has been made in the negotiations, differences remain on key issues, including the suspension period for Iran's nuclear enrichment and the handling of its enriched uranium stockpile. The agreement also includes the possibility that the US might unfreeze approximately $20 billion in Iranian assets in exchange for Iran relinquishing its highly enriched uranium reserves. Furthermore, Trump stated that the agreement would "make Israel safer" and demanded that Israel cease its military strikes against Lebanon. Iran has not yet responded to these statements.

Saudi Finance Minister: Buyers are still willing to pay a premium due to supply shortages in the physical oil market.

April 18 - According to Lloyd's Register Marine data, at least five Iranian-affiliated oil tankers en route from the Gulf of Oman to Malaysia have changed course since the U.S. Navy announced it would intercept ships carrying Iranian oil in international waters. The Iranian-flagged Suezmax tanker Kariz, carrying 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil, was en route to Malaysia and Singapore but veered off course near Sri Lanka on Friday morning. Another sanctioned supertanker, Andromeda, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of oil, also changed course in the Indian Ocean en route to Southeast Asia. On Friday, the empty crude oil tankers Amak and Elisabet also turned back in the Gulf of Oman as they approached the Strait of Hormuz and near U.S. Navy ships. Both of these ships are subject to sanctions by the U.S. and the European Union.

Saudi Finance Minister: (Crude oil) Producing countries need some time to increase production.

A statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office said that diesel prices have fallen from 385.54 rupees per liter to 353.43 rupees per liter.