Real-time News

April 17th - According to a Bloomberg survey conducted from April 9th to 15th, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to raise interest rates in June due to rising inflation caused by the Iran conflict. However, this 0.25 percentage point hike is likely to be the only such measure, as the conflict is not expected to cause a long-term price shock. The survey shows that the Eurozone's inflation rate is expected to rise to 2.8% this year—higher than the previously predicted 2%. It is then projected to fall back to 2.1% by 2026 and further to 2% by 2027—in line with the ECB's target. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that ECB officials currently favor keeping interest rates unchanged at their next meeting at the end of April. Some, including the president of the German central bank, believe that the possibility of action at that time cannot be ruled out.

JPMorgan Chase lowered its price target for Netflix (NFLX.O) from $120 to $118.

Deutsche Bank expects the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged in 2026, whereas its previous forecast was for a rate cut in September.

The Romanian Ministry of Defense stated that radar detected a Russian drone violating the country's airspace.

The oil crisis triggered by the Iran-Iraq War has led Asian countries to scramble for alternatives. With biofuels now cheaper than fossil fuels for the first time, Asian fuel suppliers are racing to buy them. According to Argus Media, benchmark biodiesel prices in Europe began falling below conventional diesel prices in late March, while Asian palm oil futures prices also fell below diesel prices in early April.

Jefferies lowered its price target for Netflix (NFLX.O) from $134 to $128.

Agricultural groups have warned that without support, UK food production will decline. Amidst global supply chain disruptions, the UK will become more reliant on imports, potentially triggering a new round of food price increases.

On April 17th, Daniel Hurley, a portfolio manager for global and Japanese equities at Rowe Price, stated in a report that the Japanese stock market remains bullish as the country moves away from deflationary thinking, with inflation, wages, and corporate behavior trending towards greater sustainability. The report also highlighted semiconductor capital equipment companies for their ability to pass on costs and capitalize on strong long-term demand related to artificial intelligence and digitalization. High-quality export companies are also attractive, particularly those with differentiated products and global market share, which helps them withstand currency fluctuations and maintain profitability.

The Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives is close to passing minor reforms to extend the validity of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act overnight.

On April 17th, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, announced the opening of the world's first integrated air taxi vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) facility on the 16th, marking a significant step forward for the UAE in developing an advanced and sustainable urban transportation system. Located near Dubai International Airport, the four-story building covers approximately 3,100 square meters and features two dedicated takeoff and landing platforms for electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, along with parking facilities. The project was initiated with the support of Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The project is expected to have an annual capacity of approximately 170,000 passengers, with commercial air taxi operations planned to commence by the end of 2026. According to the plan, by the end of 2026, four takeoff and landing facilities will be completed, including those at Dubai International Airport, downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

Newmont Corporation: Processing at the Cardia mine is steadily improving, and production is gradually returning to normal.

On April 17th, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the theme of "Starting the 15th Five-Year Plan." Fu Jiuling, Director of the Industrial Development Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated that the purpose of intelligentization is to improve efficiency, not simply to replace workers; a policy balance must be found. Fu Jiuling stated that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone is of paramount importance. The next step will focus on promoting the high-end, intelligent, and green development of manufacturing. Furthermore, regarding green development, achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is a solemn commitment of the Chinese government and a proactive choice for industrial upgrading. Achieving this goal will require arduous efforts.

On April 17th, the Guangzhou Municipal New-Type Building Industrialization Joint Conference Office issued the "Guangzhou Action Plan for Promoting the Construction of New Urban Infrastructure and Building a Resilient City." The plan proposes exploring digital home application scenarios in real estate, urban renewal, affordable housing, and old community renovation projects; in the construction industry, it aims to cultivate intelligent construction industry clusters, promote the innovative application of construction robots and automated construction machinery, advance the full life-cycle management of construction projects, develop modular buildings, and expand their application in urban renewal, schools, hospitals, and other fields, thereby supporting the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry.

On April 17, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the theme of "Starting the 15th Five-Year Plan," introducing the relevant situation regarding promoting high-quality economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Chen Lei, Director of the Development Strategy and Planning Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, improving the modern comprehensive transportation system will involve strengthening the network, enhancing the supply chain, and improving quality. This includes promoting the construction of cross-regional and cross-basin major corridors, constructing high-quality strategic backbone corridors such as those along the coast, borders, and rivers, those connecting Xinjiang and Tibet, and the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, improving the layout of cross-river, cross-sea, and cross-bay corridors, building international and national comprehensive transportation hub cities, and improving the breadth, depth, and international connectivity of the network. Currently, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport are leading the compilation of the "15th Five-Year Plan for the Development of a Modern Comprehensive Transportation System," systematically planning relevant goals, tasks, and projects for the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

On April 17, Zheng Jian, Director of the Low-Altitude Economic Development Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on the theme of "Starting the 15th Five-Year Plan" that they have recently noticed public concerns about the difficulty in obtaining approvals for drone flight activities. They are currently working with relevant departments to promote successful experiences and practices from some regions, such as "scan-to-fly" systems, to improve the efficiency of flight plan approvals. "We believe that everyone will be able to fly more safely and conveniently in the future."

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sviridenko: We hope the Hungarian elections will help unlock the 20th round of EU sanctions against Russia and accelerate the EU integration process.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Sviridenko: We hope to approve more than three projects this year under the US-Ukraine joint investment fund.