EUR/USD
1.17794
-0.065%
Gold
4790.16
-0.632%
Oil
85.444
-0.137%
USD/JPY
158.887
0.042%
GBP/USD
1.35198
-0.100%
GBP/JPY
214.817
-0.042%
Real-time News
On April 21, South Koreas newly appointed central bank governor stated that he will adopt a cautious and flexible monetary policy strategy. Currently, rising oil prices are exacerbating inflationary pressures and casting a shadow over the economic growth outlook. On Tuesday, Shin Hyun-song, who succeeded Lee Chang-yong, stated that it is necessary to re-examine the central banks role from a longer-term perspective. He pointed out that structural issues such as demographic changes, inequality, and the real estate market should be considered important components of monetary policy. The new governor stated that the economy is currently facing increasing uncertainty due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. At the same time, rising global energy prices have increased the upside risks to inflation, while the downside risks to economic growth are also increasing. In his inaugural address, he stated, "Due to the supply shocks triggered by the Middle East conflict, uncertainty regarding the path of inflation and economic growth has increased significantly." He pledged to implement monetary policy "in a prudent and flexible manner" to ensure price and financial stability.JPMorgan Chase: Raises its year-end 2026 target for the S&P 500 to 7,600, up from 7,200 previously.On April 21, the Japanese government formally revised its "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment" and its application guidelines at a cabinet meeting, allowing the export of lethal weapons in principle. Meng Mingming, assistant researcher at the Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that Japans relaxation of arms export restrictions represents a significant shift in its postwar military and security policy. In reality, it is another strategic step by right-wing forces to promote "normalization," and its intentions and potential harms warrant high vigilance. Meng Mingming noted that, in terms of intentions, Japans current economic downturn, high fiscal deficit, severe aging population, and long-term limitations on military production capacity clearly contradict the ambitions of the Japanese right wing to revive militarism and actively expand its military. Therefore, the Japanese government plans to achieve multiple objectives by strengthening its arms export policy. In terms of harms, this relaxation of restrictions on the export of various lethal weapons will fundamentally impact Japans postwar principle of exclusively defensive defense. For Sino-Japanese relations and regional peace, the vast majority of countries to which Japan intends to export weapons are Chinas neighboring countries. By upgrading the weaponry of these countries, Japan is actually bolstering the confidence of anti-China forces within these countries, which will only further exacerbate regional tensions.April 21 – According to the China Railway Urumqi Group Co., Ltd., the railway transportation period for this years May Day holiday will run from April 29 to May 6, a total of 8 days. Xinjiang railway authorities expect to transport 1.7996 million passengers, a 2% increase year-on-year, and plan to add a total of 302 temporary passenger trains. Among them, 30 temporary passenger trains will be for inter-provincial routes to Chengdu West and Lanzhou, and 272 will be for routes within Xinjiang.April 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian petrol prices have fallen for the third consecutive week as government measures have eased pressure from rising gas prices at stations following the conflict with Iran. According to data from the Petroleum Institute of Australia, the national average petrol price fell by about 5% to AU$2.129 per liter (approximately US$1.5279) in the week ending last Sunday, but is still about 18% higher than when the conflict broke out in early March. Diesel prices fell by about 3% to AU$3.089 per liter. Canberra is reportedly attempting to alleviate the domestic fuel crisis by sending delegations to communicate with major trading partners, covering oil transportation costs, relaxing diesel standards, reducing fuel taxes, and utilizing reserves. In addition, the government is conducting a public awareness campaign to encourage Australians to reduce driving. Although Australia is a major energy producer and exporter, it still imports most of its refined fuels and has some of the lowest fuel reserves among developed countries, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions in global energy supplies.
