EUR/USD
1.16533
0.241%
Gold
4472.18
0.359%
Oil
88.742
0.432%
USD/JPY
159.186
-0.205%
GBP/USD
1.34391
0.089%
GBP/JPY
213.938
-0.109%
Real-time News
1. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was nearly empty on Thursday, with commercial shipping companies remaining on high alert due to concerns about a renewed escalation of military conflict. 2. Chinas crude stainless steel production reached 3.7174 million tons in April 2026, a 1.25% increase compared to March 2026. 3. U.S. durable goods orders rose 7.9% in April, easily surpassing the Wall Street Journals market consensus forecast of 3.5%. The second estimate of first-quarter GDP growth was unexpectedly revised downward, from 2% to 1.6%. 4. Initial jobless claims in the U.S. rose by 5,000 in the week ending May 23, bringing the total to 215,000, according to data released by the Labor Department on Thursday. 5. Driven by rising energy prices due to the Iran war, U.S. inflation in April saw its fastest pace in three years, further reinforcing economists view that the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged for a considerable period until next year. 6. The National Development and Reform Commission convened a national video conference on energy supply during the peak summer season of 2026. The conference emphasized the need to ensure the safe and stable operation of energy resources during this period, including stable power generation and supply. It stressed the importance of ensuring the production and supply of primary energy sources such as coal and natural gas, strengthening coal transportation guarantees, and meeting peak power generation demands. It also called for continued efforts to efficiently fulfill long-term contracts for electricity, coal, and natural gas. 7. According to the China Securities Journal, Zimbabwe has officially designated 14 minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite, as "critical minerals" subject to equity and export controls, and established the principle of mandatory minimum shareholding through designated special purpose vehicles (SPVs). A representative from China Mineral Resources responded, stating, "After verification with Zimbabwean authorities, the minimum shareholding ratio is merely the personal opinion of the Zimbabwean Minister of Mines and Mineral Development. No policy has been issued, it does not represent the governments position, and currently has no impact on the company. Even if this direction is followed in the future, the policy will only affect the construction of new mines, and will have no impact on the operation of existing mines." 8. According to two US officials speaking to Axios, US and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and initiating negotiations on Irans nuclear program; however, Trump has not yet given final approval. 9. EIA Natural Gas Report: As of the week ending May 22, total US natural gas inventories were 2.483 trillion cubic feet, an increase of 92 billion cubic feet from the previous week and 21 billion cubic feet from the same period last year, a year-on-year increase of 0.9%, while being 144 billion cubic feet higher than the 5-year average, an increase of 6.2%.The U.S. Treasury Department said it has removed 76 names from its sanctions blacklist in an effort to increase focus on high-risk targets.Federal Reserves Mussalem: The risks are currently more tilted toward the inflation side.Federal Reserves Mussalim: If these scenarios do occur and inflation declines, interest rate cuts could be considered.Federal Reserve Chairman Mussaleam: We may also see a slowdown in economic growth in the second half of the year.
