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On May 26th, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced that its new inflation indicator showed core consumer inflation, excluding one-off factors, rose to 2.8% in April, exceeding the 2% target and accelerating from 2.5% in March. This new indicator, which excludes institutional factors such as education and energy subsidies, shows a year-on-year increase significantly higher than the 1.4% increase in the benchmark core consumer price index released by the Japanese government last week. The BOJ began releasing this data in March to strengthen communication about potential inflation, as this information is crucial for its interest rate decisions. Analysts suggest that the April inflation data may help the BOJ demonstrate that even after excluding government subsidies, the inflation rate remains above the target level, thus providing a basis for raising interest rates next month.On May 26th, Kingboard Laminates (01888.HK) surged over 7% intraday, reaching a new high of HK$56.25. Citigroup issued a research report stating that due to the faster-than-expected increase in the average selling price of electronic-grade fiberglass cloth in May, and the anticipated increase in the average selling price of copper clad laminates (CCL) next month, Citigroup raised its earnings forecasts for Kingboard Laminates by 16% to 24% for 2026 to 2028, and raised its target price from HK$51 to HK$66. The bank expects Kingboard Laminates to benefit from rising CCL prices due to copper cost inflation, as well as a shortage of electronic-grade fiberglass cloth. It anticipates that the groups gross margin will enter an expansion cycle, surpassing the high of approximately 34% in 2021, reaching 28.3% in 2026, 33.1% in 2027, and 34.9% in 2028. Citigroup noted that in addition to benefiting from the electronic-grade fiberglass cloth business, the group also benefits from the shortage of AI-related copper foil. The group plans to further upgrade its facilities and build a 21,000-ton capacity, mainly for HVLP4 standards, which is expected to be put into operation in mid-2027. The bank maintains its "Buy" rating and regards Kingboard Laminates as its top pick in the China industrial AI infrastructure theme.According to Zhonglianjin Information Network, sulfur prices generally declined today. In Shandong, Dongming Petrochemical quoted solid sulfur at 7550 yuan/ton and liquid sulfur at 7400 yuan/ton, both down 150 yuan/ton from the previous period; Qicheng Petrochemical and Zhenghe Petrochemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7300 yuan/ton, both down 100 yuan/ton; Huaxing Petrochemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7260 yuan/ton, down 90 yuan/ton; Shangneng Petrochemical and Shenchi Chemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7290 yuan/ton and 7303 yuan/ton respectively, down 60 yuan/ton and 50 yuan/ton respectively; Wantong Petrochemical quoted solid sulfur at 7077 yuan/ton, down 30 yuan/ton. Regarding ports, Zhenjiang Ports price is 7400-7430 yuan/ton, down 30-40 yuan/ton from the previous period; Dafeng Ports price is 7380-7410 yuan/ton, down 30-40 yuan/ton from the previous period. In addition, Qingdao Refining & Chemicals solid and liquid prices remain stable, while Jincheng Petrochemical and Xintai Petrochemical have no prices quoted, and Huifeng Petrochemicals liquid sulfur price is currently unavailable due to unit shutdown.On May 26th, AntLingbo announced a deep strategic partnership with Jianzhi Innovation (Beijing) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. According to the cooperation plan, the two parties will collaborate on data sharing across AntLingbos full-series embodied intelligent model matrix. They will also jointly develop dedicated data acquisition equipment to continuously improve the accuracy and dimensionality of human data and accelerate the scaling up of high-quality physical real-world data.On May 26, a joint statement was released by the Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The statement noted that Pakistan positively appraised the informal trilateral meeting between China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in Urumqi in April 2026 and welcomed Chinas provision of a dialogue platform for communication between the two sides. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on the Afghan issue. Both sides emphasized that no individual, group, or political party, including the Pakistani Taliban and the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, will be allowed to use relevant territories to undermine or threaten regional security and interests, or to engage in terrorist acts and activities.

The EUR/GBP is fluctuating close to 0.8750 as focus shifts to UK inflation and BoE policy

Alina Haynes

Mar 20, 2023 13:22

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The EUR/GBP pair is exhibiting a lackluster performance around 0.8750 during the Asian session. As investors prepare for the release of the Bank of England's (BOE) interest rate decision and the United Kingdom's Consumer Price Index (CPI) this week, the cross has moved sideways.

 

Despite the fact that the headline asserts that UBS has revitalized Credit Suisse, the cross appears to be weak. Credit Suisse shareholders will receive one share of UBS for every 22.48 Credit Suisse shares they own, valuing the bank at $3.15 billion (£2.6 billion), according to BBC News. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) stated that the agreement was the most effective means of restoring market confidence and mitigating economic risks. Additionally, the BoE endorsed the "comprehensive set of actions."

 

The consensus opinion on the street is that Governor Andrew Bailey of the Bank of England (BoE) will provide a pessimistic outlook for the interest rate decision amidst concerns of banking turmoil, which will be his top priority.

 

Rabobank analysts also anticipate a 25 basis point (bps) rate hike and caution that the market has not fully factored in this scenario. Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, would raise rates by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent.

 

Prior to that, the UK inflation data released on Wednesday will be attentively monitored. The annual headline CPI is expected to decline from 10.1% to 9.8%, according to projections. At 5.8%, the core CPI, which excludes the cost of fuels and food, would not change. It should be aware that persistent inflation in the United Kingdom is due to rising food prices and a labor shortage.

 

After the European Central Bank (ECB) raised interest rates by 50 basis points (bps) last week, Gediminas imkus, a member of the ECB Governing Council, stated on Friday that "the terminal rate has not yet been reached" For further deflation, extremely persistent inflation in the Eurozone requires higher interest rates.