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Bank of America points out that the Iran conflict poses risks to the global automotive industry, with rising oil prices potentially accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. Higher fuel costs enhance the economic attractiveness of electric vehicles, with limited short-term financial impact on automakers, while long-term domestic and foreign consumer demand and cost pressures will be the main risks.

Mexico's state-owned oil company Pemex's Finance Secretary Edgar Amador stated that the company will observe medium-term oil price trends before adjusting its crude export strategy, with recent oil price increases driven by Middle East conflicts viewed as short-term impacts. Pemex seeks to prioritize the development of its refining business, reduce dependence on imports, and achieve a balance between exports and meeting local demand.

Key senators reached a preliminary agreement with the White House to advance cryptocurrency stablecoin yield legislation, addressing disputes between banks and digital asset companies. The agreement is expected to break a long-standing stalemate and enable the regulatory bill to advance in the Senate.

Bundesbank President Nagel stated that rising energy costs could trigger broader inflation, prompting the European Central Bank to tighten policy. Despite recently holding rates steady, the central bank may need to take action if inflation expectations continue to exceed targets. Nagel emphasized the need to remain vigilant about inflation dynamics to ensure medium-term stability at 2%.

Trump announces the United States is approaching the end of military operations against Iran and puts forward five standards to ensure Tehran's military threats are eliminated. The US will shift toward protecting allies and maintaining maritime security, marking structural changes in geopolitical risks and global markets.

Roblox Corp. will adjust its advertising policy starting May 4, implementing revenue sharing from in-game sponsored activities, clarifying what constitutes advertising, and restricting certain ad types from being shown to players under 13. This move aims to increase advertising revenue and facilitate brand access.

Investors showed demand of $25 billion for Electronic Arts' nearly $15 billion debt offering, demonstrating resilience for large-scale acquisitions. Despite pressures in the credit market, high-quality tech assets continue to command a premium. Morgan Stanley's underwriting success will influence the M&A market, though risks remain subject to regional conflicts and energy price volatility.

The UK government allows the United States to use its military bases to target Iran's missile facilities that threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This operation is intended to enhance collective self-defense and diminish Iran's offensive capabilities.

Amid escalating Middle East conflicts, rising energy prices, and a reversal in interest rate expectations, the gold market has suffered severe selling pressure, with international gold prices declining continuously and recording the largest weekly drop since 2011. Spot gold has declined approximately 9.5% this week, while silver has fallen more than 14%. The market has been primarily affected by multiple factors including changes in the macro environment, strengthened rate hike expectations, weakened safe-haven demand, and capital outflows. Despite near-term headwinds, gold's long-term value proposition remains unchanged.

Iranian officials are reluctant to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in response to military strikes, with related attacks delaying the resumption of commercial shipping. Rising oil prices have exacerbated European concerns about energy costs and security, and with the conflict showing no signs of resolution, ceasefire negotiations have become impractical.

Latest data shows that traders are bullish on the dollar for the first time, driven by safe-haven demand and shifts in interest rate expectations. Hedge funds have established a $6.2 billion long position in the dollar, ending their previous short stance. U.S. military operations and rising oil prices have intensified inflation, strengthening the dollar. The market is rapidly reducing expectations for rate cuts and is instead beginning to anticipate Fed rate hikes.

Goldman Sachs pointed out that disruptions in Qatar's natural gas supply have led to increased volatility in the global markets, causing European natural gas prices to soar and benefiting companies engaged in spot pricing and liquefied natural gas trading. The price of Brent crude oil is expected to reach $92.7 per barrel in 2026, with European natural gas prices anticipated to rise significantly. BP is a major beneficiary due to its advantages in liquefied natural gas trading.

Federal Reserve officials stated they expect to cut interest rates this year, even though the market had briefly anticipated a possible rate hike. Inflation concerns sparked by conflicts in the Middle East have influenced market expectations, with officials highlighting labor market weakness to support the rate-cutting stance, indicating that the policy trajectory has not fundamentally changed. Overall, there remains uncertainty regarding market sentiment and Federal Reserve policy.

Investing.com -- Volkswagen announced on Friday that Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch will seek reelection at the automaker's annual shareholder meeting in June.
Poetsch has served as chairman of the supervisory board since 2015, taking on the role weeks after Volkswagen admitted to using illegal software to manipulate American diesel engine tests, marking the beginning of the diesel emissions scandal.
_This article was assisted by artificial intelligence in translation. For more information, please see our Terms of Use._

JPMorgan Chase has lowered its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 7,200 points, warning that conflicts in the Middle East could lead to supply shocks and an economic slowdown. Strategists note that high oil prices will dampen corporate profits, market sensitivity to risks is increasing, and investors should stay cautious.

ZhiTong Finance APP learned that on Friday, the three major indices fell sharply, recording the fourth consecutive week of declines, with the Dow and Nasdaq approaching correction territory. After the U.S. stock market close, U.S. President Trump posted on social media stating, "We are very close to achieving our goal," with the U.S. considering gradually scaling back military operations against Iran. During the closing trading session, Trump stated he could engage in dialogue with Iran but does not currently want a ceasefire. Additionally, reports indicate the U.S. has made detailed preparations for deploying ground forces in Iran.
【U.S. Stocks】At market close, the Dow fell 443.96 points, down 0.96%, closing at 45,577.47 points; the Nasdaq fell 443.08 points, down 2.01%, closing at 21,647.61 points; the S&P 500 Index fell 100.01 points, down 1.51%, closing at 6,506.48 points. Super Micro Computer (SMCI.US) fell over 33%, NVIDIA (NVDA.US) fell

Hyundai has recalled 68,500 Palisade SUVs due to electric seats that could trap passengers, following reports of four minor injuries and one child death. Sales have been indefinitely suspended as the company conducts system safety updates and advises owners to exercise caution when operating the seats.

# Macroeconomic News
1. Li Qiang issued important instructions on national spring agricultural production work, emphasizing the need to fully implement the spirit of the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference meetings, unrelentingly strengthen grain production, implement a new round of hundred-billion-jin grain production capacity enhancement initiative, maintain high-level stable and secure supply of grain and other important agricultural products, and provide strong support for achieving a good start to the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan."
2. On March 20, 2026, the Ministry of Justice, People's Bank of China, Financial Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission, and State Administration of Foreign Exchange published the "Draft Financial Law of the People's Republic of China" on their official websites and solicited public comments. The opinions indicated that the central bank, in coordination with relevant departments of the State Council, implements macroeconomic regulation and management of the financial market, and can adopt countercyclical, cross-cyclical adjustment measures as circumstances warrant. The opinions also noted the establishment and improvement of rapid response mechanisms for financial market risks to properly address major risks such as abnormal market fluctuations, market panic, and liquidity squeeze.
3. People's Bank of China, National...

The owner of Echelon Data Centres is considering selling part or all of its stake, with a potential valuation of up to €4.5 billion. Deutsche Bank and Eastdil Secured are assisting with the strategic review, and a sales process could be launched in the coming weeks, though the owner may also choose to continue holding the asset.