International News

1. Tariffs - ① US National Economic Council Director Hassett: It is expected that tariff news will be announced today (Thursday Eastern Time) before the end of the day.

② US Vice President Pence: India may be one of the first countries to reach a trade agreement.

③ The US confirms that Canadian and Mexican auto parts are exempt from tariffs.

④ UK media: The EU plans to purchase 50 billion euros of US goods to address trade issues.

2. US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin: The 2-year Treasury yield falling below the federal funds rate is a signal for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. GDP data is expected to be revised.

3. The Bank of Japan keeps its target interest rate unchanged at 0.50% for the second consecutive meeting, lowering its economic and core inflation forecasts.

4. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso: There has been no discussion with the US about controlling foreign exchange trends or frameworks. Discussions were held with the US on whether constructive discussions on foreign exchange issues are needed. The large amount of US Treasury bonds held by Japan could be used as a tool in trade negotiations.

5. The negotiations between Iran and the US originally scheduled for May 3 will be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. Trump: All purchases of Iranian oil products must stop, otherwise secondary sanctions will be imposed.

6. A survey shows that in April this year, OPEC's crude oil production fell by 200,000 barrels per day to 27.24 million barrels per day, mainly due to impending US sanctions on Venezuela.

7. South Korea's ruling and opposition parties have agreed to raise the additional budget from the proposed 12.2 trillion won to 13.8 trillion won.

8. The Indian Ministry of Defense accuses Pakistan of violating ceasefire regulations for seven consecutive days.