https://www.gurutrade.com/news/rss/ The latest news on the global economy and the recent trends in forex, commodities, stocks and cryptocurrency markets. Sun, 03 May 2026 05:11:25 +0300 50 en https://www.gurutrade.com/news/chevron-s-upstream-strength-lifts-q1-earnings-past-estimate-1777662036.html Downstream segment swings to loss, mainly from timing effects Upstream earnings grow 4 yearonyear CFO says 1 billion in timing effects to unwind in Q2 HOUSTON, May 1 Reuters Chevron exceeded Wall Street estimates for its firstquarter earnings on Friday, as elevated oil prices linked to the U.S.Israeli war on Iran helped boost results from its upstream business. The company reported adjusted earnings of 1.41 per share, well above the consensus estimate of 95 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. Despite the strong beat, overall profit marked its lowest level in five years, partly due to unfavorable timing effects tied to financial derivatives. Chevron39;s upstream segment, its largest business unit, generated 3.9 billion in earnings, up 4 yearonyear as higher oil prices led to increased revenue. Earnings from international upstream surpassed expectations, analysts from Jefferies said. The conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, significantly disrupted global energy markets with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz nearly halted, tightening supply and pushing oil prices up as much as 50 during the reported quarter. Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said it was too soon to say how current events will ultimately reshape the sector. The new equilibrium will look different than what we39;ve known before, but I39;m not sure I could argue with a lot of confidence that I could describe exactly what that looks like. One thing you can expect from us is consistency, he... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/chevron-s-upstream-strength-lifts-q1-earnings-past-estimate-1777662036.html Fri, 01 May 2026 07:30:42 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/exxon-net-income-falls-output-hit-by-iran-war-1777661477.html Exxon profit hit by Middle East disruptions U.S.Iran conflict hits output, volumes could fall further in second quarter Oil majors show uneven hits from U.S.Iran war CFO says paper losses from hedging to unwind in a 39;few months39; HOUSTON, May 1 Reuters Exxon Mobil beat estimates for adjusted earnings on Friday, helped by higher output in Guyana and the Permian Basin, though unadjusted profit dropped to its lowest level in five years due to global supply disruptions from the Iran war that the company39;s CEO cautioned could worsen in coming months. Adjusted earnings for the first three months of the year were 1.16 per share, above the consensus estimate of 1.00 as compiled by LSEG, while net income was 4.2 billion, the lowest since the first quarter of 2021. It was 7.7 billion for the yearago period. The Middle East conflict has driven both U.S. and international oil prices to well over 100 a barrel, but the effect on oil majors39; profits has been uneven. Exxon, one of the most exposed, saw its production dip, while European rivals BP and Total brought in higher profits from trading operations. About 20 of Exxon39;s oil and gas production is located in the Middle East, one of the highest exposure rates among the majors. Chevron, the No. 2 U.S. oil producer, said on Friday that less than 5 of its production comes from that region. CEO Darren Woods warned that prices could continue to rise, saying the disruption in supply has been so far somewhat offset by... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/exxon-net-income-falls-output-hit-by-iran-war-1777661477.html Fri, 01 May 2026 06:50:05 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/spain-s-sabadell-completes-sale-of-uk-s-tsb-to-santander-1777659900.html MADRID, May 1 Reuters Spain39;s Sabadell said on Friday it had completed the sale of British bank TSB to Santander for a total of around 3.3 billion euros 3.87 billion. The amount includes the 2.65 billion pound purchase price, about 3.05 billion euros, plus 213 million pounds, some 240 million euros, in value generated by TSB in the months leading up to the close of the deal, which was announced in July. Sabadell, Spain39;s fourthlargest listed bank by market value, said completion of the deal would allow it to book a capital gain of around 300 million euros and generate more than 400 basis points of capital. Following regulatory approvals, Sabadell will also be able to distribute a special dividend of 0.50 euro per share to shareholders on May 29, the bank said in a statement. Santander, the euro zone39;s biggest bank by stock market value, said in July that the transaction would help it become the thirdlargest bank in Britain when ranked by personal current account balances. 1 0.8524 euros Reporting by Graham Keeley and Jesús Aguado; Editing by David Goodman and Alexander Smith Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/spain-s-sabadell-completes-sale-of-uk-s-tsb-to-santander-1777659900.html Fri, 01 May 2026 06:30:39 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/apple-shares-rise-on-record-sales-before-ceo-turnover-1777660572.html May 1 Reuters Apple shares jumped 3.6 in early trading on Friday after the iPhone maker posted its strongest quarterly sales growth in more than four years, a show of momentum as it prepares to hand over the reins to a new CEO. Its latest iPhone 17 Pro series and the newly launched lowcost MacBook Neo laptop are both drawing buyers at a time of low overall demand in the consumer electronics industry due to price hikes forced by the memory chip shortage. Even though Apple39;s margins for the JanuaryMarch quarter and its fiscal thirdquarter forecast were above Wall Street estimates, outgoing CEO Tim Cook warned that higher memory costs would increasingly weigh on the business from June. Limited supply of the advanced processors for iPhone have already hampered Apple39;s ability to capitalize on strong demand. The chips are made by Taiwan39;s TSMC, the leading producer of AI processors. Analysts say Apple39;s clout with longtime suppliers could position it better than rivals in securing memory chips but it might have to raise prices later this year. The key question will be deciding the perfect balance strategically between increasing prices and maintaining profitability or focusing on gaining share by not increasing prices, said Nabila Popal, a senior research director at IDC. I think Apple will increase prices of the Pro and ProMax in upcoming fall launch, however even if they don39;t, with the super highend iPhone fold coming up which we expect to be well over... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/apple-shares-rise-on-record-sales-before-ceo-turnover-1777660572.html Fri, 01 May 2026 05:30:16 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/colgate-palmolive-beats-q1-view-on-strong-international-demand-1777664537.html May 1 Reuters ColgatePalmolive beat expectations for firstquarter sales and profit on Friday, helped by strong international demand for household staples such as oral and personal care products. Shares of the company that makes Colgate toothpaste and Palmolive soaps rose 3 in premarket trading. They have gained 8 so far this year. The company has benefited from steady demand for its toothpaste and manual toothbrushes as well as household cleaning products despite price hikes, which helped boost margins and make up for higher tariffs and raw material costs. The conflict in the Middle East is increasing pressure on raw materials, packaging and logistics costs and can also hurt global consumer spending, Colgate said. It predicted significant inflationary pressure due to rising prices of oil and other commodities. ColgatePalmolive posted net sales of 5.32 billion for the three months ended March 31. Analysts on average expected revenue of 5.22 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Adjusted earnings per share of 97 cents surpassed analysts39; estimate of 95 cents. Colgate39;s strength in its international markets has helped counter falling demand in the U.S. as budgetconscious shoppers look to save by choosing lowerpriced alternatives amid higher living costs. North America segment volumes fell 3.2 in the quarter, but overall volumes inched up 1.1. Overall pricing increased 2.2. The company39;s upbeat quarterly results mirror those of consumer goods rivals... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/colgate-palmolive-beats-q1-view-on-strong-international-demand-1777664537.html Fri, 01 May 2026 04:40:04 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/estee-lauder-to-cut-3-000-jobs-lifts-profit-forecast-1777663318.html Co beats Q3 estimates as demand improves amid turnaround push Over 70 of the additional job cuts will come from department store roles, company says Shares jump about 11 premarket May 1 Reuters Estee Lauder on Friday raised its annual profit forecast and laid out plans to cut up to 3,000 more jobs globally as it accelerates a broader restructuring, sending its shares up about 11 in premarket trading. The Clinique and M.A.C owner, which is in talks to merge with Jean Paul Gaultierowner Puig, said it now expects a total reduction of 9,000 to 10,000 positions, up from a prior estimate of as many as 7,000, and aims to save as much as 1.2 billion in costs. At the upper end of these cuts, the new target is about 17.5 of its total employee base of 57,000 worldwide as of June 30, 2025, according to Estee39;s latest annual filing. The increase in planned job cuts could be an indication that in light of merger plans, Estee Lauder will be able to shed more positions on its side while retaining Puig employees, eMarketer analyst Sky Canaves said. More than 70 of the additional cuts will come from reducing department store staff roles, the company said, as it pursues a turnaround that involves shifting focus to fastergrowing digital and specialty retail channels such as Ulta, Sephora, Amazon and TikTok Shop. RESTRUCTURING TAKES HOLD Estee39;s focus on premium launches and streamlining the supply chain under CEO Stephane de La Faverie39;s Beauty Reimagined strategy helped... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/estee-lauder-to-cut-3-000-jobs-lifts-profit-forecast-1777663318.html Fri, 01 May 2026 04:20:58 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/byd-s-sales-downturn-extends-to-eighth-straight-month-1777665127.html SHANGHAI, May 1 Reuters Chinese EV giant BYD39;s vehicle sales fell for an eighth straight month in April, down 15.5 from a year earlier and extending its longestever downturn as it struggles with weak demand at home. Overseas sales of passenger vehicles and pickup trucks, increasingly a source of growth for BYD, jumped 35 to 130,000 vehicles last month, according to Reuters calculations based on a Weibo post by BYD executive Li Yunfei. The company has not disclosed its overall sales target for this year, but has said it39;s confident about selling at least 1.5 million vehicles abroad. The biggest Chinese competitor to Tesla posted its steepest profit drop since 2020 in the JanuaryMarch period, as the bulk of its sales in the budget segment priced under 150,000 yuan 21,935.60 come under growing pressure from Geely and Leapmotor. BYD39;s previous longest sales decline lasted six months amid a rollback of government electricvehicle subsidies that ended in December 2019. As it navigates challenges at home, where reduced tradein subsidies for entrylevel EVs and plugin hybrids are expediting a shift toward premium models, BYD is launching models with fastercharging batteries and building a superfast charging network to reassure buyers of its technological edge. It is also raising the price of its inhouse driving assistant system addon for EVs from Friday, citing rising global memory hardware costs. Reporting by Casey Hall and Qiaoyi Li; Editing by Joe Bavier Source... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/byd-s-sales-downturn-extends-to-eighth-straight-month-1777665127.html Fri, 01 May 2026 03:40:58 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/steady-oil-prices-set-for-weekly-gain-as-iran-war-rumbles-on-1777640688.html Brent crude and WTI on track for strong weekly gains UAE39;s Gargash says unilateral Iranian arrangements for Hormuz can39;t be trusted Iran threatens painful response if U.S. renews attacks LONDON, May 1 Reuters Oil prices steadied but remained on track for weekly gains on Friday as efforts to halt the Iran war remained at an impasse, with Tehran still blocking the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. Navy blocking exports of Iranian crude. Brent crude futures for July were up 53 cents, or 0.5, at 110.93 a barrel by 1124 GMT. West Texas Intermediate futures dropped 56 cents, or 0.5, to 104.51. The Brent benchmark was poised for a 5.2 gain over the week while WTI was on track to finish the week up 10.5. Brent39;s June contract hit 126.41 a barrel on Thursday, marking the highest level since March 2022, before ending the session down. Thursdays sharp reversal underscores a market that is taking the stairs up but risks the elevator down on any sudden easing headline, making conditions exceptionally challenging for traders, said Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank. Oil prices have been on the rise since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran at the end of February, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of shipments of about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas supply. The path of least resistance for crude oil prices remains upward as long as flows through the strait are restricted, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo, adding that oil inventories... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/steady-oil-prices-set-for-weekly-gain-as-iran-war-rumbles-on-1777640688.html Fri, 01 May 2026 03:10:25 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/financial-firms-didn-t-expect-boe-rate-hike-last-month-boe-1777654901.html LONDON, May 1 Reuters Financial firms surveyed by the Bank of England last month did not expect the central bank to raise interest rates this year, though they no longer expected rates to be cut, according to a poll released by the BoE on Friday. The BoE39;s quarterly Market Participants Survey, conducted from April 1517, showed a median expectation for Bank Rate at the end of 2026 to be 3.75, versus an expectation three months earlier for it to be cut to 3.25. By contrast, interest rate futures are currently priced to show at least two quarterpoint rate increases this year. The poll also showed expectations for BoE quantitative tightening were unchanged at 50 billion pounds 68.01 billionfor the next 12month period running from October 2026 to September 2027. 1 0.7352 pounds Reporting by David Milliken Editing by William Schomberg Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/financial-firms-didn-t-expect-boe-rate-hike-last-month-boe-1777654901.html Fri, 01 May 2026 02:20:16 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/sterling-steady-at-10-week-high-in-quiet-end-to-busy-week-1777655886.html LONDON, May 1 Reuters TheMR pound held near a 10week high against the dollar on Friday as traders digested a week of central bank meetings in which the Bank of England kept interest rates steady and warned of inflation risks stemming from the Iran war. Sterling was little changed at 1.3606 and a touch softer against the euro at 86.32 pence, after jumping sharply against both on Thursday. ING analysts said the previous session39;s unusual rally may have been a function of monthend flows, where equity portfolio managers were rebalancing into UK asset markets after their underperformance in April. Fund managers typically target fixed allocations across regions and periodically buy or sell assets to restore those weightings after market moves. Liquidity on Friday was thin due to holidays across much of Europe, while the bigger mediumterm focus for the pound was Thursday39;s BoE meeting. The bank outlined a wide range of possible economic impacts from the Iran war, from scenarios that might require forceful rate rises to others that may warrant no increase at all. Governor Andrew Bailey said policymakers faced a difficult judgement call over coming months, warning that waiting for clear evidence of inflationary pressures could leave the BoE acting too late. He said he did not want to push back against market expectations for at least two rate rises this year and described policy as being on an active hold. Markets see a June rate hike as roughly a coin toss and price... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/sterling-steady-at-10-week-high-in-quiet-end-to-busy-week-1777655886.html Fri, 01 May 2026 01:50:43 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japan-traders-see-record-profits-utilities-forecast-pain-as-iran-war-weighs-1777666093.html Marubeni, Itochu and Sumitomo forecast record annual profits Mitsui and Mitsubishi too expect higher fullyear profits Japan relies on the Middle East for the bulk of its oil supplies Domestic utilities warn of profit hit as procurement costs increase TOKYO, May 1 Reuters Some big Japanese trading houses forecast on Friday record annual profits as the U.S.Israeli war on Iran keeps commodity prices high, while Japanese utilities warned of weaker earnings as fuel procurement costs spike. Japan, one of the world39;s most vulnerable countries to energy import disruptions, has intensified diplomatic efforts and pledged billions of yen in support from subsidies to currency intervention  to cushion the economic shock from the war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trading house Marubeni39;s Chief Executive Masayuki Omoto said the Middle East crisis presents more upside than downside risks to earnings thanks to higher commodity prices. The company forecast a net profit of 580 billion yen 3.7 billion for the current fiscal year, up 7 yearonyear and marking a second consecutive record. Our forecast is based on oil price assumptions prior to the war, and if current market conditions persist, there is potential upside of 3040 billion yen for the year, Omoto told reporters. Itochu and Sumitomo also forecast record profits, with earnings projected to rise 6 to 950 billion yen and 5 to 630 billion yen, respectively. Itochu would post a third straight record year, while... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japan-traders-see-record-profits-utilities-forecast-pain-as-iran-war-weighs-1777666093.html Fri, 01 May 2026 01:30:27 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/uk-mortgage-approvals-rise-to-4-month-high-boe-data-shows-1777630304.html LONDON, May 1 Reuters British lenders approved the most mortgages in four months in March while consumer lending grew at the fastest annual rate in over two years, according to Bank of England data which showed some resilience in the economy at the start of the Iran war. The number of mortgages approved for house purchase a leading indicator for home sales rose to 63,531 in March from 62,708 in February, the highest number since November and bucking economists39; expectations in a Reuters poll for a fall. Friday39;s data also showed net unsecured lending to consumers rose by 1.895 billion pounds 2.58 billion in March, slightly less than in February but above economists39; forecast of a 1.75 billion pound increase, and representing the fastest annual credit growth since January 2024 at 8.9. A drop in consumer confidence since the start of the Iran war and the prospect of higher mortgage rates have caused property surveyors and mortgage lender Halifax to report falling prices and lower buyer demand in March. But figures from Nationwide Building Society released earlier on Friday showed house prices continuing to rise modestly in April, increasing by 3.0 from the same month in 2025. Rob Wood, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, questioned how long the trend would continue. If the BoE raised borrowing costs as markets expect, the interest rate on a new twoyear fixedrate mortgage at 75 loantovalue looked set to rise to 4.8 in the coming months, up from 4.5... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/uk-mortgage-approvals-rise-to-4-month-high-boe-data-shows-1777630304.html Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:16 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/reddit-rallies-on-ai-ad-growth-strong-revenue-outlook-1777629614.html May 1 Reuters Reddit shares jumped 16 in premarket trading on Friday after an upbeat quarterly revenue forecast underscored growing returns from the social media company39;s AIdriven advertising tools. The company39;s AIoptimized ad platform helps advertisers place targeted ads directly within relevant discussion threads across its interestbased communities called subreddits. The strong results signal that the company39;s strategy is paying off as Reddit takes on bigger ad rivals such as Meta39;s Instagram and Facebook. Reddit is still hiring and adding to our talent base, Chief Operating Officer Jen Wong told Reuters on Thursday. The remarks paint Reddit as an outlier, as companies such as Meta, Snap and Pinterest have cut thousands of jobs over the past year to streamline operations and refocus spending on artificial intelligence. Reddit39;s stock has had a turbulent year, sliding roughly 36 yeartodate, while Snap and Pinterest have dropped about 24 each. Its daily active unique visitors grew 17 to 126.8 million in the quarter, while global average revenue per user increased by 44. Execution across these areas U.S. user growth remains key to driving multiple expansion for Redditas it will showcase its growing importance, even in a future GenAI enabled and agentic landscape, said analysts at Morgan Stanley. Its ad platform uses AI to improve campaign creation and management through features including an AI copywriter for Redditspecific advertisements and an... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/reddit-rallies-on-ai-ad-growth-strong-revenue-outlook-1777629614.html Fri, 01 May 2026 12:20:44 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ecb-officials-back-rate-hike-as-inflation-may-linger-1777626989.html ECB faces risk of higher inflation becoming entrenched Rate hike may be necessary as soon as June, says Nagel Markets now see three rate hikes FRANKFURT, May 1 Reuters The European Central Bank may need to tighten policy, perhaps as soon as June, policymakers said on Friday, warning that the inflation outlook is deteriorating and the risk is rising that high price growth gets entrenched. The ECB left interest rates unchanged on Thursday but debated hiking rates and signalled, in both on and offrecord comments, that higher rates would remain on the agenda as it fears an energyinduced inflation spike could persist beyond a oneoff impact. From todays perspective, the situation is evolving less favourably than in the earlier baseline scenario, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said. This makes it all the more appropriate for the Governing Council to respond in June if the outlook does not improve markedly. The ECB outlined a baseline, an adverse and a severe scenario for growth and inflation in March and even its most benign outlook assumed some policy tightening. Estonian central bank chief Madis Muller also warned on Friday that the ECB39;s 2 deposit rate may need to rise. We did not yet consider it necessary to raise interest rates this week, but it is increasingly likely that we will have to do so in the future, he said in a blog post. There are already signs that rising energy prices are being passed on to other products and services. The ECB can not lower... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ecb-officials-back-rate-hike-as-inflation-may-linger-1777626989.html Fri, 01 May 2026 11:50:19 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-heads-for-weekly-loss-on-oil-driven-inflation-concerns-1777624829.html Trading thin amid holidays in China, India Iran says it would retaliate with strikes on US positions Annual US inflation posts biggest gain in about 3 years in March Brokerages price out Fed rate cut expectations for the year May 1 Reuters Gold prices fell in thin trading on Friday, and were set for a weekly decline, pressured by higher oil prices that have stoked inflation fears and lifted expectations that interest rates will stay higher for longer a headwind for nonyielding assets. Spot gold was down 0.6 to 4,592.99 per ounce at 0655 GMT, and was on track for a weekly loss of about 2.4, after dropping to a onemonth low on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures for June delivery dipped 0.5 to 4,604.50. Trading volumes were light as financial markets in top gold consumers China and India were closed for public holidays. What we39;re seeing now is essentially the dominant war trade narrative, once again reasserting itself after a day39;s correction, said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at Tastylive, noting that gold is back down, and oil back up. Geopolitical tensions remained in focus after Iran said on Thursday it would respond with long and painful strikes on U.S. positions if Washington renewed attacks, reiterating its claim to the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude prices held above 110 a barrel as efforts to resolve the conflict stalled. U.S. inflation accelerated in March as the war raised gasoline prices, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve could... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-heads-for-weekly-loss-on-oil-driven-inflation-concerns-1777624829.html Fri, 01 May 2026 10:30:17 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/yen-steadies-after-japan-intervention-traders-eye-more-1777622632.html Yen set for biggest weekly gain in over 2 months after Japan39;s intervention Analysts question intervention39;s longterm impact, citing persistent weak fundamentals ECB and BOJ hold rates but signal possible hikes in June to address energy inflation TOKYO, May 1 Reuters The yen trimmed gains against the dollar on Friday, but was still poised for its strongest weekly rally in more than two months after Japanese authorities stepped into the markets to haul the currency back from near twoyear lows. Investors remained on high alert for further action from Japan39;s Ministry of Finance MOF, with May 1 holidays thinning markets around Asia. A Japanese official hinted that further intervention could come as the nation heads into its Golden Week holidays next week. The difficulty is they are sort of fighting against some underlying fundamentals there, Ken Crompton, the head of rates strategy at National Australia Bank, said about Japan39;s intervention efforts. The weak yen is probably there for a reason and how successful the MOF will be in fighting against the tide on a sustained basis is sort of hard to see at the moment, he added. The yen weakened 0.39 to 157.21 per dollar, but Thursday39;s surge put the Japanese currency on course for a 1.35 jump this week, the most since midFebruary. The dollar index , which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, rose 0.05 to 98.20, while the euro edged 0.04 lower to 1.1725. Japan39;s top currency diplomat... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/yen-steadies-after-japan-intervention-traders-eye-more-1777622632.html Fri, 01 May 2026 10:20:43 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japanese-yen-jumps-against-dollar-hours-after-intervention-1777620799.html LONDON, May 1 Reuters The yen suddenly jumped against the dollar on Friday, a day after Tokyo authorities were widely believed to have intervened to prop up the Japanese currency. The dollar fell by as much as 0.66 to a session low of 155.60 from 157.12 earlier. The yen rose by as much as 3 on Thursday after an apparent steady stream of official buying pushed the dollar to a low of 155.5 yen from around 158.3 over the course of about an hour, which Reuters and others reported was intervention by Japanese officials. It was not clear what was behind Friday39;s move, but analysts said after Thursday the market would be on edge for any sudden moves in the currency. Japan39;s top currency diplomat Atsushi Mimura said earlier on Friday that speculation remained rife, a blunt warning that officials were ready to step back into markets after intervening just hours earlier to support the yen, which has lost 5 in the last three months alone. The Ministry of Finance was not immediately available for comment. Liquidity is thin and people are nervous after yesterday so there is a susceptibility to volatility in the dollaryen, said Jeremy Stretch, head of G10 FX strategy, CIBC Capital Markets. Every time we see a substantial move in the yen there will be questioning about what is driving this given the warnings we have had. The wide gap between U.S. and Japanese interest rates, together with an expected drop in trading volumes ahead of a holiday stretch have made officials... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japanese-yen-jumps-against-dollar-hours-after-intervention-1777620799.html Fri, 01 May 2026 10:10:26 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/uk-house-prices-rise-in-april-despite-iran-war-nationwide-1777625656.html LONDON, May 1 Reuters British house prices unexpectedly rose for a fourth month in a row in April, despite headwinds to consumer confidence from conflict in the Middle East, mortgage lender Nationwide Building Society said on Friday. House prices rose 0.4 in April after a 0.9 increase in March, in contrast to economists39; expectations in a Reuters poll for a 0.3 drop. Prices were 3.0 higher than a year earlier, faster than the expected 2.2 growth. Despite the uncertainty caused by developments in the Middle East and the subsequent rise in energy prices, the UK housing market has continued to regain momentum following the slowdown recorded around the turn of the year, Nationwide chief economist Robert Gardner said. This is somewhat surprising given that indicators of consumer confidence have weakened noticeably, he added. Financing costs driving British mortgage rates have risen since the start of the Iran war to their highest since late 2024 and consumer sentiment has fallen to its lowest since 2023, according to GfK39;s longrunning survey. Property surveyors reported weaker buyer demand in March and the broadest decline in house prices since January 2024. Gardner said demand for now appeared to be supported by strong household finances debt levels are the lowest relative to income in around 20 years and by household income growth having outpaced house prices in recent years. Rival mortgage lender Halifax had reported a 0.5 fall in house prices in March.... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/uk-house-prices-rise-in-april-despite-iran-war-nationwide-1777625656.html Fri, 01 May 2026 09:10:44 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/asia-shares-find-hope-in-tech-resilience-oil-off-peak-1777622007.html Nikkei edges up after Wall St bounce, holidays limit action Dollar steadies vs yen after intervention slide Brent crude firms as Iran threatens, but off 4year peaks SYDNEY, May 1 Reuters Asian shares rallied in relief on Friday as oil prices came off the boil and upbeat company earnings pulled investors into tech stocks, while Japan39;s first yenbuying intervention in two years steadied the battered currency. Apple amplified the cheer by beating forecasts and providing an upbeat outlook for sales, though it did warn of chip supply constraints. Its shares rose 2.7 in extended trading, adding to gains of 10 in both Caterpillar and Alphabet as they beat expectations. Hopes for everrising profits saw the SP 500 climb more than 10 for all of April, while Nasdaq surged 15 in its best performance since 2020. SP 500 futures were up 0.2 on Friday, with Nasdaq futures firming 0.1. April was also a barnstormer for Asia, with Japan39;s Nikkei up 16 for the month, Taiwan gaining 23 and South Korea almost 31. Market holidays limited the reaction across Asia on Friday, with the Nikkei up 0.6 and Australian shares adding 0.9. MSCI39;s broadest index of AsiaPacific shares outside Japan edged 0.3 higher. Asia does remain acutely vulnerable to higher energy prices, importing most of its oil and gas, and oil flows remain badly disrupted through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Iran said on Thursday it would respond with long and painful strikes on U.S. positions if Washington renewed... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/asia-shares-find-hope-in-tech-resilience-oil-off-peak-1777622007.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:50:49 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/s-korean-april-exports-rise-48-0-y-y-as-chip-boom-extends-1777641172.html Semiconductor and computerrelated exports surge, offsetting weaker autos and higher energy costs Exports to China and the U.S. rise sharply, led by strong chip demand Preliminary trade surplus reaches 23.77 billion SEOUL, May 1 Reuters South Korean exports rose for an 11th month in April, beating forecasts, as the global appetite for artificial intelligence infrastructure boosted semiconductor sales to offset jitters from the Middle East conflict. Exports from Asia39;s fourthlargest economy, a bellwether for global trade, jumped 48.0 from a year earlier, government data showed on Friday, exceeding a median 45.3 increase forecast in a Reuters poll. Semiconductor exports rose 173 from a year earlier, buoyed by rising contract prices for memory chips, the industry ministry said in a statement. Shipments of petroleum products rose 40 on higher crude prices, while computerrelated exports also soared 516, driven by strong demand for solidstate drives amid the AI boom. Automobile exports fell 5.5 from a year earlier, weighed down by the Middle East tensions and expanding U.S. car production, the ministry said. Exports of electric and hybrid vehicles, however, rose 23 and 9, respectively. By country, South Korea39;s exports to China jumped 63 and those to the U.S. grew 54, both led by semiconductors. Imports increased 16.7 in April from a year ago, also outpacing a 14.5 gain tipped in the poll. The trade figures land just days after chip giants Samsung Electronics and... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/s-korean-april-exports-rise-48-0-y-y-as-chip-boom-extends-1777641172.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:30:25 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/wall-st-up-s-p-nasdaq-hit-biggest-monthly-gains-in-years-1777632197.html Indexes up Dow 1.62, SP 500 1.02 and Nasdaq 0.89 Alphabet rises after strong results Meta, Microsoft fall on capex concerns Caterpillar jumps to record high on Q1 profit rise Eli Lilly gains after lifting forecast NEW YORK, Reuters U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday and the SP 500 and the Nasdaq logged their biggest monthly gains in years as solid corporate earnings offset the warrelated oil supply shock that has rattled markets and sent crude prices to fouryear highs. But oil prices , eased and economic data showed the U.S. economy continues to grow at a healthy pace, helping as investors looked past geopolitical tensions and closed the book on a month of solid gains. The SP 500 recorded its biggest monthly percentage gain since November 2020, while the Nasdaq39;s monthly gain was its largest since April 2020. The Dow39;s monthly advance was its biggest since November 2024. The rally gained momentum throughout the session, pushing all three major U.S. stock indexes sharply higher. A lot of the economic data calmed investors39; fears, said Paul Nolte, senior wealth adviser market strategist at Murphy Sylvest in Elmhurst, Illinois. Beyond that, you39;ve got some pretty good earnings from a lot of different companies, and we39;re seeing that broaden out today. Until we see some changes to the market dynamic, as well as the economy, the momentum is on the bullish side, Nolte added. Industrials, powered by Caterpillar shares, put the Dow out front, while... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/wall-st-up-s-p-nasdaq-hit-biggest-monthly-gains-in-years-1777632197.html Fri, 01 May 2026 08:10:01 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/mexico-gdp-falls-world-cup-key-to-economic-recovery-1777633565.html All sectors declined, with primary seeing the sharpest dip Analysts expect World Cup to aid nearterm recovery Weak GDP data could pressure central bank to cut rates MEXICO CITY, Reuters Mexico39;s economy contracted 0.8 in the first quarter from the previous threemonth period, preliminary data showed on Thursday, an unexpected slowdown ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June that analysts expect to lightly boost growth. The decline in Latin America39;s secondlargest economy was wider than the 0.5 contraction forecast from economists polled by Reuters. The economy expanded 0.9 in the prior quarter, according to final data. Nearterm momentum remains subdued, but we still anticipate a gradual recovery supported by firmer domestic demand and a modest boost from the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, Itau chief economist Mario Mesquita said in a note. Itau estimates that the World Cup, which Mexico is cohosting along with the U.S. and Canada, will add 0.1 percentage point to Mexico39;s annual gross domestic product growth forecast at 1.1 for 2026, compared with growth in 2025 of 0.8. Still, analysts expect global trade tensions to weigh on growth and to impact decisions by the Bank of Mexico, also known as Banxico. Capital Economics analysts said there is a strong case for a rate cut of 25 basis points at Banxico39;s meeting next week. In the past, disappointing GDP releases have prompted Banxico to act, they said in a note. The central bank39;s decision in... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/mexico-gdp-falls-world-cup-key-to-economic-recovery-1777633565.html Fri, 01 May 2026 07:50:54 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/higher-oil-prices-fail-to-lift-pemex-as-q1-loss-hits-2-6b-1777631488.html MEXICO CITY, April 30 Reuters Mexico39;s Pemex reported a 45.99 billion peso 2.6 billion quarterly loss, as the state energy company failed to profit from a global oil price surge triggered by international conflict. The United States39; war with Iran has lifted crude oil prices worldwide to a fouryear high. Pemex is constrained by high debt, and has struggled to meet the government39;s ambitious production goal of 1.8 million bpd. As of the end of the first quarter, its financial debt stood at 79 billion, with 20.8 billion owed to providers. Together with its partners, Pemex pumped 1.652 million barrels per day bpd on average, up from the same quarter a year earlier, as it squeezed more barrels from the fields Maloob, Ixachi, Zaap, Ayatsil and Quesqui, among others. Production remains on a decadeslong decline and new contracts with private producers that were meant to lift output have advanced slowly and largely failed to draw big players. Pemex has progressively cut the number of barrels it exports, which has weighed on public finances. Most of Pemex39;s production is sent to its own refineries, including the new Olmeca refinery in the port of Dos Bocas. In its seven local refineries, Pemex processed 1.14 million bpd, the filing showed. While the debt remains a significant burden, it has trended downward in recent years following unprecedented fiscal support from the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum and her predecessor. The company39;s revenues in the... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/higher-oil-prices-fail-to-lift-pemex-as-q1-loss-hits-2-6b-1777631488.html Fri, 01 May 2026 07:40:58 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/mexico-holds-growth-target-but-hikes-inflation-outlook-1777632935.html MEXICO CITY, Reuters Mexico39;s finance ministry on Thursday kept its 2026 economic growth forecast unchanged, maintaining a relatively upbeat stance even after preliminary data showed the economy contracted slightly in the first quarter. In its firstquarter public finance report, the ministry held its annual GDP growth outlook at 1.8 to 2.8, despite figures released earlier in the day showing the economy likely shrank 0.8 in the quarter, a steeper drop than expected. The ministry also raised its yearend inflation forecast to 3.7 from the 3.0 estimate in the 2026 budget, signaling that price pressures are likely to remain above the central bank39;s official 3 target for longer than previously anticipated. Mexico39;s annual inflation rate eased in the first half of April, but still stood at 4.53. Finance Minister Edgar Amador said inflation expectations remained anchored, noting that in Mexico, 12month and longerterm inflation expectations remain contained. The government39;s decision to stand by its growth outlook comes as Mexico faces slowing domestic momentum and a more uncertain external environment. Amador said changes in global trade policy had hit manufacturing industries most exposed to indirect disruptions along supply chains, while also affecting consumer and business sentiment. Those changes have generated a greater degree of uncertainty that has affected both consumption and investment decisions, he said. The finance ministry forecast the average... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/mexico-holds-growth-target-but-hikes-inflation-outlook-1777632935.html Fri, 01 May 2026 07:30:42 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/leapmotor-venture-model-for-future-china-partnerships-stellantis-ceo-1777560149.html MILAN, April 30 Reuters Stellantis has a mutually rewarding partnership with China39;s Leapmotor which can be a model for future cooperation with other Chinese automakers, CEO Antonio Filosa said on Thursday. We take this partnership as an example of what we can do with, for instance, another Chinese automaker, Filosa said in a call with journalists, after the FrancoItalian company presented its first quarter results. Stellantis teamed up with Leapmotor in 2023 when it acquired around a fifth of the Chinese company and formed a joint venture in charge of producing and selling Leapmotor cars outside of China. Stellantis will this year start assembling Leapmotor39;s B10 compact SUV in Spain, while Reuters reported earlier this month that the two groups were in advanced talks to develop an Opelbranded electric SUV using the Chinese company39;s technology. As Stellantis prepares to unveil its new business plan on May 21, speculation is increasing that the FrancoItalian group could strike more deals with Leapmotors and other Chinese manufacturers to help fill its unused capacity in Europe. The CEO said Leapmotor was winning over customers from other automakers, rather than stealing them from other Stellantis brands. Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Milan, Nick Carey in London and Gilles Guillaume in Paris; writing by Giulio Piovaccari Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/leapmotor-venture-model-for-future-china-partnerships-stellantis-ceo-1777560149.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:10:27 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/pound-edges-up-as-markets-await-boe-signals-on-rate-outlook-1777553293.html April 30 Reuters The pound gained versus a weaker dollar as the Bank of England left rates unchanged and maintained a cautious, waitandsee approach to the fallout from the Middle East conflict. The BoE set out scenarios for the economic impact of the Iran war, one of which could require a forceful increase in borrowing costs. The pound was last 0.2 higher against the dollar at 1.3503, and roughly unchanged against the euro at 86.63 pence. Sterling dropped sharply versus the yen, which rose more than 2 against the dollar after an intervention warning by the Bank of Japan to support the Japanese currency. Sterling was last down 2.1 versus the yen at 211.51. The Monetary Policy Committee39;s nine members voted 81 to keep the BoE39;s benchmark Bank Rate at 3.75, with only Chief Economist Huw Pill seeking a hike to 4.0 now, in line with expectations in a Reuters poll of economists. Some analysts flagged that a 90 outcome would have been a dovish surprise. A period of watchful waiting is underway at the Bank of England as the MPC continues to grapple with the impact of the Iran conflict on the UK economy, said Jessica Hinds, director in Fitch Ratings Economics team. All in all, the BoE continues to strike a balancing act between tackling inflation persistence and supporting growth and the labour market, especially as wage growth is slowing, she added. Faced with deep uncertainty about the duration of the war and the extent of the economic damage it will cause, the BoE... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/pound-edges-up-as-markets-await-boe-signals-on-rate-outlook-1777553293.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:50:37 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ecb-keeps-rates-on-hold-and-warns-about-iran-war-hit-1777559561.html FRANKFURT, April 30 Reuters The European Central Bank kept interest rates on hold on Thursday and warned that the war in Iran was fuelling an energyled rise in euro zone inflation while taking a toll on economic activity. The central bank for the 21 countries that share the euro kept the rate it pays on bank deposits at 2, as economists expected and policymakers including President Christine Lagarde had suggested. But it sharpened a warning about the fallout from the Iran conflict, and the associated disruptions in fuel flows through the Strait of Hormuz, on the euro zone39;s economy. While the incoming information has been broadly consistent with the Governing Councils previous assessment of the inflation outlook, the upside risks to inflation and the downside risks to growth have intensified, the ECB said in a press release. The longer the war continues and the longer energy prices remain high, the stronger is the likely impact on broader inflation and the economy, it added. Inflation in the euro zone is already above the ECB39;s 2 target and is expected to rise further in the coming months while growth is showing some signs of weakness. Longerterm inflation expectations remain well anchored, although inflation expectations over shorter horizons have moved up significantly, the ECB noted. Investors expect the ECB to raise the deposit rate three times in the coming 12 months to 2.75. With Thursday39;s decision, the ECB also kept the rate at which banks can... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ecb-keeps-rates-on-hold-and-warns-about-iran-war-hit-1777559561.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:30:27 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/em-stocks-fx-fall-on-iran-war-risks-but-eye-monthly-gains-1777555171.html MSCI EM stocks set for biggest monthly jump since 2022 Renewed USIran tensions push Brent oil to fouryear high Hungary39;s forint set for sharpest monthly rise in 14 years April 30 Reuters Most emerging market stocks and currencies dipped on Thursday on concerns that the Iran war could escalate, sending oil prices soaring over 7, while investors assessed the impact of a hawkish stance by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Trump is slated to receive a briefing on plans for a series of fresh military strikes on Iran in hopes it will return to negotiations, according to an Axios report late on Wednesday, sending Brent crude prices to a fresh fouryear high. Since its outset, the Iran war has battered global markets and raised concerns about inflation, as shipping disruptions in the crucial region have kept oil prices elevated. MSCI39;s indexes tracking global EM currencies and stocks dipped 0.2 and 1.2 respectively, but were set for robust monthly gains. The stocks gauge is set for its biggest monthly jump since November 2022, as risk appetite improved this month after the U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire, which was later extended even as negotiations stalled. With no sign of any peace talks and fears mounting about an escalation, oil prices have continued their gains of recent days... investors are pricing in a more protracted conflict, said analysts at Deutsche Bank. Most stock indexes were lower on the day, including Asian ones that have seen robust gains... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/em-stocks-fx-fall-on-iran-war-risks-but-eye-monthly-gains-1777555171.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:20:36 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/dbs-q1-net-profit-beat-bolsters-2026-outlook-amid-iran-war-risks-1777552419.html Wealth management fees reached a record S907 million Q1 net profit climbed to S2.93 bln vs S2.83 bln estimate Bank39;s exposure to Middle East remains limited, watching out for secondorder impact SINGAPORE, April 30 Reuters Singapore39;s biggest bank DBS Group struck a more sanguine tone on its 2026 outlook on Thursday after beating firstquarter earnings forecasts, betting stronger wealth inflows and deposit growth can blunt the impact of the Iran war. DBS, which is also Southeast Asia39;s largest bank by assets, ditched its earlier guidance for net profit this year to be slightly below 2025 levels. It did not provide an update on the potential for general provision writebacks as it announced its results. Things may still pan out, but as far as we can see, it39;s actually turned slightly more positive than the last guidance, chief financial officer Chng Sok Hui said during the quarterly earnings call. We have a good shot, I think, at getting close to 2025 levels, she said. CEO Tan Su Shan, while noting a precarious economic environment and volatile markets, said We feel good about the fundamentals. The twomonth conflict in the Middle East has injected volatility into markets and disrupted global supply chains, complicating the outlook for rates and inflation and making the world39;s biggest lenders wary of a severe economic downturn. However, the impact to DBS39;s bottom line in the first quarter was mitigated by growth in its wealth segment. Wealth management... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/dbs-q1-net-profit-beat-bolsters-2026-outlook-amid-iran-war-risks-1777552419.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:40:44 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/stagflation-risks-stacking-up-as-iran-war-enters-third-month-1777557438.html As war drags on, market stagflation worries rise Europe, parts of Asia seen as especially vulnerable US economy strong but inflation risks persist China an outlier, for now LONDON, April 30 Reuters Financial markets are finding it harder to look past the rising economic costs of the Iran war as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz prolongs the world39;s biggestever disruption to energy supplies. Two months into the conflict, the global economy faces a toxic mix of slowing growth and high inflation stagflation. Even as tech stocks lift world shares, analysts warn that the longer Hormuz remains shut, the greater the recession risk for energyimporting regions. Oil hit a fouryear high on Thursday above 120 per barrel . The probability of a recession in Europe, the UK, and parts of Asia, is higher than is priced into equity markets, said RBC BlueBay39;s head of market strategy, Mike Bell. Here is how the risks are shaping up across markets OIL WATCH Oil remains the key barometer. Brent crude is more than 65 above prewar levels, and continues to rise as the war drags on. High energy prices threaten growth by squeezing consumers and companies while fuelling inflation. Citi estimates an adverse scenario pushing Brent prices to 120 through yearend could cut global growth to between 1.5 and 2 and lift headline inflation to nearly 5. The probability of a recession in Europe, the UK, and parts of Asia, is higher than is priced into equity markets, said RBC... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/stagflation-risks-stacking-up-as-iran-war-enters-third-month-1777557438.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:20:01 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/french-banks-lag-us-in-trading-as-dollar-iran-war-weigh-1777556248.html Shares in BNP, SocGen, Credit Agricole drop sharply Trading lags US rivals Weak dollar drags revenues Retail banking offsets pressures PARIS, April 30 Reuters French banks BNP Paribas, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole landed subdued trading results on Thursday, prompting share price falls as they lagged U.S. rivals due to a weak dollar and a failure to capitalise on Iran warlinked market volatility. Overall, the French trio broadly met firstquarter market expectations, supported by resilient retail banking and cost controls, but that strength did not extend to their trading desks, where results were broadly weaker. Shares in BNP, SocGen and Credit Agricole were down by 4.5, 5.1 and 5.8 respectively at 0950 GMT as investors digested their firstquarter results. SUBDUED TRADING PERFORMANCES Unlike the French listed banks, their U.S. counterparts on Wall Street once again delivered bumper trading results, highlighting a longstanding challenge for European banks in the global investment banking business. U.S. banks continue to outpace European rivals in trading and investment banking, aided by scale, deeper capital markets and more favourable regulation. JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup  all reported sharply higher revenues from equities and fixed income trading, benefiting from heavy client activity across rates, commodities and currencies. Although BNP reported a modest increase in its trading revenues, its fixed income performance was... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/french-banks-lag-us-in-trading-as-dollar-iran-war-weigh-1777556248.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:00:38 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-up-from-1-month-low-on-weak-dollar-iran-tensions-1777546307.html Trump to be briefed on military options against Iran, says report Fed leaves rate steady on inflation concerns Personal Consumption Expenditures PCE data due at 1230 GMT   April 30 Reuters Gold prices jumped on Thursday as the dollar eased and oil prices ticked lower, with some analysts also pointing to an uptick in safehaven demand on growing tensions that the U.S.Iran war could escalate. Spot gold climbed 1.9 to 4,630.03 per ounce, as of 1017 GMT, after falling to its lowest since March 31 in the last session. Bullion was down about 0.9 so far this month.   U.S. gold futures for June delivery rose 1.8 to 4,642.90. The dollar eased 0.3, making greenbackpriced bullion more affordable for holders of other currencies. Certainly some sense of uncertainty in the Middle East is fueling something of a recovery in gold. From the strength of the recovery at the moment, there was also some suggestion that the price seems to have found for now a temporary floor, said independent analyst Ross Norman. U.S. President Donald Trump is slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran, according to an Axios report. Brent prices hit fouryear highs on concerns of escalation, before reversing course to turn negative.   Gold has so far fallen about 12 since the conflict began. Although the metal is viewed as a safehaven during times of uncertainty, rising energy prices have stoked fears of inflation and the prospect of higher interest... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-up-from-1-month-low-on-weak-dollar-iran-tensions-1777546307.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:40:21 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ftse-100-up-as-rolls-royce-glencore-gain-ahead-of-boe-call-1777555580.html April 30 Reuters London39;s FTSE 100 index rose on Thursday, with upbeat results from RollsRoyce and Glencore aiding the sentiment ahead of a Bank of England rate decision. The bluechip FTSE 100 rose 0.9 to 10,307.19 points by 0942 GMT, while the midcap FTSE 250 edged 0.4 higher. Engineering firms were mixed as RollsRoyce climbed nearly 6.8 after reiterating its profit outlook, offering the biggest boost to the benchmark index, while Weir Group slid 7.5 after reporting a fall in firstquarter orders. Glencore shares added 2 after reporting a 19 rise in its firstquarter copper production. Global oil prices jumped to a fouryear high of more than 122 a barrel on concerns that the U.S.Iran war could worsen and lead to a protracted Middle East oil supply disruption. Rising crude prices stoked inflation worries, bolstering gold prices , which in turn lifted shares of heavyweights Endeavour Mining and Hochschild by 6.2 and 5.1, respectively. The FTSE 100 is up only 1.3 this month, far below European and U.S. benchmarks, as markets view Britain as highly vulnerable to the jump in energy prices due to the country39;s heavy use of natural gas. Political concerns have also weighed with the scandal around Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointing Peter Mandelson, who was linked to the late convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the U.S., showing little sign of abating. The BoE is expected to keep rates unchanged at 1100 GMT with... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/ftse-100-up-as-rolls-royce-glencore-gain-ahead-of-boe-call-1777555580.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:30:03 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/portugal-s-quarterly-gdp-growth-fizzles-out-after-storms-1777554123.html LISBON, April 30 Reuters Portugal39;s economy stagnated in the first quarter compared to the previous threemonth period, when it expanded 0.9, official data showed on Thursday, after severe storms and floods in January and February hit the exportheavy central region. The National Statistics Institute INE said in a statement that the contribution of net external demand to the quarteronquarter growth turned negative as imports grew more strongly than exports. By contrast, the contribution of domestic demand turned positive, with a marked acceleration in investment, benefiting from EU funds, even as private consumption slowed. INE said in its flash estimate that gross domestic product still rose 2.3 in the first quarter from the same period a year earlier. In the fourth quarter, GDP grew 1.9 yearonyear. Paulo Rosa, senior economist at Banco Carregosa, said the data showed that although Portugal39;s economy remains resilient compared with a year earlier, reflecting the positive momentum of 2025, it lost momentum at the start of 2026, pointing to a slowdown due to the storms and energy price hikes amid the Iran war. In March, the Bank of Portugal revised down its 2026 growth forecast to 1.8 from 2.3 in December, a projection the government has so far maintained. The economy grew by 1.9 last year. Rosa sees the economy growing 1.8 to 1.9 this year. Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Andrei Khalip and Ros Russell Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/portugal-s-quarterly-gdp-growth-fizzles-out-after-storms-1777554123.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:58 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/oil-worries-hit-eu-stocks-before-ecb-boe-meetings-1777544833.html Brent jumps to a fouryear high ECB and BoE expected to hold rates but talk tough Hawkish Fed pushes up dollar and global bond yields Apple results due on Thursday on Wall Street LONDON, April 30 Reuters Renewed risk aversion swept global equity and bond markets on Thursday and oil surged to a fouryear high on worries that the Iran war could worsen, before what could be difficult European Central Bank and Bank of England meetings. The rise of global oil benchmark Brent crude futures to more than 126 before falling back, and an early drop in European stocks , reflected concerns that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could choke oil supplies for months. A hawkish shift in tone from the U.S. Federal Reserve as it left rates on hold on Wednesday meant bond market borrowing costs were still higher in Europe as investors there readied for the ECB and the BoE to follow suit on Thursday. Twoyear German bond yields which are sensitive to nearterm ECB rate changes faced the prospect of a ninth daily rise, while 2year UK gilt yields briefly hit their highest in 212 years. GVDEU AXIOS SAYS TRUMP TO BE BRIEFED AXA39;s chief economist, Gilles Moec, said everything centred on worries about the U.S.Israeli war against Iran. News site Axios quoted unspecified sources as saying U.S. President Donald Trump would on Thursday receive a briefing from the leader of the U.S. Central Command, Brad Cooper, on new plans for potential military action against Iran. Negotiations... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/oil-worries-hit-eu-stocks-before-ecb-boe-meetings-1777544833.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:45 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/china-pmi-shows-factory-growth-amid-rising-iran-war-risks-1777545549.html China39;s official manufacturing PMI expands for second straight month Export orders surge as buyers stockpile amid Iran war fears Rising energy prices threaten sustainability of exportled growth Nonmanufacturing PMI drops to 49.4, highlights fragile domestic demand BEIJING, April 30 Reuters China39;s factory activity expanded for a second straight month in April, as manufacturers cranked up production to ship goods early to buyers worried the Iran war will further inflate costs, sending new export orders to their strongest level in two years. But the escalating Middle East conflict is laying bare risks in the 20 trillion economy39;s productionled growth model, with higher energy prices likely to deter fresh orders once stockpiling fades, even as Chinese exporters enjoy a shortlived boost. The official manufacturing purchasing managers39; index PMI dipped to 50.3 from 50.4 in March, but held above the 50mark separating growth from contraction, according to a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics NBS. It beat a median forecast of 50.1 in a Reuters poll. The PMI survey39;s subindex for production expanded at a slightly faster pace while new export orders rose to 50.3, the highest since April 2024, from 49.1 in March. The subindex for raw material stockpile rose but remained in contraction. It will be interesting to see if the official trade data will confirm the resilience of exporters in coming months, said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/china-pmi-shows-factory-growth-amid-rising-iran-war-risks-1777545549.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:40:14 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/euro-zone-inflation-soars-above-ecb-target-on-oil-prices-1777558964.html FRANKFURT, April 30 Reuters Euro zone inflation surged further in April on soaring energy costs, Eurostat data showed on Thursday, adding to the case for interest rate hikes, even if benign underlying price growth figures ease the urgency of any move. Inflation in the 21 countries sharing the euro currency jumped to 3.0 this month from 2.6 in March, moving further above the European Central Bank39;s 2 target, with energy costs accounting for the vast majority of the increase. A closely watched figure on underlying or 39;core39; inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, meanwhile slowed to 2.2 from 2.3 a month earlier. Services inflation, a stubbornly high component of the price basket over the past several years, slowed to 3.0 from 3.2 while inflation for nonenergy industrial goods, a key drag on prices picked up to 0.8. The figures are a mixed bag for the ECB, which is meeting on Thursday and will likely keep interest rates unchanged, even if it signals that policy tightening is increasingly likely. The high headline inflation print strengthens the argument for interest rate hikes but the underlying figures suggest that the initial energy shock is not yet creating major second round effects. The ECB is largely powerless against an energy shock but must step in if these second round effects become visible as they risk creating a hardtobreak selfsustaining inflation spiral. This is why investors expect the ECB to hike its 2 deposit rate already in... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/euro-zone-inflation-soars-above-ecb-target-on-oil-prices-1777558964.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:20:43 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/hershey-beats-quarterly-estimates-as-prices-snack-demand-offset-costs-1777558432.html FRANKFURT, April 30 Reuters The euro zone economy saw faint growth in the first quarter, a preliminary estimate showed on Thursday, offering the first snapshot of activity since the outbreak of the Iran conflict. The energyimporting euro zone is seen as particularly vulnerable among advanced economies to disruptions in oil, gas and other shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which began in late February. Eurostat said gross domestic product in the 21country currency area rose 0.1 quarteronquarter in the three months to March, according to a flash reading, lagging economists39; forecasts and the pace recorded in the previous quarter, both at 0.2. A string of surveys this week points to a further slowdown in activity, with business sentiment weakening, services deteriorating, profits falling and exports still hit by tariffs, while banks signal tighter credit conditions. The subdued backdrop complicates the European Central Banks response to an emerging, energydriven rise in inflation. The ECB is widely expected to keep rates unchanged on Thursday, though markets are pricing in three to four increases over the coming year. Reporting by Francesco Canepa; Editing by Alexandra Hudson Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/hershey-beats-quarterly-estimates-as-prices-snack-demand-offset-costs-1777558432.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:10:07 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/boj-warns-of-inflation-spike-in-risk-scenario-1777541084.html Risk scenario sees upgrade to inflation, cut to growth forecasts BOJ says wageinflation spiral risk not big for now Secondround effects may rise on changing corporate behaviour Upward price deviation may affect inflation expectations TOKYO, April 30 Reuters The Bank of Japan is projecting core inflation hovering around 3, well above its 2 target, for two years in a row under a risk scenario of elevated oil prices and a weakening yen, highlighting the economy39;s vulnerability to an energy shock. While BOJ said the risk of a wageprice spiral remains limited for now, it warned higher oil costs could increasingly feed through as firms more actively pass on raw material prices, a complete version of its quarterly report released on Thursday showed. The rare release of a risk scenario highlights the challenge the BOJ faces in steering further interest rate hikes as the Middle East conflict muddles the economic outlook. Economic and price developments could deviate considerably from our baseline scenario depending on the future course of the Middle East situation. It is therefore necessary to thoroughly scrutinise various risk factors more than ever, it said. The BOJ kept interest rates steady at 0.75 on Tuesday but sharply revised up its baseline inflation projections in a sign of its alarm over mounting price pressures. Under the board39;s baseline scenario released on Tuesday, the central bank said it expects the core consumer price index CPI to rise 2.8 in the... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/boj-warns-of-inflation-spike-in-risk-scenario-1777541084.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:30:48 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/asia-bonds-shrug-off-war-fears-with-record-issuance-1777538705.html HKD bond sales hit alltime high; SGD highest since 2014 MTR39;s green bond drew orders nearly 4x the deal size New buyers from London, HK insurers snapping up SGD bonds SYDNEYSINGAPORE, April 30 Reuters The Middle East war has not slowed Asia39;s local currency bond markets, with Hong Kong and Australian dollar issuance hitting record highs so far in 2026 as investors and companies look to accelerate a shift away from U.S. dollar debt deals. Hong Kong dollar bond proceeds this year climbed nearly 17 to 14.8 billion, according to LSEG data, the strongest ever start to the year. Australian dollar bonds year to date reached A143 billion, up almost 30, and also a record, according to Dealogic. In comparison, Singapore dollar bond issuance rose 3.7 to 5.56 billion year to date, the most in 12 years. The renewed interest in local currencies such as the Singapore dollar, CNH offshore yuan and Australian dollar is becoming more pronounced because of the interest now in diversifying slightly away from pure dollar dependency, said Clifford Lee, global head of investment banking at DBS. Another factor is the expectation that local currencies will stay strong and remain firm. Record issuance in some of Asias local currency bond markets despite geopolitical strain reflects sustained demand for regional assets and a gradual shift by investors away from U.S. dollars. Dollar bonds still dominate the Asian debt market, with issuance yeartodate up 2.5 to 132.6 billion,... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/asia-bonds-shrug-off-war-fears-with-record-issuance-1777538705.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:20:31 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japan-factory-output-dips-on-iran-war-petroleum-hit-1777548649.html March factory output falls 0.5, compared with forecast of 1.1 Petroleumrelated goods lead downturn, data shows Separate survey shows consumer confidence slump in April Think tank projects price hike rush as soon as this summer Data highlight dilemma BOJ faces in steering rate hikes TOKYO, April 30 Reuters Japan39;s factory output unexpectedly fell in March as production tumbled for a range of chemical and petroleumbased goods, data showed on Thursday, suggesting the Middle East conflict is beginning to harm the country39;s fragile economy. A separate government survey showed consumer confidence slumping in April in a sign that households were feeling the pinch from a rising cost of living. The data highlight the dilemma the Bank of Japan faces in its efforts to raise stilllow interest rates, as surging oil prices and supply constraints heighten inflationary pressure while weighing on an economy heavily reliant on fuel imports. Industrial production shrank by 0.5 in March from the previous month, government data showed, confounding market expectations for a 1.1 gain and marking the second straight month of declines. It followed a 2.0 drop in February. Manufacturers expect output to fall again in April, predicting a decline of 0.7 on an adjusted estimate. Along with rising costs from high crude oil prices, supply disruptions in goods like naphtha, if prolonged, would weigh heavily on factory activity, said Masato Koike, senior economist at Sompo Institute Plus.... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/japan-factory-output-dips-on-iran-war-petroleum-hit-1777548649.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:09 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/syngenta-sees-strong-growth-in-china-as-q1-sales-rise-1777540049.html ZURICH, April 30 Reuters Swissbased seeds and agrochemicals company Syngenta Group on Thursday reported slightly higher sales and profit during its first quarter due to strong growth in China and efficiency gains. The Chineseowned company, which is planning a flotation on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, said its sales increased by 2 to 6.4 billion in the first three months of the year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation EBITDA rose by 5 to 1.4 billion, said Syngenta, which competes with U.S.based Corteva and Germany39;s BASF and Bayer. Syngenta, which is owned by Chinese stateowned group Sinochem, said the improvement was due to its focus on more profitable new products as well as continued efficiency improvements. This good result was achieved despite a market environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and trade disruption, Syngenta said. Crop protection sales rose by 3, supported by the strong growth in China and Europe, while sales in Syngenta39;s seed business rose by 7. Syngenta39;s China business increased sales grew by 1. When the effect of its exit from the grain trading business was removed, sales grew by 11 compared with a year earlier. Reporting by John Revill, Editing by Linda Pasquini Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/syngenta-sees-strong-growth-in-china-as-q1-sales-rise-1777540049.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:40:14 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/big-funds-bet-billions-on-mining-supercycle-1777560640.html Mining ETFs more than double to 87.4 billion in Q1, data But gold funds saw outflows as investors favour industrial metals Small metals markets amplify volatility, as sentiment shifts impact prices LONDON, April 30 Reuters Major fund managers are heralding a sustained rally in mining and metals as money floods into the sector at the fastest pace in years, driven by robust AI infrastructure, rising defence spending and a shift away from expensive tech stocks. Assets under management in mining exchangetraded funds more than doubled to 87.4 billion by March 31, from 37 billion a year earlier, data compiled by research firm ETFGI for Reuters shows. Oil gas and agriculture have also attracted significant inflows, marking one of the sharpest rotations toward hard assets in history. Investors put 8.24 billion into mining in the first quarter, a 10.8 billion turnaround in sentiment compared with the first three months of 2025 when sweeping U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump triggered outflows of 2.52 billion. BlackRock portfolio manager Evy Hambro told Reuters capital is starting to rotate into hard assets from highvaluation tech stocks, calling it the early stages of a commodity supercycle. Morningstar39;s U.S. Technology Index fell 9 in the first quarter. Shares of BHP and Rio Tinto the world39;s two largest mining companies, both hit record highs this year. The material intensity of GDP is rising, Hambro said, pointing to surging capital investment in... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/big-funds-bet-billions-on-mining-supercycle-1777560640.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:10:30 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/china-airlines-hit-q1-profit-fuel-costs-cloud-outlook-1777542812.html China Southern signs deal with Airbus to buy 137 aircraft for 21.4 billion Chinese global airline capacity forecast to grow 13 yearonyear in summer of 2026 BofA Middle East war overshadows outlook amid higher jet fuel prices BEIJINGHONG KONG, April 30 Reuters China39;s top three stateowned airlines bounced back to profit in the first quarter, helped by robust demand during the Lunar New Year holiday and recovering global travel, although the outlook is overshadowed by higher fuel costs amid the war in Iran. The sector entered 2026 on a stronger footing, with Guangzhoubased China Southern Airlines reporting a net profit of 1.48 billion yuan 216 million for the first three months, swinging from a loss of 747 million yuan in the same period last year. Flagship carrier Air China posted a 1.71 billion yuan net profit, compared with a loss of 2.04 billion yuan last year. Shanghaiheadquartered China Eastern Airlines reported a net profit of 1.63 billion yuan, versus a yearearlier loss of 995 million yuan. The Hong Kong shares of China Southern , Air China and China Eastern slipped as much as 2.7, 2.9 and 2.3 respectively. In a sign of confidence in the sector39;s longerterm recovery on Wednesday, China Southern announced a major fleet expansion, with the airline and its subsidiary, Xiamen Airlines, signing agreements with Airbus to purchase 102 and 35 A320neo series aircraft, respectively. The catalogue price for the 137 aircraft stands at about 21.4 billion, with... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/china-airlines-hit-q1-profit-fuel-costs-cloud-outlook-1777542812.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:20:50 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/lg-energy-solution-hits-loss-on-weak-n-american-ev-demand-1777547611.html SEOUL, April 30 Reuters South Korea39;s LG Energy Solution LGES swung to a loss on Thursday as battery demand from electric vehicle EV makers weakened, with automakers especially in North America limiting EV production. LGES, which supplies Tesla, General Motors and Hyundai Motor, posted an operating loss of 208 billion won 140 million for the JanuaryMarch period, in line with earlier guidance. That compares with a 375 billion won profit a year earlier. The South Korean battery maker would have made a 398 billion won operating loss without a tax credit received under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, according to a regulatory filing. Here are some details Revenue fell 2.5 to 6.6 trillion won from a year earlier, LGES said. LG Energy Solution said in an earnings presentation its order backlog for 46series cylindrical batteries used in electric vehicles continued to increase from end2025 to endApril. To offset weakness in EV batteries, LGES is focusing on growing demand for energy storage systems ESS, driven by rising electricity needs for AI data centres. In February, LGES said it aims to triple its ESS revenue this year from a year earlier. Nomura estimated the company39;s ESS revenue at about 2.8 trillion won in 2025. Crosstown rival Samsung SDI said on Tuesday it has seen strong momentum in ESS demand, led by data centres, driving a rise in orders from existing and new customers. On EV demand in Europe, Samsung SDI said major countries... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/lg-energy-solution-hits-loss-on-weak-n-american-ev-demand-1777547611.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:30:52 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/eqt-eyes-3rd-bid-for-uk-s-intertek-bloomberg-news-1777481250.html April 29 Reuters Swedish private equity group EQT AB is preparing its third, improved bid for the UK39;s Intertek, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, after its earlier approaches were rejected by the product testing firm. The Swedish investment firm has been discussing the level of a potential new bid for Londonlisted Intertek, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter. Intertek shares were up 4.7 at 4,813 pence after the news. The report did not have financial details of the third bid. The company rejected two bids from EQT in the last two weeks an initial 51.50 pound per share proposal followed by a 54 pound per share bid saying they fundamentally undervalued the company and its prospects. EQT39;s second disclosed bid had valued Intertek at about 8.3 billion pounds, which would have made the acquisition the UK39;s secondlargest private equity takeprivate deal on record, according to Mergermarket. Deliberations for a higher bid are ongoing and there39;s no certainty EQT will proceed with a fresh proposal, the report said. EQT and Intertek did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reporting by Yamini Kalia and Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo Source Reuters https://www.gurutrade.com/news/eqt-eyes-3rd-bid-for-uk-s-intertek-bloomberg-news-1777481250.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:30:39 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/petrochina-s-q1-profit-up-on-growing-gas-and-fuel-sales-1777478886.html BEIJING, April 29 Reuters PetroChina, Asia39;s largest oil and gas producer, posted a 1.9 rise in firstquarter profit on Wednesday, citing growing sales of natural gas and refined fuel as well as improved margins in the refining and chemical sector. The Chinese state oil giant39;s net income came in at 48.33 billion yuan 7.07 billion, up from 47.45 billion yuan a year earlier, a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange showed. Revenue fell 2.2 to 736.4 billion yuan. Sinopec, the world39;s largest refiner by capacity, and CNOOC, China39;s major offshore oil producer, also reported higher net profits this week. NATURAL GAS, REFINED FUEL SALES UP PetroChina39;s domestic oil production between January and March was unchanged from a year earlier at 197.9 million barrels, or 2.2 million barrels per day, while gas output rose 2.4 to 1,352.6 billion cubic feet. However, overseas oil production was down 5.6 to 39.9 million barrels in the period, though overseas gas output rose 4.1 to 41.7 billion cubic feet. Natural gas sales grew 3.5 to 73.81 billion cubic metres, leading to a 40 rise in operating profit to 18.87 billion yuan. As China39;s secondlargest refiner by capacity, PetroChina processed 343 million barrels of oil in the first three months, or 3.81 million bpd, up 1.7 yearonyear. Refining profit rose 57.7 to 7.18 billion yuan on higher margins. PetroChina also lifted fuel sales, with volumes of gasoline, kerosene and diesel combined up 4.8 to 36.78 million metric... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/petrochina-s-q1-profit-up-on-growing-gas-and-fuel-sales-1777478886.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:10:53 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/india-economy-resilient-but-faces-rising-risks-from-mideast-war-government-report-1777479698.html NEW DELHI, April 29 Reuters India39;s economy remains resilient but faces mounting risks from the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted supplies of energy, fertilisers and industrial raw materials, raised costs and weakened trade, the government39;s monthly economic report said on Wednesday. India enters FY202627 at the intersection of domestic resilience and external turbulence, the report said, adding that the West Asia war has altered the macroeconomic outlook following real GDP growth of 7.6 in the previous fiscal year. The government said India remained a relative bright spot, with the International Monetary Fund raising its 202627 growth forecast for the country to 6.5 from 6.4. However, it warned that risks were tilted toward higher inflation, wider fiscal and external deficits and slower growth, especially if energy and fertiliser supply disruptions persist. The report said India39;s crude oil basket averaged 113 per barrel in March and was just under 115 per barrel this month through April 24. It added higher wholesale prices showed that cost pressures were building, even though consumer inflation remained moderate. Retail inflation rose to 3.4 in March from 3.2 in February, while food inflation increased to 3.87. Wholesale inflation accelerated to 3.88 in March from 2.13 in February, reflecting rapid transmission of higher energy and commodity prices at the producer level. The risks are tilted toward persistence rather than quick reversal of the... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/india-economy-resilient-but-faces-rising-risks-from-mideast-war-government-report-1777479698.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:40:38 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-extends-slide-as-inflation-fears-fed-meeting-eye-1777471422.html Trump urges Iran to sign a deal Fed likely to hold rates steady Total gold demand up 2 yy in Q1, WGC says April 29 Reuters Gold prices fell for a third straight session on Wednesday, as inflation worries tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East clouded the outlook for monetary policy, while the spotlight was also on the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s rate decision later in the day. Spot gold was down 1.1 at 4,543.57 per ounce, as of 855 a.m. EDT 1255 GMT, a onemonth low. U.S. gold futures fell 1.1 to 4,555.70. We are seeing some positioning ahead of this afternoon39;s FOMC decision. Rising U.S. Treasury yields and higher crude oil prices, which is causing inflation worries, have also been bearish for the gold market, said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals. Gold is known as an inflation hedge, but the nonyielding metal39;s appeal dims if central banks raise interest rates. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to 39;get smart soon39; and sign a deal, following days of deadlock in efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East and a media report that the U.S. would extend its blockade of Iran39;s ports. The war has sent oil prices soaring, with Brent hitting a onemonth high as concerns about supply disruptions persisted, while U.S. Treasury yields ticked higher. The Federal Reserves policy decision is due at 2 p.m. EDT 1800 GMT, with expectations that rates will be held steady. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference half an... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/gold-extends-slide-as-inflation-fears-fed-meeting-eye-1777471422.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:20:38 +0300 https://www.gurutrade.com/news/eu-energy-plan-avoids-consumption-curbs-for-now-1777480526.html European governments avoid measures to curb energy demand Some wary that restrictions could cause panic Others argue energy conservation is best response LONDONBRUSSELS, April 29 Reuters As the energy shock from the Iran war deepens, countries around the world from Australia to Egypt are looking to conserve fuel, be it through encouraging more remote work, limiting air travel, or promoting public transport. But not with a very few timid exceptions in Europe. One reason is that the impact on the continent so far is not as severe as back in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and slashed gas supplies to Europe, triggering recordhigh prices and fears of shortages. Another factor is how the cost of living and energy serve as political battlegrounds in a region which saw the 2018 yellow vests protests in France over a planned hike in diesel taxes, and where hardright UK politicians have railed against local schemes to reduce emissions as anticar crusades. For now, say analysts, governments are much keener to dish out money to shield households from rising fuel bills than to urge or even require them to use less energy. Demandreduction measures are kind of unpopular by essence, and policymakers might not want to dedicate too much political clout to promoting this, PhucVinh Nguyen, head of the Parisbased Jacques Delors Energy Centre, told Reuters. Of the more than 180 policy measures pursued by European governments to address the energy shock, fewer than 10 largely... https://www.gurutrade.com/news/eu-energy-plan-avoids-consumption-curbs-for-now-1777480526.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:40:16 +0300