Thai government spokesman: Thailand exported 2.5 million tons of rice in the first quarter, and Thailand’s rice exports may reach 8 million tons this year.

US Geological Survey: A 6.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in Vanuatu.

USD/JPY rose more than 20 points in the short term and is now at 151.63, after Bank of Japan review member Naoki Tamura said that the Bank of Japan may maintain loose monetary policy conditions for a period of time.

Bank of Japan review member Naoki Tamura: Future monetary policy guidance is very important to ensure that the Bank of Japan moves slowly and steadily towards policy normalization.

Bank of Japan review member Naoki Tamura: In my opinion, the Bank of Japan’s ultimate goal is to restore interest rates to a level that requires raising and lowering interest rates to adjust demand and affect inflation.

Bank of Japan review member Naoki Tamura: The positive cycle of wage inflation is expected to continue.

Bank of Japan review member Naoki Tamura: Rising service prices are driving up overall inflation.

Vietnam allows electricity retail prices to be adjusted every three months.

The Australian dollar AUD/USD fell 10 points in the short term and is now at 0.6520.

Israeli Defense Minister Galante: After Hamas is defeated, an "indigenous alternative" must be established to govern the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Defense Minister Galante: Also discussed with U.S. officials were hostages held in Gaza, humanitarian aid efforts and ways Israel plans to destroy Hamas.

[Daily overview of global central bank dynamics: The European Central Bank is about to cut interest rates] 1. The Hungarian central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points to 8.25%. 2. The Central Bank of Nigeria raised the key interest rate to 24.75%, and the market forecast was 24%. 3. Mann, a member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee: It’s time to stop raising interest rates; the market expects too many interest rate cuts. 4. European Central Bank - Governing Board Muller: We are close to the point at which we can start cutting interest rates; Governing Board Stunaras: Officials seem to have a consensus on cutting interest rates in June; Executive Board Member Panetta: The decline in inflation makes interest rate cuts a priority possible. 5. Federal Reserve: Operating losses totaled a record $114.3 billion in 2023, and interest payments on reserves nearly tripled to $176.8 billion. 6. Sri Lanka lowered the benchmark lending rate from 10.00% to 9.50% and the deposit reserve ratio from 9.00% to 8.50%. 7. Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada: Canada’s low productivity is an “emergency.” If productivity is high, there is no need for higher interest rates. 8. Reuters survey: 12 out of 23 economists believe that the Swiss National Bank will cut interest rates two more times in 2024, 6 think it will cut interest rates three more times, and 4 think it will cut interest rates one more time.

Chilean Mining Minister: The government is still evaluating the bill to create a national lithium company.

Market news: Australia legislates to strengthen financial system.

Argentine President Milai: The idea of devaluing the currency is ridiculous.

Action camera brand GoPro will cut about 4% of its global workforce.

Argentine President Milai said his government had fired 50,000 civil servants.

NYSE: Short positions rose 3.0% to 16.16 billion shares in mid-March.

According to CNBC: WeWork (WE.N) co-founder Adam Newman’s bid to acquire WeWork faces financing challenges.