Central Bank of Russia: According to the Bank of Russia’s forecasts and monetary policy stance, the annual inflation rate will fall to 4.0-4.5% in 2024 and will further stabilize at a level close to 4%.

The Bank of Russia kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 16.00%, in line with market expectations.

Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Poland: If demand pressure is not strong, Poland may cut interest rates this year.

The South African rand fell 1% against the dollar to 19.0225.

ECB Governing Council member Holzmann: New information in June could open the door to a rate cut.

According to Austrian weekly Profil: ECB Governing Council member Holzmann mentioned wages and uncertainty in the Middle East.

According to the Austrian weekly Profil: European Central Bank Governing Council member Holzmann believes that there are a series of inflation risks.

Sources: Pemex is understood to have delayed maintenance work on its main platform in the Gulf of Mexico for months after a facility malfunction caused large amounts of methane to be emitted from its platform.

The Indian rupee fell below 83.42 against the US dollar, hitting a record low.

World Steel Association: Global crude steel production in February 2024 was 148.8 million tons, an increase of 3.7% from February 2023.

Kremlin: (On Western banks’ concerns over Russia’s proposal to seize frozen assets) Any bank’s legal services department understands that this would have disastrous consequences.

Kremlin: (Speaking on frozen Russian assets) The EU is wrong to say that the income from these assets does not belong to anyone, in fact they belong to the owners.

Kremlin: (on alleged U.S. demand that Kiev stop attacking Russian oil facilities) We would prefer they tell Ukraine to stop attacking civilian targets.

Kremlin: (Speaking on EU restrictions on Russian grain imports) We have many alternative export routes.

Kremlin: Not aware of nor received assurances from Yemen’s Houthis about the safety of Russian ships.

German Defense Minister Pistorius: The position of EU defense industry commissioner is something we can consider.

German Defense Minister Pistorius: We do not support the idea of establishing a dedicated EU defense commissioner position.

ECB Governing Council member Nagel: The transmission mechanism is largely comparable to other cycles.

ECB Governing Council member Nagel: We should not be too optimistic about inflation.

German Defense Minister Pistorius: Tank negotiations are complex and difficult.