The Central Bank of Kazakhstan: raised its GDP growth forecast for 2024 from 3.2%-4.2% to 3.5-4.5%.

Azevedo, head of Citigroup’s Middle East and Africa investment banking department: There are risks associated with (African) government’s bad macroeconomic policies.

According to the Times of Israel: U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said Israel needs a "credible plan" to ensure the safety of civilians before entering Rafah.

Standard Chartered Group (02888.HK) rose 2.8%, boosted by performance and share buyback plans.

According to Nikkei: Toyota Motor (TM.N) will continue to suspend production at two plants in Japan until March 1.

Market news: The Securities Commission of Thailand approved April 12, local time, as a securities and futures holiday.

Malaysian consumer prices rose 1.5% year-on-year in January, market expectations were 1.6%.

Goldman Sachs lowered its forecast for a U.S. interest rate cut in May, predicting four rate cuts this year, compared with five previously expected rate cuts.

Malaysian Prime Minister: Investment in Malaysia is booming, inflation is down, unemployment is down, and growth is sustained compared to neighboring countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister: The depreciation of the ringgit is "worrying" and the government has asked the central bank to monitor the ringgit exchange rate.

Bitcoin hit $51,000 per coin, down 1.18% on the day.

According to the Times of Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a post-war management plan for Gaza to the security cabinet. The principles include indefinite freedom of movement for the Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip will be managed by "local officials" who are not supported by terrorist organizations.

The dong fell to its lowest level since December 2022 against the dollar.

The Philippine stock index rose 1% to 6,972.25 points.

Fed Governor Waller: Central bank digital currencies really have no value.

Fed Governor Waller: Recent productivity surge justifies wage growth.

Fed Governor Waller: Not sure whether the rebound in productivity will be sustained. Politics has absolutely no influence on how we make policy.

Federal Reserve Governor Waller: Credit risks are predictable and controllable and should not trigger a major crisis.