Japan's purchases of foreign bonds in the week ending February 20 were -1,898.8 billion yen, compared to a revised -487.9 billion yen in the previous week (originally -489.5 billion yen).

Bank of Japan policy board member Hajime Takada: It is currently difficult to determine the ideal pace of interest rate hikes and the upper limit of interest rates.

Energy: 1. Saudi oil exports surge to a three-year high amid heightened tensions with Iran. 2. Saudi tanker giant Bahri is snapping up supertankers, with daily rates approaching $200,000. 3. Iraq's Ministry of Oil: Total oil revenue in January was $6.485 billion. 4. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak: Current oil price levels are favorable for oil production and exports. 5. Sources say OPEC+ will consider raising April's daily oil production by 137,000 barrels at its March 1 meeting. 6. Kazakhstan's oil and condensate production increased to 1.78 million barrels per day between February 1 and 24, compared to an average of 1.27 million barrels per day in January. 7. Saudi Arabia is developing plans to boost oil production and significantly increase exports in the short term should a US strike against Iran occur. 8. The US is easing some restrictions on fuel shipments to Cuba, allowing Venezuelan oil to be resold to Cuban private companies. 9. Shell is in talks with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and others regarding the sale of its stake in its Australian liquefied natural gas project. Precious Metals and Mining: 1. India has relaxed investment restrictions for actively managed equity funds, allowing more funds to be allocated to gold and silver. 2. Sources: Rare earth shortages are worsening in the US aerospace and semiconductor industries. 3. CME Group temporarily suspended trading in metals and natural gas futures and options due to "technical issues." 4. Venezuela sold nearly 6 tons of gold last year due to a severe dollar shortage; analysts estimate the majority of the transactions took place in December. 5. Zimbabwe has suspended exports of lithium concentrate and ore in an effort to encourage mining companies to establish processing operations in the country. 6. Bank of America: Silver could rise above $100 again this year, and gold prices are expected to reach $6,000 within the next 12 months.