Fitch: Given the expected duration of the war, we believe that Middle Eastern sovereign states can withstand the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz within the current rating range.

Energy 1. US Energy Secretary: The impact of the Iranian conflict on the energy market is short-lived. 2. Saudi Aramco: Crude oil exports are being diverted to Yanbu port on the Red Sea for security reasons. 3. According to Interfax: Russia says it is prepared to increase oil supplies to India. 4. Exports from Venezuela's main crude oil export hub are near a seven-year high. 5. The EU has informed its member states that it currently has no plans to take any measures at the national or EU level to address the gas crisis. 6. Putin: Considering proactively cutting off gas supplies to Europe; Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to all its partners. 7. Shipping and trade sources say that shipments of Iraqi Kirkuk crude oil to Turkey's Ceyhan port resumed on March 4, after a one-day interruption. 8. Platts: Singapore jet fuel prices rose to a record high of $231.42 per barrel on Wednesday due to global supply concerns. Northwest European jet fuel prices rose to $1259.75 per tonne, the highest level since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 9. An accident occurred at a fuel storage tank of Oman Oil Marketing Company. The company stated that it has temporarily suspended operations at the affected site. Precious Metals and Mining 1. Holdings in the world's largest gold ETF decreased sharply by 18 tons in a single day. 2. US media: US officials facilitated a 1,000-kilogram gold deal between the US and Venezuela. 3. Bahrain Aluminium declared force majeure, which will affect the fulfillment of its supply contracts. 4. World Platinum Investment Council: The platinum market supply deficit will be 240,000 ounces in 2026. 5. The US Department of Defense has requested the Defense Industrial Base Alliance to submit proposals by March 20 to strengthen the mining or processing of nickel, graphite, rare earths, and other minerals. Other 1. According to Iranian state media: The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy stated that Iran will target US and British ships flying any flag that are transporting goods for Israel in the Persian Gulf. 2. The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (METRA) announced that it will implement strategic mitigation measures to protect Malaysia's export trade in response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The Nikkei 225 index rose 3.00% during the day.