US MARCH GASOLINE SALES +15.5% VS FEB +1.3%

A Reuters poll showed that 14 out of 26 economists said the Philippine central bank would keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25% on April 23.

US Dollar: 1. According to Politico: Federal Reserve Chair nominee Warsh will firmly commit to maintaining strict independence on interest rates. Euro: 1. ECB Governing Council member Pereira: The economy was strong before the war. The economic damage from the Iran war has not yet materialized. Europe is between the ECB's baseline scenario and the adverse scenario. Pound Sterling: 1. UK unemployment claims rose by 26,800 in March, the largest increase since July 2024. The UK's three-month ILO unemployment rate in February was 4.9%, a new low since August 2025. Japanese Yen: 1. According to Nikkei: The Bank of Japan will keep interest rates unchanged in April. 2. Sources: The Bank of Japan may not raise interest rates at its April meeting, and may signal that it is ready to raise rates as early as June. 3. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama: Financial market volatility has increased, and we will be highly vigilant and closely monitor the situation, taking measures if necessary. 4. Bank of Japan Financial System Report: The Japanese financial system remains generally stable; the Bank of Japan has an ample capital base and stable funding base, enabling it to cope with various stressors. Korean Won: 1. New Governor of the Bank of Korea: Due to the supply shock caused by the Middle East conflict, uncertainty regarding inflation and growth prospects has increased. The Bank will seek inflation and financial stability through prudent and flexible monetary policy operations. Other: 1. Reserve Bank of India eases some restrictions on banks' foreign exchange market transactions. 2. Fitch downgrades the Philippines' rating outlook to "negative" due to risks to economic growth. 3. Bank of Canada survey: The war in Iran has pushed up inflation expectations. 4. A Reuters poll shows that 14 of 26 economists believe the Philippine central bank will keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25% on April 23; the median forecast expects the Philippine central bank to raise its key policy rate to 4.50% this quarter.