The World Bank has lowered its 2026 growth forecast for developing economies from 4% to 3.6%.

BOJ: NAKAGAWA, TAKATA AND TAMURA PROPOSED RAISING SHORT-TERM INTEREST RATE TARGET TO 1.0% FROM 0.75%

Domestic News: 1. National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC): Bans foreign acquisition of the Manus project and demands the cancellation of the transaction. 2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to US sanctions against Chinese companies: Will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises. 3. National Energy Administration: Will work with the NDRC to scientifically plan the development goals and tasks of the hydrogen energy industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. 4. Ministry of Finance: Expresses appreciation for Moody's decision to maintain China's sovereign credit rating and upgrade its outlook to "stable". 5. The Enterprise State-Owned Assets Law, in effect for nearly 17 years, undergoes its first revision; my country plans to revise the Agricultural Law to accelerate the construction of a strong agricultural nation. 6. National Bureau of Statistics: From January to March, the total profits of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide reached 1,696.04 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.5%. International News: 1. Trump: Maintains contact with both Putin and Zelensky. 2. Putin meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi; Russian Foreign Minister: Meeting was productive. 3. Allegedly misleading Parliament, the British Parliament will vote on whether to investigate Prime Minister Starmer. 4. The White House will hold a presidential security meeting this week, attended by the White House operations team, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security leadership. 5. US-Iran Situation— ① White House: Trump discussed Iran's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz with senior aides. ② Iranian Foreign Minister: The US has requested negotiations, and Iran is considering it. ③ Iranian Official: Tolls must be settled in Iranian rials. ④ US Secretary of State: The normalization of Iran's control over the Strait cannot be tolerated. ⑤ Pakistan allows goods from third countries to transit through its territory to Iran. ⑥ US Media: Trump is skeptical of Iran's proposal but has not outright rejected it.