The Bank of England's MPC voted on April 30 to keep interest rates unchanged at 8%, in line with expectations and down from the previous value of 9.

Domestic News: 1. Liu Haoling appointed Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). 2. Shenzhen further relaxes housing purchase restrictions, significantly increasing public housing fund loan limits. 3. Wang Yi holds China-Australia Diplomatic and Strategic Dialogue with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. 4. The State Administration for Market Regulation strictly investigates irregularities in online food marketing, focusing on seven types of misconduct. 5. my country discovers 13 new oil fields with reserves exceeding 100 million tons and 26 new gas fields with reserves exceeding 100 billion cubic meters. 6. Foreign media reports that the US has suspended semiconductor equipment supplies to Huahong Group; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds. International News: 1. The Federal Reserve's April interest rate meeting—maintained rates unchanged as expected; three voting members voted against the statement's wording, which hinted at further rate cuts, while Milan hoped for a 25 basis point cut; Powell confirmed he will remain on the board of governors after stepping down as chairman, stating he will leave at the appropriate time and will not become a "shadow chairman." 2. Warsh's nomination for Federal Reserve Chairman was approved by a Senate subcommittee and awaits confirmation by the full Senate. 3. Both WTI and Brent crude oil prices surged, returning above $110. 4. World Gold Council: Global central banks increased their gold holdings at the fastest pace in over a year in the first quarter. 5. The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% for the fourth consecutive meeting, in line with market expectations. 6. EIA: US crude oil exports rose to a record high of over 6 million barrels per day in the latest week; net crude oil imports hit a record low. 7. Trump: The UAE leaving OPEC is great; now is a good time to cut interest rates; Powell stayed at the Fed because nobody else wanted him. 8. Putin and Trump spoke for an hour and a half. Putin proposed a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine on Victory Day (starting May 9th) and offered suggestions regarding Iran's nuclear program. Trump suggested a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. 9. US-Iran situation— ① Iran stated that if the US continues to seize ships, it will respond with "unprecedented military action." Revenge for the assassinated leader remains on the agenda. ② White House official: Trump discussed plans with oil companies to extend the blockade for several months if necessary. ③ The Iranian rial fell to a record low. ④ US media: Pakistan is expected to receive Iran's revised proposal by Wednesday or at the latest Friday. ⑤ Trump: Believes the wars between Russia and Ukraine and Iran will end around the same time; the blockade against Iran will not be lifted until the nuclear issue is resolved. ⑥ US Department of Defense: $25 billion has been spent on the war to date. ⑦ Israeli military says Hamas military intelligence headquarters operations chief has died. ⑧ US media: The USS Ford aircraft carrier is planned to withdraw from the Middle East and return home, with a record deployment time. ⑨ Sources: The US military has prepared a "short-term and powerful" plan for a strike against Iran to break the deadlock in negotiations. ⑩ Trump: Negotiations with Iran are being conducted by telephone, which is very convenient.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde: A wise decision was made without sufficient information.