The average weekly hours worked in the US in April was 34.3, compared to an expected 34.2 and a previous reading of 34.2.

Domestic News 1. Li Qiang meets with a delegation of US senators. 2. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answers reporters' questions regarding the EU's ban on funding projects using Chinese inverters. 3. During the May Day holiday, 325 million domestic trips were made, a year-on-year increase of 3.6%; total domestic tourism spending reached 185.492 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.9%. International News 1. The Nasdaq index broke through 26,000 points intraday, setting a new high. 2. South Korea surpasses Canada to become the world's seventh largest stock market. 3. US companies increased layoffs by 38% month-on-month in April, but have decreased by 50% year-to-date. 4. World Gold Council: Global gold ETFs saw net inflows in April; Asia saw net inflows for the eighth consecutive month. 5. Governor of the Central Bank of Poland: Poland currently has 595 tons of gold reserves and will continue to increase its gold holdings, with a target of 700 tons. 6. Federal Reserve's Hamak: The baseline scenario is that interest rates will remain unchanged for an extended period. Collins: Supports maintaining interest rates unchanged, but hopes to adjust the wording of the statement. 7. Middle East Situation: ① Iranian President says he recently met with the Supreme Leader. ② Iran claims to have shot down a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz. ③ Iran designates two shipping lanes for vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. ④ Middle Eastern media reports that the US and Iran have reached a consensus on easing the US naval blockade. ⑤ Pakistani official: Pakistan is preparing for possible US-Iran negotiations. ⑥ Israeli airstrikes in Gaza cause multiple deaths and injuries. The son of a senior Hamas official died from his injuries. ⑦ Israeli media: Iran is open to transferring enriched uranium, but the destination remains a mystery. ⑧ US State Department official: Lebanon and Israel will hold talks in Washington next Thursday and Friday. ⑨ According to Al Arabiya: Pakistani sources say no direct meetings between Iran and the US have been scheduled yet.

Anatol Feygin, Chief Commercial Officer of Cheniere, expects liquefied natural gas prices to rise in the third and fourth quarters of 2026.