The final reading of the Eurozone consumer confidence index for May was -19, in line with expectations and the previous reading.

The U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday initial jobless claims rose 5,000 to 215,000 in the week ended May 23, the highest in over a month. A survey of Economists showed a median forecast of 211,000. Continuing claims increased to 1.79 million. Despite the uptick, claims remain low year-to-date; the rise contrasts with a stream of high-profile layoffs—particularly in tech—focused on white-collar roles.

US Dollar: 1. The Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index for May reached 13, the highest level since November 2021. 2. ADP Weekly Employment Report: In the four weeks ending May 9, 2026, private sector employers added an average of 35,750 jobs per week. 3. Federal Reserve - ① Jefferson: Warned of inflation risks from soaring energy prices; current policy settings are well-positioned to handle any developments. ② Cook: Prepared to raise interest rates if the expected decline in inflation does not materialize in time. Prepared to cut interest rates if the labor market deteriorates. ③ Goolsby: The Iran war has led to continued energy inflation, and Asia faces stagflation shocks. Rising AI productivity expectations coupled with rising oil prices may force central banks to raise interest rates. Euro: 1. The Bank of France confirmed that Moulin will officially assume the presidency on June 2. 2. European Central Bank: ① ECB: Investors underestimate the risks of war and inflation; the market may experience a significant repricing. ② Vice President Guindos: Inflation expectations remain stable. ③ Governing Council member Pereira: We are monitoring the second-order effects of prices and wages, which will be considered at the next ECB meeting. ③ Governing Council member Machrouf: Firmly committed to achieving the 2% inflation target, declined to comment on the June meeting. No signs of a second round of inflationary effects have been seen yet. ④ ECB Chief Economist: The Iran war will have a lasting impact on inflation. Other: 1. The Bank of Japan recorded a record loss in its holdings of Japanese government bonds in the last fiscal year. 2. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama: Hopes the Bank of Japan can adopt appropriate monetary policy to achieve the 2% price target stably and sustainably, accompanied by wage increases. 3. The Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50%, in line with market expectations. 4. Traders lowered their bets on a Bank of England rate hike, now expecting a 25 basis point increase this year. 5. Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Brehman: The committee believes that future inflationary pressures will increase, and the cash rate needs to be further raised.