CENTCOM said since restarting a maritime blockade of Iranian ports 17 hours ago, U.S. forces have intercepted two merchant vessels attempting to breach the blockade. The U.S. military said it remains vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance.

At the morning open, China’s main futures contracts were mostly higher. Fuel oil led gains, up over 5%; low-sulfur fuel oil (LU) rose over 4%; Shanghai crude (SC) gained about 4%. Ethylene glycol (EG) and styrene (EB) advanced more than 3%. SHFE silver, asphalt and benzene climbed over 2%. Shanghai lead fell over 1% and soda ash slipped about 1%.

PBOC spokesperson and Deputy Governor Zou Lan said at a State Council Information Office briefing on the 15th that the central bank will continue to steadily refine its monetary policy operations framework to better guide market overnight rates to trade close to policy rates. In line with primary dealers’ needs, the PBOC will study gradually increasing the frequency of overnight reverse repo operations and will coordinate communication with the market.