Malaysia June CPI rose 1.9% YoY, below market expectations of 2.0%.

House Republicans on Thursday pushed a $95 billion budget resolution at President Trump’s request, allocating new defense funds for the war with Iran, agricultural aid, and sweeping voting-rule changes ahead of November’s midterms. The GOP-controlled House Budget Committee approved the resolution, clearing the way for a full House vote as soon as next week; if passed, it would clear the path for a special budget reconciliation bill that could pass the Senate by simple majority rather than the usual 60-vote threshold.

At the open, China front-month main futures were mixed. Palladium fell about 4%; Shanghai silver dropped over 3%. Platinum and soda ash declined more than 2%. Lithium carbonate rose over 2%; Shanghai lead and LPG gained more than 1%.