Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group analyst Derek Halpenny said a sustained surge in energy prices, especially if a US‑Iran conflict intensifies, could put downward pressure on the euro and pound. Higher natural gas prices would hit household incomes and likely damp consumer spending and economic growth. He noted that while market rate expectations for the Fed, ECB and BoE are converging, investors may view the US economy as better able to withstand tighter policy.

The world’s first 100-kW-class bamboo-based offshore photovoltaic platform, Jilin No.2, was completed in Yantai, Shandong. The platform’s primary structure uses bamboo-wound tubes and sea-bamboo tubes as core supports; project developers say these components outperform conventional wood-based composites on overall mechanical performance and offer high strength, corrosion resistance and renewability. The unit will be installed at Yantai’s offshore PV demonstration and testing base to supply green power to an offshore energy-island demonstration project for hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.

Indonesian metal exports have been delayed after customs introduced new inspections of rare earths and radioactive elements, including uranium and tin, sources said. Additional checks have held several shipments this month. Alumina and nickel pig iron exports are reported affected. Duration and volume of the disruption remain unclear.