HKEX on the 3rd launched a 5-year offshore RMB government bond futures contract, the only government bond futures product available in the offshore RMB market. The contract is aimed at meeting rising overseas investor demand for interest-rate hedging and trading and is presented as a step to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an offshore RMB hub and risk-management center.

Iran denied reports it had agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying no agreement has been reached and calling such reports rumors, sources said. A military source added that if the United States continues hostile actions the strait will remain closed; vessels may only use published routes and must obtain permission from the IRGC Navy to transit. Earlier, Israel’s Channel 12 reported Foreign Minister Araghchi had overnight accepted a proposal from the US and Qatar to reopen the strait and that this prompted President Trump to call off planned strikes on Iran.

Morocco's interior ministry said Spain's recent ruling restricting maritime interception and immediate repatriation has encouraged some potential migrants to attempt crossings.