SMFG global markets head says Bank of Japan should hike rates in June.

Interfax reports Russia's nuclear regulator chief met with IAEA Director General Grossi to discuss conditions at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

The European Commission is weighing a proposal to grant member states extra fiscal flexibility to cushion rising energy costs tied to tensions with Iran, people familiar with the matter said. Under the proposal, governments would be allowed additional energy-related spending outside EU fiscal rules equivalent to roughly 0.3% of GDP, implemented as an exemption clause akin to the existing defense-spending carve-out. Italy, already highly indebted and facing elevated energy bills, has been among the strongest advocates for expanded fiscal leeway.