Financial News

Bank of Korea Keeps Benchmark Rate Unchanged at 2.5%

Market Chatter: JBIC Provides $2.38 Billion Loan to Support Mitsubishi's U.S. Natural Gas Developer Acquisition

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is lending $2.38 billion to help fund trading house Mitsubishi Corp.'s (TYO:8058) purchase of American gas developer Aethon Energy, Nikkei Asia reported on Friday.The state-backed institution entered into a syndicated loan agreement with private lenders, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial's (TYO:8306) MUFG Bank, the news agency said.This acquisition, which costs $7.53 billion, marks Mitsubishi's largest deal ever, follows Nippon Steel's (TYO:5401) purchase of U.S. Steel as another major public-private financing effort, the publication said.By boosting Japanese firms' competitiveness in U.S. gas operations, JBIC aims to strengthen Japan's energy security, particularly as Aethon's annual output could cover roughly a quarter of Japan's LNG demand, the report added.JBIC has not replied to MTNewswire's queries at press time.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Alligator Energy Says Uranium Extraction on Track at Samphire Field Recovery Trial

Alligator Energy (ASX:AGE) said its first well pattern at the Samphire uranium project field recovery trial in Australia has progressed to about 39 pore volumes of the planned 70, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.The company said that the results to date demonstrate performance consistent with its models and supporting assumptions outlined in the December 2023 scoping study.The company added that pregnant lixiviant grades produced from the wellfield peaked at over 200 milligrams per liter of uranium oxide and currently remain above 100 milligrams per liter, with uranium recovery exceeding about 55% from the 39 pore volumes processed to date.Reagent consumption required to achieve these recoveries remains in line with expectations, reflecting efficient leaching conditions, while results from the onsite laboratory are being validated by duplicate assay at an external laboratory, with more detailed results to be released in due course, the filing added.

Invictus Energy Says Zimbabwe Authorities Renew Environmental Impact Assessment, Allowing for Drilling at Exploration Well

Invictus Energy (ASX:IVZ) said Zimbabwe's Environmental Management Agency renewed the environmental impact assessment for the special grant 4571 and exclusive prospecting orders 1848 and 1849 until March 2027, clearing the way for a drilling campaign at Musuma-1 exploration well at the Cabora Bassa project and appraisal of the Mukuyu gas field, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.The renewal concludes permitting requirements and allows the firm to undertake exploration activities in the field, including seismic acquisition, drilling, and well testing for the upcoming program.A final "all party review" of the petroleum production sharing agreement was completed, and the execution of the agreement is scheduled for April, it added. This will help establish a legal and fiscal framework under which petroleum operations in Zimbabwe will be conducted.

Core Lithium Receives Tranche One Convertible Note Funding

Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) received the proceeds of the tranche one convertible note $26 million funding as part of the strategic funding package for the restart of the Finniss lithium operation in the Northern Territory, according to a Friday filing with the Australian bourse.Proceeds will be used for early works, site preparation, contractor mobilization, and initial restart capital activities at the project, the filing said.The company's shares fell nearly 2% in recent Friday trade.

Market Chatter: Inpex Mulls Shifting Investment Focus to SE Asia from Middle East Amid Iran War Risks

Japan's largest oil and gas explorer, Inpex (TYO:1605), is reconsidering its plan to allocate investment to the Middle East due to the Iran war, which has already delayed its projects in the United Arab Emirates, Nikkei Asia reported on Friday, citing President Takayuki Ueda.Instead, the company is evaluating resource development opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, and has started examining specific projects ranging from active oil and gas fields to those still in early stages, said the news agency.While Inpex had set aside up to 300 billion yen of its 850 billion yen annual growth budget for Abu Dhabi, those funds may be redirected if regional instability persists, the publication said, citing Ueda, who cited Southeast Asia's proximity to Japan as a key advantage.The company currently supplies about 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day--roughly 20% of Japan's imports--with two-thirds coming from Abu Dhabi, but the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has blocked some UAE exports and sharply reduced production, the report said.Although major facilities in Abu Dhabi have not been severely damaged, the war in Iran has increased the risk of delays to Inpex's production expansion plans there, it added.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

TerraCom CFO Resigns

TerraCom's (ASX:TER) Chief Financial Officer, Jen Williams, resigned effective immediately, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.Williams will continue to perform her duties during her notice period, while the firm searches for a successor.

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Fall as Middle East Conflict Escalates; Fortescue Ramps Up Delivery of Industrial, Integrated Green Energy Grid to Eliminate Use of Diesel

Australian shares are poised to fall on Friday as escalating fears of a Middle East conflict, including intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon, threats around the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile ceasefire diplomacy involving Iran and the US, weigh on global risk sentiment and energy supply outlooks.Overnight, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each rose 0.6%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8%.In the macroeconomy, Australia's home values are diverging sharply across states, with the strongest growth in Western Australia and Queensland as population gains outpace new housing supply and construction pipelines remain tight, Cotality said in a Friday report.In corporate news, Fortescue (ASX:FMG) is targeting the elimination of diesel as a fuel as part of an industrial, fully-integrated green energy grid dedicated to eliminating fossil fuels, planning to power all of its operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region for 24-hour periods without fossil fuels in 2027, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.Monadelphous Group (ASX:MND) has secured new construction and maintenance contracts and extensions worth around AU$145 million across key resource sector operations in Australia and Papua New Guinea, according to a Friday filing with the Australian bourse.Australia's benchmark index rose 0.2% or 21.4 points to close at 8,973.20 on Thursday.

Trump Says Iran Doing 'Very Poor Job' Allowing Oil Through Hormuz, Not Honoring Agreement

New Zealand's Manufacturing Sector Expands in March as Momentum Softens on Global Uncertainty, Says BusinessNZ

New Zealand's manufacturing sector continued to expand in March, but momentum eased as sentiment weakened, with firms increasingly citing global uncertainty including the war in Iran as a growing headwind, BusinessNZ said on Friday.The BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) for March edged down to 53.2 on a seasonally adjusted basis from February's 54.8, remaining well above the long-term average of 52.5 and signaling continued expansion in the manufacturing sector."It is gratifying to see that the manufacturing sector is still expanding but, at the same time, it is concerning to note that the proportion of businesses commenting negatively about their situation increased to 62%, from 44.5% in February," said Catherine Beard, BNZ's director of advocacy.Among the sub-indices, production fell to 53.8 from 56.3, finished stocks rose to 54 from 51.3, employment increased to 51.4 from 50.3, deliveries edged down to 50 from 50.7, and new orders fell to 55.8 from 57.2."The PMI result supports our view that economic growth was reasonable in the first quarter of the year, even though material headwinds had accumulated by quarter's end," said Doug Steel, BNZ's senior economist.

Global Energy Supply Hit as Middle East Conflict Drives LNG Down 20%, Oil 13%, IMF Says

Global liquefied natural gas flows fell roughly 20% amid the Middle East conflict, while oil supply dropped about 13%, triggering a major energy shock, the International Monetary Fund said Thursday.The disruption has pushed energy prices higher worldwide, with the shock spreading across supply chains and affecting both importing and exporting economies unevenly.Brent crude rose sharply from about $72 per barrel before the conflict to around $120/bbl at its peak, reflecting tight supply conditions and heightened uncertainty, the IMF noted.Although prices have eased from highs, they remain elevated, with many countries paying premiums to secure limited oil supplies in strained global markets.Over 80% of countries are net oil importers, leaving the majority of global economies exposed to rising energy costs and supply disruptions during the shock, the IMF said.The drop in supply has also disrupted refining operations, as facilities struggle to maintain minimum throughput levels amid reduced crude availability.Shortages of refined fuels, including diesel and jet fuel, have affected transportation networks, trade flows, and tourism activity across multiple regions, according to the IMF.LNG markets have been heavily impacted, with supply constraints tightening availability and intensifying competition among buyers.Qatar's Ras Laffan complex, which accounts for about 93% of Gulf LNG output, has been largely offline since early March and may take three to five years to fully recover, the IMF added.The disruption has left Asia-Pacific markets facing acute shortages, given their heavy reliance on LNG imports from the Gulf region.Shipping flows have been affected, with tanker traffic from the Gulf disrupted for weeks, reducing availability of both crude oil and LNG cargoes, the IMF said.The shock is feeding into inflation, as higher energy costs pass through to goods and services, while supply shortages further constrain demand.The IMF stressed that policymakers should avoid unilateral actions, such as export bans or price caps, that could distort markets and intensify global supply shortages.Authorities are encouraged to adopt targeted and temporary fiscal measures to support vulnerable households while preserving longer-term fiscal discipline.Central banks should remain cautious, maintaining a focus on price stability while keeping policy steady unless inflation risks escalate, the IMF added.The IMF said that if inflation expectations rise sharply, policymakers may need to respond with interest rate increases to prevent a broader inflation cycle.Fiscal support should remain narrowly focused, avoiding broad subsidies that weaken price signals and reduce incentives to conserve energy.The IMF added that governments are advised to closely monitor evolving conditions, adjusting policies as needed while avoiding overreaction to short-term volatility.The IMF warned that global fiscal space has weakened, with public debt rising sharply over the past two decades, including across most G20 countries, increasing interest costs and highlighting the need to rebuild fiscal buffers.In tighter financial conditions, policymakers may need to balance growth risks with inflation control, requiring careful coordination between fiscal and monetary policies.Energy conservation measures, including demand reduction policies and efficiency initiatives, are being implemented in several countries to ease pressure on supply.Governments are also rolling out emergency energy-saving measures, including public conservation campaigns, limits on private vehicle use, and expanded remote work, the IMF said, citing data from the International Energy Agency.The IMF also stressed the need for strong global policy coordination, warning that conflicting fiscal and monetary policies could worsen economic instability.The IMF expects demand for balance-of-payments support to rise to between $20 billion and $50 billion due to spillovers from the Middle East conflict, with lower needs if the ceasefire holds.The fund said stronger policymaking in emerging markets has helped limit the scale of support required, adding it remains well positioned to assist its 191 member countries and coordinate responses.

Elixir Energy, APA Group Conducting Feasibility Study for Taroom Trough Gas Pipeline

Elixir Energy (ASX:EXR) and APA Group (ASX:APA) have reached a deal to conduct a feasibility study to determine the best path for gas from the Taroom Trough in Queensland to reach the Wallumbilla Gas Hub, according to a Friday filing with the Australian bourse.The agreement includes feasibility works to prepare an entry into pre-FEED, as well as a class-V capital estimate and level-1 schedule. The study is anticipated to complete in roughly 12 weeks, per the filing.Additionally, Elixir expects to produce a "significant" volume of associated condensate/light oil alongside the gas from the Lorelle pilot project, with a separate study planned later to optimize logistics for those liquids destined for the Queensland refining market.

Iran's Crypto-Based Hormuz Tolls Seen Generating Up to $20 Million Daily, TRM Labs Says

Iran's toll framework outlines charges of up to $2 million per vessel for transit of the Strait of Hormuz, payable in crypto or Chinese yuan, with daily revenue estimated at about $20 million, TRM Labs said in a Thursday note.Under the system, ship operators must first contact an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked unnamed intermediary and submit detailed vessel data, including ownership, cargo, routing, and crew information for approval.Authorities then screen vessels for links to the US or Israel, with some ships denied passage entirely.Others are categorized under a five-tier system based on "friendliness," TRM said, adding that "friendlier nations" pay lower toll charges.Additionally, payments are negotiated based on crude volumes and vessel classification, with oil tanker fees typically ranging from about $0.50 per barrel to $1/bbl, and rates varying by nationality tier.Additionally, fully laden Very Large Crude Carriers, which carry about 2 million barrels, are expected to pay about $2 million per tanker, according to TRM.For container ships and other vessel classes, charges are negotiated individually.Rates also vary by a vessel's country classification, while fees for container ships and other vessel types are determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the note.Payments must be made either in digital assets or in Chinese yuan via Kunlun Bank or through the Chinese payment network, known as CIPS or the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, the note added.Following the payment, vessels will receive a VHF-broadcast passcode and are guided through a northern corridor near Larak Island by an IRGC naval escort.Iran's use of digital assets for transit tolls marks a notable example of cryptocurrency enabling state-level sanctions evasion, with payments routed outside traditional financial systems, TRM Labs said.Iran formalized the framework through its Strait of Hormuz Management Plan in March."At current traffic levels, public estimates suggest the toll system could generate up to $20 million per day from oil tankers alone, with $600-800 million per month possible if liquefied natural gas vessels are included," according to TRM."The unnamed intermediary administering toll collection remains publicly unidentified - a critical gap for any future enforcement or sanctions action targeting the payment network," according to TRM Labs.Crypto transactions enable faster settlement outside US banking channels, making it difficult to monitor or block payments in real time, the note added.Despite a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire taking effect on Apr. 7, tolls remain active, TRM said."Tolls remain in effect, and Iran's institutional infrastructure... suggests no near-term rollback," according to TRM.

Supply-Demand Disparity Creating Divergent Home Value Trends in Australia, Cotality Says

A disparity between supply and demand has resulted in divergent home value trends in Australia over the past several years, Cotality said in a Friday report.Between the first quarter of 2020 and the third quarter of 2025, the sharpest growth in home values was concentrated in states where population growth has significantly exceeded the rate of dwelling completions, Cotality said, pointing to Western Australia and Queensland as primary examples.Western Australia experienced population growth of 17% since 2020 but only 10% of completions, while Queensland saw 25% population growth but less than 20% of completions. Home values in both states more than doubled over the period as this imbalance drove intense seller's markets in Brisbane and Perth, according to the analysis.Cotality flagged South Australia as a notable outlier in the findings, as the state posted over 90% growth in home values over the five-year period despite completions remaining similar to population growth. Victoria, meanwhile, represented the largest share of home completions in the period, at roughly 33% of the total, to outpace its share of population growth."Regional markets have been more resilient to a slowdown in value growth, likely supported by regional migration trends and affordability," Cotality said.The report noted that Australia's residential real estate total market value increased to AU$12.6 trillion in March, and national dwelling values ticked 2.1% higher over the March quarter.

Trump Warns Iran Over Reported Strait of Hormuz Toll

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday amid reports that Tehran has started charging transit fees on tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping through the key waterway remains largely restricted despite the ceasefire deal."There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait," Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social, "They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!"In a subsequent post minutes later, Trump said oil is expected to start flowing soon, "with or without the help of Iran."Under the casefire agreement, the Strait of Hormuz holds a key position, with Iran expected to keep the Strait open to international shipping and free of restrictions.The US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, and the two sides are scheduled to hold direct talks in Pakistan this weekend despite reports of ceasefire violations.

Nouveau Monde Graphite Gets $297 Million Financing Package for Matawinie Mine

Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) said Thursday it secured a $297 million equity financing package to advance its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine project in Quebec toward a final investment decision.The package includes a $213 million private placement from the Canada Growth Fund, the government of Quebec and Eni (E), along with an $84 million bought-deal public offering of subscription receipts.Completion of the private placement is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval at Nouveau Monde Graphite's annual meeting on May 13. Shareholders Panasonic and Mitsui have expressed their intention to vote in favor of the approvals, the company said.Nouveau Monde Graphite shares fell 11% in after-hours trading.

US Oil Update: Crude Rises as Hormuz Closure, Fragile Ceasefire Stokes Supply Fears

Crude oil futures settled higher in after-hours trading on Thursday in a volatile session as Iranian missile attacks in Kuwait and limited tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz failed to allay fears of further supply disruptions amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire.Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 3.78% to $97.98 per barrel, while Brent futures were up 2.30% to $96.70/bbl.Kuwait said Thursday that it intercepted drone attacks and that some vital facilities were targeted.Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy, meanwhile, said the nation's oil production capacity has been cut by about 600,000 barrels per day due to Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.Fueling bullish sentiment, President Trump said on Thursday that Iran should stop charging tolls to vessels transiting the Hormuz, as traffic via the strategic waterway remains largely constrained despite a ceasefire deal that included an agreement to open it."There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait," Trump said in a Truth Social post. "They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!"On Thursday, the head of the UAE energy giant Adnoc said Hormuz was still closed and that Iran is restricting passage via the strategic waterway.Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Adnoc's managing director and group CEO, said an estimated 230 vessels were currently loaded with oil and ready to sail, but faced uncertainty over transit.The IMO also estimated that about 2,000 vessels, including oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers, and cargo ships, are currently stranded in the Arabian Gulf, along with around 20,000 seafarers.In an earlier post on Thursday, Trump said that US military forces will remain deployed in the Middle East until Iran fully complies with the "real agreement," noting that any breach would trigger a military campaign larger than anything seen before."All US ships, aircraft, and military personnel...will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until the real agreement reached is fully complied with," Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social.However, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said negotiations to resolve the Middle East conflict make no sense following ceasefire violations of three clauses of the proposed ceasefire.US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead an American delegation in talks with Iran in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on Saturday, while Tehran's delegation is due to arrive on Thursday, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said in a post on X.

US Natural Gas Update: Futures Extend Losses on Weak Demand, Rising Inventories

US natural gas futures extended earlier declines in after-hours trading on Thursday, pressured by persistently soft supply-demand fundamentals, with prices falling to their lowest levels since late 2024.The front-month Henry Hub natural gas contract, along with the continuous contract, traded down 1.87% to $2.67 per million British thermal units.Prices had already dropped sharply during regular trading, tracking weakness in European markets amid reports that Israel is seeking direct negotiations with Lebanon. Additional pressure came from weather forecasts indicating prolonged mild conditions, which reduced heating demand.According to Commodity Weather Group, cited by Barchart, forecasts shifted warmer, with above-average temperatures expected across the eastern two-thirds of the US through Apr. 23."Weather remains the dominant driver, and the next two-week window continues to lean warm enough across the Midwest, South, and East to keep national demand soft, which makes it difficult for prices to hold rallies near $3/MMBtu," Gelber and Associates said in a note Thursday.Bearish sentiment was reinforced by a larger-than-expected inventory build. The US Energy Information Administration reported that underground gas storage rose by 50 billion cubic feet in the week ended Apr. 3, above analyst expectations of around 40 Bcf.Total inventories reached 1,911 Bcf, about 89 Bcf higher than a year earlier and 87 Bcf above the five-year average of 1,824 Bcf.Demand indicators also pointed to softness. Total US gas demand at 70.4 Bcf per day on Thursday, down 9.4% from a year earlier, Barchart reported, citing BNEF data.However, LNG feedgas flows were largely steady, with NRG Energy estimating volumes at 19.1 Bcf per day, while BNEF data cited by Barchart put flows at around 20 Bcf/d, up 0.5% over the week.On the supply side, output edged lower. Data cited by Trading Economics showed production at approximately 106.3 Bcf/d, down 0.7 Bcf from the prior day due to reduced output in Arkansas and Louisiana. However, BNEF data indicated production of 110.9 Bcf/d, up 4.3% from a year earlier.

TD Synnex Insider Sold Shares Worth $605,424, According to a Recent SEC Filing

Miriam Anne Murphy, President, Europe, on April 09, 2026, sold 3,025 shares in TD Synnex (SNX) for $605,424. Following the Form 4 filing with the SEC, Murphy has control over a total of 10,820 common shares of the company, with 10,820 shares held directly.SEC Filing:https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1177394/000117739426000033/xslF345X05/wk-form4_1775770070.xml

Market Chatter: Iran to Allow only 15 Ships Per Day Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran will allow a maximum of 15 ships per day through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Tass news agency, citing a senior Iranian source.The source reportedly said that under the current ceasefire, "fewer than 15 ships per day" will be permitted to sail via the Strait of Hormuz.Ahead of Friday's talks between the US and Iran mediators, the Iranian source said ship movements will be based solely on Iran's approval and "enforcement of a specific protocol."This new regulatory framework will be operated under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and has been officially conveyed to regional parties."There will be no return to the pre-war status quo," Tass reported, citing the Iranian source.Iran has reportedly insisted that during the two-week ceasefire its blocked assets be unfrozen.Another demand on Iran's 10-point proposal is that the US cannot increase its troop presence in the country.Iran has reportedly stipulated that the end of the conflict must be formalized in a United Nations Security Council resolution.Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond immediately to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)