The International Energy Agency slightly lowered this year’s global oil-demand outlook, but said it still expects growth to accelerate on lower prices and an improving economic outlook in developed countries.

Investors weigh an important matter: whether barriers are stronger to raising rates—or cutting them.

Oil prices rose slightly as traders awaited more clarity on the effect of sanctions on Russia, while reports of an imminent cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas capped gains.

The pound rose against the dollar, and the sterling’s positive reaction to the lower-than-expected U.K. inflation data shows that it’s acting like an emerging market currency, more sensitive to long-term borrowing costs than the short-term central bank outlook, ING said.

A sticky U.K. inflation print could have been a catalyst for further volatility in the gilt market, but instead has provided some relief, however the data show a notable downside surprise, particularly in the services sector, J.P. Morgan said, adding that inflation dynamics could prove challenging this year.

Gold futures rose ahead of crucial U.S. economic data which could shed more light on the Federal Reserve’s pathway to monetary policy easing.

Hong Kong shares closed higher, supported by semiconductor and tech stocks, with SMIC, Netease and Tencent among the top gainers.

The chip maker said it will remain an investor in Intel Capital, founded in 1991 with over $5 billion in assets under management.

The retired executive has alleged that the firm’s longtime investment chief, Kenneth Leech, defrauded some clients nearly a decade earlier than what federal prosecutors asserted in their recent criminal indictment.

Mark Wiedman was most recently head of BlackRock’s global client business

The executives have been fined a total of $18.5 million for their alleged roles relating to sales misconduct in the mid-2010s.

Further near-term declines in Cushing stocks would likely put more upward pressure on crude spread — the difference between the front month contract and subsequent months.

Daniel Pinto had taken over briefly for Dimon in 2020 when a heart issue sidelined him. The bank named Jennifer Piepszak as chief operating officer.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says millions of customers lost out on $2 billion in interest payments.

The economy suggests a weaker yuan. But the prospect of capital flight makes Beijing wary of allowing any sudden depreciation.

The deal follows strong investor interest in businesses connected to the AI boom.

The gym chain’s revamp has taken hold after a franchisee revolt.

U.S. natural gas futures shook off early losses and settled higher with an Arctic blast forecast for early next week seen surpassing recent steady cold.

U.K. borrowing costs and the British pound steadied, as Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves faced questions in Parliament around the recent turmoil in bond markets.