The story begins …
The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to combat inflation, with policymakers anticipating further hikes this year. This move, influenced by rising fuel prices partly attributed to the war on Iran, aims to return inflation to a 2% target. Hong Kong's note-issuing banks maintained their lending rates despite the Hong Kong Monetary Authority adjusting its base rate in line with the Fed due to the currency peg. Meanwhile, China's domestic oil prices reached a record high following drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, and China's Foreign Minister expressed readiness to help resolve the Middle East conflict. The US House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing sanctions on major importers of Russian oil, including China and India.