📊 Global Macroeconomics and Financial Markets

• IMF Raises Economic Forecast, Taiwan Sees Rare Double-Digit Growth: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank held their annual meetings in Bangkok. The IMF indicated that the global economy is maintaining 3% growth, driven by the AI investment boom. Notably, the IMF significantly revised Taiwan's real economic growth rate for 2026 upwards to 10.7% (the highest in the Asia-Pacific region), making it one of the world's exceptionally rare countries to achieve double-digit growth due to advanced semiconductor exports fueled by AI. • Oil Price Surge and Inflation Concerns: Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated again following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia and an assault on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil prices soared to $106.65 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $93.74. Subsequently, Federal Reserve officials warned that inflationary pressures have spread beyond energy, and the high-interest-rate environment may persist longer. • Foreign Exchange and US Treasury Market Movements: Safe-haven funds poured into the US dollar, pushing the Dollar Index (DXY) to 102.58, a new 18-month high. The yield on 10-year US Treasury bonds remained elevated at 5.24%. Reports suggest the US Treasury Department is considering reducing or halting the issuance of 20-year US Treasury bonds due to a surge in interest expenses.