News

Golden Ten Data reported on June 19 that UK consumer confidence remained unchanged this month, but is still close to multi-year lows due to the recent surge in energy prices caused by the Middle East conflict, which has worsened the outlook for personal finances. The UK's June GfK consumer confidence index remained steady at -23. Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insight Director at GfK, said: "The lack of movement in the overall data is misleading, as beneath the surface there are fresh signs that confidence is weakening." There was no change this month in views on future personal financial situations, but measures of past personal finances and economic conditions edged lower. Bellamy said this reflects "a sense that the past year has been extremely tough for many people."

On the 18th, the US Dollar Index surged by 0.75%, closing at 100.846 in the foreign exchange market.

On June 19, according to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency on the 18th, Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement saying that, based on a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, vessels applying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will be exempt from related fees for the next 60 days. The statement noted that according to Article 5 of the memorandum, commercial ships applying to transit the Strait of Hormuz must submit their applications to the Iranian Persian Gulf Strait Authority. During the 60-day period, no fees will be charged to vessels applying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with the costs covered by the Iranian government. Consequently, Iran has instructed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to promptly review and respond to the relevant applications. The statement emphasized that given the current special circumstances and the existing safety risks in certain areas of the waterway, to ensure navigational safety and avoid maritime accidents, the relevant vessels must follow designated routes and specified times when passing through the Strait of Hormuz. (Xinhua News Agency)