New York gold futures prices broke through $4,870 per ounce, with a daily increase of 2.15%.

The International Monetary Fund is in talks with Lebanon about a rapid financing arrangement of up to $1 billion.

[International Oil Prices Plunge on May 14] International oil prices suffered a sharp decline on May 14. At the close, the price of light sweet crude oil futures for May delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange plummeted by $7.80, finally settling at $91.28 per barrel, a drop of 7.87%; while the price of Brent crude oil futures for June delivery in London also fell sharply by $4.57, closing at $94.79 per barrel, a drop of 4.6%. This sudden drop in oil prices was influenced by a variety of factors, including market supply and demand, geopolitical situations, and economic development expectations. It undoubtedly brought considerable shock to the global energy market, and the subsequent trend of oil prices has attracted the attention of many investors and related professionals. Further monitoring of market dynamics is warranted.

The US dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, fell 0.25% on the 14th, closing at 98.124 in the foreign exchange market. At the close of trading in New York, one euro was worth 1.1795 US dollars, up from 1.1728 US dollars the previous trading day; one pound sterling was worth 1.3568 US dollars, up from 1.3477 US dollars the previous trading day. Meanwhile, one US dollar was worth 158.82 Japanese yen, down from 159.50 Japanese yen the previous trading day; one US dollar was worth 0.7810 Swiss francs, down from 0.7859 Swiss francs the previous trading day; one US dollar was worth 1.3776 Canadian dollars, down from 1.3800 Canadian dollars the previous trading day; and one US dollar was worth 9.1810 Swedish krona, down from 9.2013 Swedish krona the previous trading day. These exchange rate changes in the foreign exchange market reflect the relative weakness of the US dollar on that day. The exchange rates of major currencies against the US dollar fluctuated to varying degrees, which may have some impact on international trade, investment and other fields. Investors and related companies need to pay close attention to the subsequent trend of exchange rates.

[Microsoft Responds to Rumors of Canceling Carbon Business] Microsoft has responded to speculation about abandoning its carbon removal technology development efforts. Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa clarified that the carbon removal plan is still progressing. Nakagawa pointed out that Microsoft may readjust its carbon footprint reduction strategy, but any adjustments will fall under strict management and do not represent a change in objectives. Microsoft is the world's largest investor in carbon removal credits, with its 2025 purchases accounting for a staggering 96% of the market share.

Over the past day, more than 20 merchant ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.