Spot platinum has just broken through the $2090.00/ounce mark, last trading at $2089.90/ounce, up 3.44% on the day; Nymex platinum futures main contract was last trading at $2092.1/ounce, up 2.45% on the day.

Hezbollah in Lebanon: Rocket attack on Israeli enemy soldiers' assembly point in a settlement in Salihazarai.

[China and the US Hold Trade Talks in Paris, France] From March 15th to 16th local time, He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council and China's lead negotiator for China-US trade talks, held trade talks in Paris, France, with their US counterparts, Treasury Secretary Bessenter and Trade Representative Greer. Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, both sides conducted frank, in-depth, and constructive exchanges and consultations on trade and economic issues of mutual concern, including tariff arrangements, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and maintaining existing consensus. They reached some new consensuses and will continue to hold consultations. He Lifeng stated that under the strategic guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and following five rounds of trade talks last year, China and the US reached a series of consultation outcomes in the economic and trade field, injecting more certainty and stability into bilateral trade relations and the world economy. Recently, the US Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by the US under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were illegal. Subsequently, the US imposed a 10% import surcharge on all trading partners under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and also introduced a series of negative measures concerning China, including Section 301 investigations, corporate sanctions, and market access restrictions. China's position against the US imposing unilateral tariffs is consistent. China urges the US to completely remove unilateral tariffs and other restrictive measures, and will take necessary measures to resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests. China hopes the US will work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously expand the list of cooperation, reduce the list of issues, and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations. The US stated that a stable China-US economic and trade relationship is very important for both countries and the world, and helps promote global economic growth, supply chain security, and financial stability. Both sides should reduce friction, avoid escalation of issues, and resolve differences through consultation. Both sides agreed to study the establishment of a cooperation mechanism to promote bilateral trade and investment, continue to leverage the role of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand pragmatic cooperation, and promote the sustained and stable improvement of bilateral economic and trade relations. (Xinhua)