<p><strong>The Bank of Japan kept its short-term policy rate at 0.75%</strong> in its April meeting and is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for now while signaling future increases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The European Parliament backed a larger long-term EU budget to boost key spending areas and add new revenues, </strong>setting up a conflict with member governments that oppose higher contributions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Global equity markets edged higher and the dollar weakened while oil prices climbed on supply concerns from the Iran conflict,</strong> as investors remained cautious.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The Philippine peso plunged to a record low of PHP 61.30 per dollar as strong global demand for the US currency,</strong> high interest rates abroad, and geopolitical tensions put sustained pressure on the local unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ASEAN energy ministers are pushing to fast-track a regional petroleum-sharing pact to strengthen oil security and crisis response</strong> as the Middle East conflict threatens supplies.&nbsp;</p>