[Midnight News Brief] Iran's Attack on Saudi Oil Refining Facilities Raises Crude Supply Concerns External

Tensions in the Middle East escalate as Iran attacks Saudi oil facilities, raising concerns over oil supply

Iran has attacked the Yanbu oil refinery along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, sparking increasing worries about oil supply. The attack is believed to be directly targeting a major Saudi export hub.

Federal Reserve keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged in March and adjusts inflation expectations

The U.S. Federal Reserve maintains the current level of the benchmark interest rate and raises its inflation forecast for 2026 based on PCE data. The Fed’s latest economic outlook raises growth projections but is seen as a potential signal to limit expectations of long-term rate cuts.

Oil and energy prices surge amid inflation concerns and Middle East tensions

As conflicts with Iran intensify, the spread between Brent and WTI crude oil widens. Oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, and the global oil supply instability may persist long-term.

Tether plans large-scale user access via Bitcoin Lightning Network

Tether’s CEO announced plans to connect hundreds of millions of users to the Bitcoin Lightning Network. As stablecoin network applications expand, Bitcoin payment usage and transaction volume are expected to increase.

Federal Reserve Chair Powell comments on inflation and rate cuts

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that current inflation is slower than expected, and if there is no further progress in prices, rate cuts will not be initiated. This is seen as a signal to restrain expectations of rate reductions.

Solana stablecoin supply hits record high

The supply of stablecoins on the Solana network has surpassed $170 billion. This is interpreted as an expansion of on-chain liquidity and capital inflows.

Cloudflare prepares to launch its own stablecoin

Cloudflare is pushing to launch its own stablecoin, ‘NET Dollar,’ by the end of the year. Coinbase and Zerohash are competing to be the issuer, with plans to use the stablecoin for small AI-based payments.

ECB President Lagarde emphasizes short-term inflation risks from energy prices

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that due to rising energy prices, short-term inflation will exceed 2%. She pointed out risks of declining household income and economic slowdown in the Eurozone.

Polymarket partners exclusively with Major League Baseball and establishes CFTC collaboration system

Major League Baseball (MLB) has partnered with prediction market platform Polymarket and established a collaboration system with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This move is seen as strengthening formal ties between prediction markets, sports, and regulatory agencies.

U.S. major stock indexes decline, crypto-related stocks also fall

As major U.S. stock indices close lower, stocks related to cryptocurrencies also weaken. Market volatility is seen as a factor that could pressure investor sentiment in the crypto market.