China has not shipped any antimony to European Union countries since October, customs data showed on Thursday, after the dominant supplier imposed export controls that have fuelled a surge in global prices for the strategic metal.

Oil prices rose on Thursday, boosted by a strong outlook for demand in the United States after fuel inventories fell more than expected, and a weaker U.S. dollar.

Asia shares edged up on Thursday after a Wall Street rally as investor sentiment was lifted by the prospect that the Federal Reserve could still deliver two rate cuts this year, though the gains were limited by a pullback in Chinese equities.

The dollar steadied near five-month lows on Thursday after the Federal Reserve indicated rate cuts were likely later this year despite uncertainties around U.S. tariffs, while the pound hit a four-month high ahead of the Bank of England’s policy decision.

Thailand’s economy was seen growing slightly more than 2.5% this year, less than earlier expected, minutes of the Bank of Thailand’s February 26 monetary policy meeting showed on Wednesday, with its economic recovery becoming more uneven. 

Economists expect Singapore to grow 2.6% this year, near the midpoint of the government’s forecast range, a survey by the central bank published on Wednesday showed, with geopolitical and trade tensions seen as the biggest downside risks.