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On April 9, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar stated in an interview with CNBC that the company has begun to 'test the waters' with retail investors in its recent funding round and has seen 'very strong demand' from individual investors. Sarah Friar also mentioned that OpenAI will reserve a portion for retail investors during its IPO.

Mizuho Securities economists stated that although the upward pressure on oil prices from the Middle East conflict is substantial, government subsidies are expected to offset most of its impact on Japan’s energy costs.The impact on commodities (mainly food) will gradually become apparent, with price increases expected to peak between spring and autumn of 2027, and a lag period of about four to six quarters.Since it will take time for the security assurance and full normalization of transit through the Strait of Hormuz, crude oil prices may remain high in the short term.

On April 9, it was reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a statement indicating that due to recent conflicts, there may be anti-ship mines in the main traffic area of the Strait of Hormuz. Vessels planning to transit the strait should coordinate with the IRGC Navy and follow the alternative routes they have established to avoid mines. According to the map attached to the statement, the alternative routes require vessels to enter and exit the Persian Gulf from the northern and southern sides of Lark Island in the northern part of the strait. On April 8, the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization released a safety navigation map for the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, advising vessels to adhere to shipping safety principles to avoid mines. The organization stated that from February 28 to April 8, there have been ongoing conflicts in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and various types of anti-ship mines may be present in the main shipping lanes of the strait. (CCTV News)