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Research conducted by S&P Global revealed an acceleration in the decline of Canadian manufacturing activity in March. The Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) fell to 46.3, hitting its lowest level since December 2023. This factor points to a deeper drop in output and decreasing demand.

According to the country's central bank, business sentiment among Japan's major manufacturers, calculated over three winter months, reached its lowest level in the past year. This points to a negative impact of trade tensions on the country's export-dependent economy.

In early April, the Solana Policy Institute (SPI) officially launched its efforts to foster regulatory interest in Solana (SOL), one of the top blockchain platforms. SPI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic and social benefits of decentralized networks.

Peersyst Technology, a blockchain infrastructure developer, has launched a public testnet of a new Ethereum-compatible sidechain designed specifically for the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The project marks a major step toward enabling Ethereum-based smart contracts within XRP ecosystem, ETHNews reports.

Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member Megan Greene emphasized that interest rates must continue to influence UK demand to control inflation. She noted the economy faces constrained growth due to persistent price pressures and supply-side limitations.

Traders have been rushing to move copper to the US ahead of the imposition of tariffs on copper imports by US President Donald Trump. But with no clarity on how high the duties will be or when they’ll take effect, the market is still in the dark, according to Reuters.

According to Goldman Sachs, the yen could strengthen by 7% this year to reach 140 against the dollar. This is due to increasing concerns about US economic growth and trade tariffs.

In March, the purchasing managers’ index in the UK manufacturing industry from S&P Global fell to a 17-month low, reaching 44.9. The sharpest decline in new exports since August 2023, caused by trade tensions between the US and Europe, served as a particular sign of deterioration.

Crypto influencer Amelie has revealed that Indian banks have begun piloting private ledger tests utilizing XRP. The news came out during India's fintech festival, where central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) emerged as a key discussion topic among policymakers.

Australian retail sales rose modestly for a second straight month in February. According to Reuters, the long-awaited cut in interest rates and easing inflation have begun boosting consumer confidence and spending power.