Key TakeawaysUS 30-year fixed-rate mortgages experienced a slight increase this week, rising to 6.34% from the previous 6.30%, indicating a shifting landscape for homebuyers.Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered multiple statements, accusing Europe of hindering peace in Ukraine and dismissing fears of a direct attack on NATO as "hysteria."Fuel oil demand is unexpectedly defying forecasts, driven by ongoing Red Sea disruptions and the expansion of a shadow fleet, impacting global energy markets.The Whit ...

Core Viewpoint - The domestic fuel oil futures market is experiencing a downward trend, with significant price fluctuations and a notable decline in demand and supply dynamics [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - On June 25, the fuel oil futures main contract opened at 3062.00 CNY/ton, with a maximum of 3071.00 CNY and a minimum of 2996.00 CNY, reflecting a decline of approximately 6.11% [1]. - Domestic fuel oil sales reached 44,600 tons, a decrease of 2,800 tons or 5.91% from the previous month [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply side is affected by reduced exports from Russia and Iran, while Singapore's imports remain high, leading to an overall surplus in the market [2]. - The domestic fuel oil inventory rate increased to 9.0%, up from 7.1%, indicating a rise of 1.9 percentage points [1]. Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - The ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel has alleviated concerns over Middle Eastern supply disruptions, although tensions remain due to recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities [2]. - The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is expected to influence fuel oil prices, with potential for further escalation [2].

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong income characteristics and a buy rank for investors to consider on May 5 Group 1: Euroseas Ltd. (ESEA) - Euroseas Ltd. is an ocean-going transportation services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 8% over the last 60 days [1] - The company offers a dividend yield of 8%, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.5% [1] Group 2: NatWest Group plc (NWG) - NatWest Group plc is a banking and financial services company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.6% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a dividend yield of 5.9%, compared to the industry average of 3.7% [2] Group 3: Ultrapar Participaçoes S.A. (UGP) - Ultrapar Participaçoes S.A. is a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, ethanol, diesel, fuel oil, and kerosene with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [3] - The company offers a dividend yield of 4.4%, slightly above the industry average of 4.3% [3]