π¨ Hong Kong's central bank has conducted interventions in the foreign exchange market for the first time in a long while to maintain the trading band for the HKD against the USD, as established by the central bank.
π Bernstein predicts that by 2029, corporations will purchase an additional BTC worth $330 billion.
β οΈπ·πΊ Russia's GDP fell for the first time since 2022, with a seasonal adjustment indicating a 0.3% decline in the first quarter of 2025, following a 1.3% growth in the last quarter of 2024, according to Raiffeisenbank analysts. This downturn could influence a potential reduction in the key interest rate during the summer, as reported by Vedomosti.
π¦πΉ Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is moving forward with the sale of its Russian subsidiary, Raiffeisenbank. The bank is in discussions with several interested parties, according to a press release from the group.
β οΈ The Moscow Exchange Index (IMOEX) experienced a decline of 1% during the morning session, dropping from a previous increase of 0.6%.
β¨ More than half of all cryptocurrencies launched since 2021 have ceased to exist, according to a Coingecko report. Specifically, 52.7% of these digital assets have failed, highlighting the volatility and challenges within the cryptocurrency market.
π¨ Russia's experts suggest that the cutoff price for oil to replenish the National Wealth Fund could be reduced to $50 per barrel for Urals. If the budget rule remains unchanged, there are risks of rapid depletion of the Fund and a strengthening of the ruble, experts warned. For more details, visit Izvestia.
π¨π’οΈπ·πΊ Brent crude has fallen below $60, while Urals dipped to $50. The Russian economy is increasingly reliant on oil prices, not as a growth driver but as a risk factor. In spring 2025, Brent prices reached their lowest since 2021, with Urals trading around $50 on some days, below the budgetary cutoff price. Analysts warn of lost revenue and potential threats to the Russian economy, suggesting new tax measures may be necessary. β Izvestia
π¨ Russian shareholders of T-TECHNOLOGIES have approved dividends for 2024, set at 32 rubles per share. The cutoff date for eligibility is May 16.
β‘οΈπ·πΊ The Russian stock market experienced a sharp rise during the main session after the Bogdanoff Market BDSM team prompted speculators to sell off at the lowest points in the morning session. Monitoring of the market indicates a significant shift in trading dynamics.
π¨ Ahead
Germany will release its Services/Composite PMI for April at 10:55 Moscow time. The Eurozone follows with its own Services/Composite PMI at 11:00 Moscow time. Finally, the UK is set to announce its Services/Composite PMI for April at 11:30 Moscow time.
Germany will release its Services/Composite PMI for April at 10:55 Moscow time. The Eurozone follows with its own Services/Composite PMI at 11:00 Moscow time. Finally, the UK is set to announce its Services/Composite PMI for April at 11:30 Moscow time.