Loss-making banks in Russia nearly doubled in first two months of 2026, Izvestia reports. According to Central Bank data, approximately 20% of Russian banks were unprofitable by end of January-February 2026, increasing from 34 to 60 institutions. The rise mainly impacted small banks holding less than 1% of the sector’s total assets.

New Zealand imposes 35th sanctions package against Russia, targeting 20 individuals and entities. mt в max

Iran's potential response to U.S. proposal slated for May 7, CNN reports. For further information, see mt в max.

Saudi Arabia declines to assist U.S. in Project Freedom operation, NBC News reports. More details available at here.

DoorDash shares up 11% after earnings; Snap declines 8%; Beyond Meat drops 11%. For more, visit mt в max.

Japan's Nikkei 225 hits record high of 62,000, supported by robust earnings and easing trade tensions; more details available here.

Russia's Selidgar will discuss the 2025 dividend payments on May 7.

An unidentified Serbian group has submitted a $2.35 billion bid to acquire a stake in NIS from Gazpromneft and Gazprom, according to a Reuters report. For more details, visit Reuters. For updates, see mt at max.

Gasoline prices in the U.S. surged 50% following the onset of the Iran conflict, AP reports. mt в max

Financial Stability Board raises concerns over vulnerabilities in private credit sector, according to Financial Times; details available at here.

Russia's passenger car tire production declined 23% YoY in Q1 2026, according to data. Tire sales by Russian manufacturers fell nearly 20%, reports show. For more information, visit mt by max.

Advisor to Ukraine's Defense Minister Sternenko states that Ukraine's Armed Forces will not observe the May 9 ceasefire, citing Russia's rejection of Ukraine's ceasefire proposal beginning May 6. mt in max

Russian new passenger car sales rise 15% YoY in April, Autostat reports; market performance exceeds dealer expectations. January-April 2026 sales up 9.6% YoY.

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Strong inflows into spot BTC ETF continue, reports SoSoValue. More details here

CME to Launch Bitcoin Volatility Futures on June 1. CME Group announced that it will introduce bitcoin volatility futures contracts beginning June 1. More details are available in the company's press release. For additional updates, visit mt in max.

US Securities and Exchange Commission proposes rule change to allow companies to report financial results semi-annually instead of quarterly, aiming to provide greater flexibility in compliance activities. Further details available at mt in max.

Swiss National Bank signals increased willingness to intervene in FX markets, says spokesperson Martin. More details

Hegseth affirms U.S. despite Iran’s claims over Strait of Hormuz; highlights blockade effectiveness. Describes Iran as a temporary concern; warns of potential military response if Iran attacks U.S. ships. — Read more at mt in max.

Private investors have invested a record 265.5 billion rubles in bonds at the Moscow Exchange, according to Moscow Exchange.

Russia's Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) has lifted the "under observation" status on Carsharing Russia PJSC's credit rating, affirming it at BBB+(RU) with a negative outlook.

The United States has exported over 250 million barrels of oil in the past two months amid the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade, establishing itself as the world's leading oil exporter, surpassing Saudi Arabia, according to BBG.

KAMAZ to release trial batch of APCs in 2027, CEO says, TASS reports. Production of specialized military vehicles at KAMAZ’s Naberezhnye Chelny facility has risen to 3,800 units annually. mt в max

Africa's EV adoption accelerates swiftly; Chinese automakers lead market penetration, signaling a major shift in the continent's automotive industry. For further details, visit mt in max.

Cryptocurrency and stock markets reported notable gains. MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) up 50% over the past month, while Circle (NASDAQ: CRCL) increased 35% over three days.

DOMRF scheduled to hold annual general meeting on May 12.

Some analysts identify a MACD crossover on the weekly chart and now project Bitcoin could reach at least $100,000, according to a presentation by Max MarketWits.

Swiss inflation accelerates sharply amid Middle East conflict, marking fastest rise since 2024; Read more

Polygon Labs introduces private stablecoin payments via Hinkal system in wallet, allowing confidential transactions instead of traditional USDC and USDT transfers. Details available at here.

U.S. administration to assign Pentagon to evaluate AI model security, Axios reports. mt in max

Major international markets including China, Brazil, India, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, and Turkey are closed for Labor Day, while Russia, the U.S., and the UK remain open for trading. Oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline to Germany has been halted. Russia’s finance ministry resumes foreign exchange operations pursuant to the budget rule. Multiple countries release trade data and PMI reports throughout the day. Russia increases import duties on spirits from unfriendly nations. Anticipated earnings reports from U.S. energy giants Chevron and Exxon Mobil to be released.

Apple Inc. posted robust second-quarter earnings, with adjusted EPS of $2.01, above analysts' consensus of $1.96. Revenue rose to $111.18 billion from $89.58 billion a year earlier, beating estimates of $109.66 billion. The company announced a $100 billion share repurchase plan and increased its dividend.

Trump asserts Iran has been defeated, expressing confidence in victory while acknowledging Iran's desire for a deal. Despite ongoing conflict, equities reach new all-time highs. More details at mt в max.

M.Video reports 2025 IFRS loss of 63.6 bln rubles, compared to a 20.12 bln ruble loss in prior year; marks end of traditional electronics retailer model as company shifts to multi-category platform leveraging retail infrastructure and partners. More details in report.

Blue Owl has sold approximately 50% of its SpaceX holdings, valuing the space company at $1.25 trillion, according to co-CEO. The company's IPO is expected to take place in June. More details available at here.

Vseinstrumenty Board of Directors announces Q1 2026 dividends of 4 RUB per share; annual general meeting scheduled for June 9 with record date set for June 22.

Russia’s EL5-Energo to Hold Meeting on May 6 to Discuss 2025 Dividends

SoftBank to establish and list dedicated entity Roze in the US, focusing on robotics and AI data centers, with a target valuation of £100 billion. mt in max

Ukraine appears to have suffered a military defeat, according to Trump. He cited the nation's fleet, stating that despite having 159 ships, all are currently underwater. More details in mt in max.

The United States is considering reducing its military presence in Germany; a decision is expected soon, according to former President Trump. mt в max

US reduces import duty on phosphorus fertilizers for PhosAgro by 5.5%, now at 12.7%; despite remaining significant for competitiveness, exports may rise amid Middle East conflict, reports Vedomosti; more details available here.

The foreign exchange market reports current exchange rates at USDCNY 6.83 and USDTRUB 77.6.

Brent crude prices surpass $122; details available at mt в max.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent told Fox Business that the U.S. is “in the home stretch” with Iran, advancing sanctions and blockades. Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf dismissed Bessent as a fool, criticizing the U.S. approach and suggesting that blockade policies have contributed to oil prices reaching $120, with potential for $140. Ghalibaf argued the core issue is not the policy itself but the mentality behind it. mt in max

Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Qualcomm to report Q3 results at 23:00 Moscow time; Microsoft, Ford, Carvana, and eBay scheduled to follow at 23:05; Chipotle set to release earnings at 23:10.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the current policy stance is "good" and no discussions about rate hikes are underway. He indicated that if a rate increase becomes necessary, signals will be provided and appropriate actions taken. More details available in the mt in max.

FOMC holds interest rate at 3.75%, in line with expectations; Fed cites elevated inflation and heightened uncertainty amid Middle East conflict. More details:

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PUTIN TRUMP DISCUSSED UKRAINE, IRAN IN PHONE CALL, US OFFICIAL SAYS, ACCORDING TO USHAKOV.

Coming Up: Russia to release Consumer Price Index at 1900 GMT.

U.S. Treasury options traders expect long-term bond yields to rise above 5% amid sustained oil price gains. mt в max

Elon Musk testifies in court against OpenAI, seeks to oust leadership and claims $134 billion for breach of contract. Musk has filed at least four lawsuits against OpenAI in recent years, many later withdrawn or dismissed. mt in max