Australia's manufacturing sector contraction persisted in March, with the PMI coming in at 49.8, down from 51 in the previous month.

USD/CNY trades at 6.88; USD/RUB quotes at 81.9.

Key events today include an address by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Iran scheduled for 21:00 ET. Several countries are set to release March Manufacturing PMI data, including Australia, Japan, China, and multiple European nations. In the U.S., ADP Nonfarm Employment Change is due at 15:15 MSK, followed by retail sales figures at 15:30 MSK. The Russian Ministry of Finance will hold OFZ bond auctions. SPB Exchange has imposed trading restrictions on T-Technologies in anticipation of a stock split.

Italy delays coal phase-out by 13 years to 2038, reports Fatto Quotidiano. More in max

European airlines may face fuel shortages as aviation fuel reserves could start depleting by May amid Middle East crisis, BBG reports.

White House spokesperson expresses confidence in imminent Iran nuclear deal, citing ongoing serious negotiations with Iran's new leadership.

Poland to hold secret military drill simulating potential conflict with Russia, reports Rzeczpospolita.

EU energy costs rise €14 billion due to Iran conflict; fossil fuel imports tighten as diesel and aviation fuel supplies diminish, with impacts projected to be long-term, according to Energy Commissioner Jorgenson. More details:

max.ru

Russia’s National Credit Rating Agency (NCR) has affirmed PJSC Polyus’s credit rating at AAA.ru with a stable outlook.

American astronauts scheduled to launch Artemis II mission to the Moon for first time in 53 years; mission involving three U.S. and one Canadian astronauts, ten-day orbit around the Moon with return to Earth set for April 1 at 6:24 PM ET. Meanwhile, Errol Musk, space technology investor and father of Elon Musk, publicly questioned the authenticity of the 1969 Moon landing. mt в max

Upcoming: S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the United States to be released at 16:00 Moscow time.

Global LNG supplies decline to lowest in 10 months, Bloomberg reports. For more details, visit mt в max.

Finland will not require Ukraine to cease or limit its operations against the Russian oil sector, says Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. mt в max

Israel's Ministry of Defense states the country is prepared to continue fighting in the coming weeks. mt в max

VSEH reports that VIR's net profit under IFRS in 2025 surged fivefold to 3.4 billion rubles. Revenue increased 7.5% YoY to 182.9 billion rubles, reaching the upper guidance limit. Management plans to propose a dividend of 6 rubles per share, six times higher than in the previous year.

Helium shortage caused by Middle East conflict to disrupt semiconductor manufacturing—WSJ mt in max

Ust-Luga port sustains damage in UAV attack; Governor reports incident in Leningrad region, RIA Novosti says. More details available at here.

Al Jazeera reports no ships carrying cargo for countries hostile to Iran have transited the Strait of Hormuz. More details available at mt in max.

The U.S. has extended the authorization for negotiations related to the sale of "Lukoil" assets through May 1. More details are available on mt в max.

Trump prepared to conclude Middle East conflict by maintaining closure of Strait of Hormuz, WSJ reports. The administration believes efforts to unblock the strait could prolong the war beyond four to six weeks and allow Iran to gain increased control over the passage. U.S. officials intend to pressure allies to advocate for reopening the strait.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko says Moscow remains prepared for Ukraine negotiations, citing Russian-American agreements in Anchorage; no specific dates have been scheduled.

No trading in India today; minutes from Australia's central bank meeting scheduled for 03:30 MSK; China's PMI data due at 04:30 MSK; UK Q4 2025 GDP report at 09:00 MSK; Eurozone CPI figures at 12:00 MSK; Canada's GDP and US economic indicators—including PMI and consumer confidence—due later; EU energy ministers to discuss Middle East issues; Moscow Exchange halts trading in Lenzoloto shares amid liquidation, details at

www.moex.com

Concerns Rise as Experts Cite Historically Strong Correlation Between Commodity Prices and U.S. Inflation; Fed Likely to Exercise Caution. More details at mt in max.

Oil prices could reach $200 if Middle East conflict continues, Egyptian President warns. mt in max

White House says Iran's leadership remains highly fragmented; U.S. diplomacy focusing on identifying key figures. mt в max

White House reports Trump seeks deal ahead of April 6 deadline; threatens to commence bombing Iran’s electrical infrastructure thereafter. mt в max

The food crisis has already impacted Europe, with reports of twelve tons of KitKat chocolates stolen between Italy and Poland, according to the company. mt in max

Russian digital platforms accessible via VPN may be removed from website "white lists."

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell seeks to reassure markets over "private credit" sector, emphasizing it accounts for a small share of overall system assets. The Fed continues to monitor the development. mt in max

Powell signals steady monetary policy stance, citing ongoing assessment and uncertainty over future outcomes. For more details, visit mt in max.

Russia's Ministry of Finance has drafted legislation to extend the calculation of oil taxes based on British agency Argus quotations through September 2028, RBC reports.

The United States is evaluating the potential transfer of uranium enrichment technology to Saudi Arabia, Bloomberg reports. Further details are available at Bloomberg. Additional insights can be found at Max.

Binance to Launch Perpetual Futures for WTI Oil, Brent Oil and Natural Gas on April 1

BitMine, a company founded by Tom Lee from Fundstrat, acquired an additional 71,179 ETH last week. The firm's total holdings now amount to 4.73 million ETH, representing approximately 3.9% of the total supply. Further details can be found here.

CryptoQuant experts indicate that a true bottom in BTC requires a "bloodbath" among long-term holders, a scenario that has yet to materialize. They do not rule out the possibility of another downturn. More information is available at max.

U.S. state senator Rubio warns Iran against charging fees for Strait of Hormuz transit; officials say passage must remain free of charge. More details at mt in max.

Russia's government approves amendments to joint-stock companies law, permitting dividends to preferred shareholders despite violations in dividend distribution order. mt в max

Former President Trump states that direct and indirect negotiations with Iran are ongoing and progressing well, with approximately 3,000 targets remaining in Iran. He warns Iran will face total destruction if conditions are not met. Iran plans to send 20 oil tankers through Hormuz on Monday, seeking a deal. Source

Bitcoin remains stable, maintaining its ground for an entire month despite declines in the S&P 500. For more information, visit mt в max.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a significant speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, TASS reports. The event is set to run from June 3 to June 6.

NYT reports U.S. to permit Russian oil tanker to proceed to Cuba; previous Trump administration stance suggested Cuba would face measures similar to Iran. More details at mt in max.

Former President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to seize Iran's oil supplies, likening the move to the Venezuelan scenario, and also expressed plans to gain control over Iran's Kharg Island, according to an interview with the Financial Times. Trump stated, "Frankly, I like the idea of taking Iranian oil, but some stupid people in the U.S. ask, 'Why are you doing this?' But they are stupid people." Additionally, he told Israel's Channel 14 that the U.S. is already taking steps to control the Strait of Hormuz. Read more on Donald Trump Says US Could ‘Take the Oil in Iran’.

USD/JPY 6.91; USD/RUB 82.

Iran designates residences of military leaders and officials from countries involved in conflict as legitimate targets. mt in max

Federal Reserve officials signal potential end to rate cut cycle, WSJ reports. for more information, visit mt in max.

Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga underwent another drone attack on Sunday, disrupting oil loading activities that have been halted since Wednesday due to extensive damage, according to sources. Primorsk port was also impacted. These ports collectively represent approximately 45% or 1.72 million barrels per day of Russia’s maritime oil exports, raising concerns over potential revenue impacts amid high global oil prices. — BBG

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vows to launch new strikes on "valuable" U.S. targets amid rising tensions; further details ongoing. For additional information, visit mt в max.

Former President Trump highlights increasing interest in cryptocurrency payments, urges U.S. to take leading role in the adoption trend. More details available here.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei thanks Iraq for its backing.

North Korea tests upgraded solid-fuel rocket engine potentially suitable for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching US mainland, AP reports. mt in max