Goldman Sachs has cut its Q2 2026 oil price forecasts. Brent crude is now expected to average $90 per barrel, down from previous estimates of $99. WTI crude is revised lower to $87 from $91. More details are available here.

The Central Bank of Russia may consider further rate cuts at the upcoming meeting or opt for a pause, Trefilov from the Central Bank says. mt in max

Former U.S. President Donald Trump asserts that American military assets will stay deployed near Iran until a comprehensive agreement is fully implemented, guaranteeing no nuclear weapons development and the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. He warns that any breach could lead to larger-scale hostilities. —mt в max

US dollar traded at 6.83 against the Chinese yuan and 80.90 against the Russian ruble.

Allegations arise as NATO faces scrutiny over failed test; Trump expects candid talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rutte, considers discussing potential NATO withdrawal. Details at mt in max.

President Trump issues warning to Iran; US urges all parties to quickly comply with ceasefire agreement; US nuclear policy remains unchanged. More details at mt in max.

White House press secretary Livitt scheduled to hold press briefing at 8:00 PM MSK. mt в max

Bitwise reports that historically, April has been one of the strongest months of the year for Bitcoin. mt in max

Pakistan's Minister of Planning and Development attributes Israel's initiation of the ongoing conflict to broader regional tensions, according to Al Jazeera. More details available at mt in max.

Iran demands $1 per barrel of oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz, payable in cryptocurrency, according to reports from FT.

Reports suggest Iran is targeting UAE territory as the UAE conducts strikes on Iran's Siri Island. The US and Israel are accused of breaching the ceasefire by attacking a refinery in southern Iran, according to Press TV. mt в max

International airline stocks surged significantly today. More details here.

The United States considers the Ukrainian conflict the most difficult to resolve, though significant progress has been achieved, according to Vance. mt in max

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed, according to RIA Novosti. For more information, visit mt in max.

US equities: Significant increases in "put" options trading volume have historically aligned with local lows in the S&P 500. The so-called "Operation Epic TACO" appears to have signaled a bottom in stocks, and recent activity suggests former President Trump may be broadcasting more "positive" messages. mt в max

Israel to suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, CNN reports. U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled for April 10 in Islamabad, Pakistan, with attendees including Whitkoff, Kushner, and Vance. An agreement on 15 points has been largely finalized. Former President Trump commented, "Let's see what happens next. We'll see if it reaches the end," AFP reports. mt in max

New Zealand central bank holds cash rate at 2.25%, in line with expectations

New Zealand's central bank to announce rate at 05:00 MSK; India's rate statement due at 07:30 MSK. Eurozone February PPI to be released at 12:00 MSK. U.S. EIA crude oil inventories report scheduled for 17:30 MSK; FOMC minutes to be published at 21:00 MSK. President Trump to meet Dutch Prime Minister Rutte at the White House as NATO departure threats persist. Russia's Finance Ministry to conduct auctions of OFZ 26235 and 26254 bonds. Earnings releases include MGMK FS 2025, Delta Airlines at 13:30 MSK, and Constellation Brands at 23:05 MSK.

White House confirms President Trump briefed on Pakistan's proposal; response pending, Axios reports. Iranian official indicates Tehran is considering Pakistan's two-week ceasefire request, RTRS says. More details at here.

Iran's government has devised measures for all scenarios, according to Tasnim. Iranian citizens are forming human chains around infrastructure and energy facilities that may be potential targets. mt in max

Reports suggest Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly provided false information to former President Trump regarding military operations in Iran, including assertions of U.S. military superiority during the "TACO" operation, according to The Washington Post. Additional details available at MarketTwits.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issued a statement at 3:30 AM Tehran time, with regional leaders reportedly telling U.S. President Trump to cease hostilities. The Iranian authorities warned of a substantial retaliation against U.S. allies if attacked, listing specific targets including the Karish and Tanin gas fields. The warning indicates potential strikes on energy infrastructure, raising concerns over global oil and gas supplies. Further details available at here.

Experts warn of potential risk that Brent futures prices may cease to accurately reflect the underlying spot oil market. For more details, visit

max.ru

Iran halts ceasefire negotiations with U.S., informs Pakistan it will no longer participate, according to the New York Times. Read more

Iran indicates two possible paths forward; conflict expected to conclude shortly following reported military objectives achievement. Authorities express optimism about Iran's future decisions. More details

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran's current geopolitical situation could lead to the disappearance of an entire civilization, characterizing the moment as significant and irreversible. While expressing hesitation about such an outcome, he indicated that emerging leadership might catalyze revolutionary changes. Trump called it a pivotal point in world history and expressed hope for positive change following years of instability. He concluded by offering well-wishes to the Iranian people.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry warns of imminent risk of regional situation spiraling out of control; tensions heighten. More details on mt in max

VK Tech establishes dedicated AI division targeting enterprise services. More details available at here.

Russia's retail giant M.Video may close 20-30% of its stores by 2026, according to reports from RIA. The company is shifting towards a multi-category marketplace model starting in 2025, incorporating its own offline retail outlets and a network of partner pickup points. The focus will be on online sales and maintaining only store locations that are operationally efficient, the company said. Further details are available here.

MOSCOW, May 1 (Dow Jones) — The Moscow Exchange announced it will extend trading hours on the futures market during upcoming public holidays. On May 1, June 12, and November 4, 2026, the exchange's holiday session will run until 23:50, with trading hours from 9:50 to 23:50. More information available on the Moscow Exchange website and at mt in max.

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has approved DP World's acquisition of a stake in FESCO, according to Izvestia. For more details, see max.ru/markettwits.

New copper deposit discoveries decline significantly since 2018; demand remains structurally high — report via mt в max.

European Union officials are reportedly weighing the possibility of revoking Hungary's voting rights should Prime Minister Viktor Orbán win upcoming elections, according to Pekka Tovari, chair of the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. The move could facilitate EU approval of a new loan to Ukraine. Experts warn that stripping Hungary of its voting privileges might trigger concerns regarding its continued EU membership. mt in max

Australia's economy contracts as Services PMI slips to 46.3 from 52.8; Composite PMI declines to 46.6 from 52.4.

Alrosa's chief geologist Roman Zhelonkin states that the era of easily discoverable diamond deposits worldwide has ended, according to an interview with RIA Novosti. More details are available here.

Novatek establishes company for construction of marine vessels and floating structures. For further details, visit TASS website. Additional insights available here.

Former President Trump sets Iran deadline for 8:00 p.m. ET tomorrow, says negotiations are progressing smoothly. More details available at here.

OpenAI plans IPO for Q4 2026, CNBC reports; valuation potentially exceeds $1 trillion, Reuters says. mt in max.

Former President Trump confirms no change to Iranian negotiation deadline; the ultimatum is set to expire at 3:00 AM MSK on April 8. More details available on the Max Platform.

MOSCOW, Oct. 23 (Dow Jones Newswires) — Russia's mortgage rates could fall below 15% by the end of the year under the current Central Bank policy, according to DOM.RF. More details can be found at mt в max.

The ceasefire in Iran remains undecided as former President Trump has yet to approve a 45-day halt. Operation "Epic Fury" continues, according to Axios citing White House officials. Iran dismissed the U.S. proposal, while American media speculate on Trump’s indecision, suggesting a possible delay in military plans as Trump engages with Iranian representatives. mt in max

Reports indicate that U.S. inflation has accelerated since February, with GDP growth forecasts declining sharply. The term "stagflation" is increasingly used in market commentary. The operation referred to as "epic rage" is ongoing. More information available at here.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly accelerating efforts for Britain to rejoin the European Union, according to a Financial Times article. London’s mayor has called for Britain to re-enter the EU, highlighting growing political discussions on the issue. Full article available at FT. Additional insights can be accessed at max.ru/markettwits.

Russian assets of Evraz Plc transferred to PAO "Evraz" from April 1, consolidating approximately 60 legal entities that will operate as subsidiaries under their existing names. In November, "Evraz KGOK" secured approval to acquire a 93.2% stake in coal firm PAO "Raspadskaya." More details available at max.

Gold trading on the Moscow Exchange in March totaled over 530 billion rubles, representing a more than 3.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Moscow Exchange. Additional insights available at mt in max.

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming policy meeting on April 8, according to Bloomberg survey respondents. More details can be found at mt in max.

Auto sales in Russia rose 8% week-over-week and 27% year-on-year, according to Autostat. For more details, visit the mt in max.

Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, including the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Qatar Investment Authority, and Abu Dhabi's L'imad Holding, are preparing to commit up to $24 billion to Paramount Global to support its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Russia bond mutual funds lead in asset inflows for the first time since the start of 2023, reports Ъ. Further details available at max.ru.

Oil prices remain unchanged Monday, holding steady from last Friday's close amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Market participants await potential volatility ahead of expected "TACO" move, perceived as a retreat by President Trump, scheduled for Tuesday. Additional information available at mt in max.