Rosseti Raises 2026 Investment Program by 18.2% to 857 Billion Rubles, CEO Reports via TASS

Global LNG exports decline to six-month low as Middle East tensions persist, according to Kpler data. On March 19, Qatar Energy announced that the country, the world’s leading LNG exporter, is expected to lose approximately 17% of its export capacity over the next three to five years due to infrastructure damage caused by Iranian strikes. By March 22, the Financial Times highlighted potential gas supply disruptions amid decreasing Gulf LNG shipments and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts caution of an escalating energy shortage projected to impact oil, gas, and LNG markets by early April. mt in max

Goldman Sachs Characterizes Current Oil Market as "Biggest Supply Shock in History," Following March 18 Announcement by Alexander Novak of World's Most Significant Energy Crisis in Four Decades; Details in report.

The positive correlation between the "Magnificent Seven" stocks and the S&P 500 index has again diminished, reports Bloomberg. Further details available at mt в max.

More than 40 energy facilities across nine Middle Eastern countries have sustained significant or very significant damage amid ongoing regional military conflict, potentially prolonging disruptions to global oil supply even after hostilities cease, according to the International Energy Agency.

Global investors pulled a record $4.5 billion from gold funds last week, the largest outflow in six months and nearly five times the previous week's withdrawals, amid fears of tightening monetary policies due to inflation concerns driven by rising energy costs, according to BofA/EPFR. More details.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, state media reports. mt in max

U.S., Israel strikes failed to provoke expected uprising in Iran, NYT reports; IRGC official Ebrahim Zolfaghari mocks Trump on TV, saying, "Hey, Trump, you're fired! You know that phrase. Thank you for your attention to this matter." mt in max

SpaceX plans to establish cities on the Moon and Mars, with intentions to send spacecraft to other star systems, Elon Musk said. For more details, visit mt в max.

European Central Bank raises inflation forecasts amid surging energy prices; traders fully priced in three rate hikes this year, Bloomberg reports. No expectations for ECB rate hikes in 2026 prior to Operation Trump's "Epic Fury."

Google searches for "mortgage assistance" in the United States hit record highs, surpassing levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis. Searches for "can't sell my house" also reached unprecedented levels. More details available at mt at max.

Witkoff reports progress following two-day discussions with Ukrainian delegation, according to sources. More details available at mt in max.

Gas supplies from Gulf countries nearing depletion amid upcoming LNG shipment reductions, FT reports. Analysts caution that global energy markets, including oil and LNG, may experience significant deficits as early as April. More details available at maximum.ru.

Iran becomes first Middle Eastern country to publicly embarrass U.S., surpassing Ukraine in humiliation. Trump marks first U.S. president to be defeated by Iran ten times. mt in max

Former President Trump claims that following his tenth victory over Iran, the Democratic Party now represents the United States’ “biggest enemy,” according to a statement. The probability of Trump facing impeachment before the end of his current term has increased to 72%, according to the Kalshi platform, based on data from Max in Max.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard warns of complete Strait blockage in response to US threats; states energy facilities must be fully restored. Also threatens targeting power stations in US base countries and destruction of energy firms with American ties.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said there was a meeting with the American side today, emphasizing the importance of ongoing diplomacy in efforts to end the war, which benefits no one. Discussions will continue tomorrow. More on this.

Russian authorities unlikely to fully block Telegram soon, but restrictions persist amid ongoing non-compliance with Russian law, reports indicate. mt в max

The International Energy Agency recommends reducing highway speeds, encouraging carpooling, and promoting remote work to address rising oil prices and potential fuel shortages amid Middle East conflict.

U.S. stocks decline sharply as WSJ, Axios, and CBS report that the U.S. is preparing for a ground invasion of Iran. Iran warns that oil could reach $200 per barrel, with analysts warning of a potential global recession at that level. The Trump administration signals plans to use military action to quickly control Iran's oil exports and reduce prices.

Kirill Dmitriev dismisses Politico report as fake, denying he relayed Russian proposal to U.S. to halt intelligence sharing with Iran in exchange for ending aid to Ukraine.

The European Union may postpone plans to stop Russian oil imports amid ongoing Iran conflict, Bloomberg reports. The European Commission is scheduled to review legislation on April 15 concerning the discontinuation of Russian oil supplies. mt in max

Analysts predict that if the Middle East conflict concludes promptly, oil prices are expected to decline swiftly. Conversely, prolonged conflict is likely to delay a decrease in prices. For more details, visit mt in max.

Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent have reported a combined $66 billion loss amid uncertain monetization strategies for artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reports. Details here.

World Gold Council to develop shared infrastructure for "Gold as a Service," with an emphasis on digital gold, according to a company spokesperson. Details available in the organization's recent press release and on MarketTwits.

U.S. reportedly close to executing ground operation in Iran, WSJ reports; Netanyahu indicates airstrikes alone insufficient; U.S. Navy's amphibious ship Tripoli, with an air group and over 2,000 Marines, expected in Persian Gulf within 5–7 days. Visit report here.

Iranian Foreign Minister signals no restrictions were Iran's infrastructure sustains damage again; emphasizes cessation of hostilities should prioritize repairs to civilian facilities. Further details available at here.

India may buy LNG from Russia if the opportunity presents itself, Foreign Ministry says, TASS reports. mt in max

Europe is ramping up coal-fired power generation as gas prices climb amid Iran-related turmoil, Bloomberg reports. For more details, visit mt in max.

Russia's Ministry of Energy stated that the country may impose a preemptive fuel export ban should prices rise substantially. mt в max

Switzerland's central bank maintains interest rate at 0%; signals readiness to intervene in forex market.

Former President Trump claims the United States was not informed about Israel's planned attack on Iran's South Pars gas field, according to a post on Truth Social. Axios reports the U.S. coordinated the operation with Israel. The Wall Street Journal reports Trump was aware of and supported the strike. Trump also issued a threat to destroy South Pars if Iran targets Qatar’s LNG facilities.

Gulf countries prepared to respond to Iran with escalation for escalation, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud says. Foreign ministers from 12 Arab and Islamic nations urged Iran to cease attacks on neighboring states during a Riyadh meeting, according to a joint statement. More details available at mt in max.

Iran launches missile strike on major refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, located on the Red Sea. mt in max

Tensions rise as former President Donald Trump vows to destroy Iran's South Pars gas field if Iran targets LNG facilities in Qatar. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns of intensified attacks on U.S. energy infrastructure in retaliation for any future strikes on its energy sites. mt in max

Japan's gasoline prices hit record 190.8 yen ($1.20) per liter, Kyodo News reports. mt в max

The USD/CNY exchange rate is currently at 6.89, while the USD/RUB rate is at 84.3.

Today's calendar features the start of the EU summit and an emergency IMO meeting on the Middle East. Key economic data releases are scheduled from Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Britain, the Eurozone, and the U.S. Central banks from these regions are expected to announce policy decisions. Earnings reports from Alibaba, FedEx, and Gemini are also anticipated.

U.S. faces challenging weeks ahead amid rising gasoline prices, says Vance. For more insights, visit mt in max.

Gulf countries expedite evacuation of oil and gas personnel amid rising tensions; Saudi Aramco commences staff withdrawal from SAMREF refinery following Iran warning. mt in max

Israel conducting active strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, according to Fars. The assault targeted South Pars, Iran's largest gas field in joint operation with Qatar. The field supplies pipeline gas to Turkey via the Tabriz-Ankara line. Disruptions could pressure Ankara to increase LNG imports amid tight global supply, analysts state. More details

Russia's Finance Ministry auctioned OFZ 26238 bonds totaling 86.31 billion rubles amid bids of 108.95 billion rubles; average yield 13.75% annually. mt in max.

Eurozone February consumer inflation rises 0.6% MoM, below expectations of 0.7%; YoY inflation steady at 1.9% versus 1.7% forecast. Core CPI up 2.4% YoY, meeting estimates and up from 2.2% prior.

Russian Economic Development Minister Reshetnikov confirms continuation of key interest rate reduction cycle.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi scheduled to visit U.S. from March 18-20. mt в max

Asian nations face daily oil deficit of approximately 10 million barrels amid Middle East conflict, analysts say. mt in max

Shares of Russian fertilizer producers Phosagro and Acron have gained 8-9% since early March, outperforming the Moscow Exchange index, amid heightened attention related to Trump's "Epic Fury" operation. Analysts remain cautious on further upside, citing the temporary nature of product shortages, according to reports from Kommersant and MT in Max.

Hong Kong-based RedotPay, focused on stablecoin payments, plans to launch an IPO in the U.S., according to BBG. more at max

Oil prices for Caspian grades, including Kazakhstan's CPC Blend and Azerbaijan's BTC, have risen sharply this month amid Middle East tensions. Premiums in the Mediterranean market have significantly outperformed Brent premiums — RTRS.

Stocks rebound, with U.S. equities leading gains. Oil continues to adjust, gold remains weak, while Bitcoin displays strength. mt в max