Russian grain continues to be in high demand globally. In the 2023/2024 season, exports surpassed 70 million tons, marking a record volume. Despite recent price declines affecting export quantities, the trend has stabilized since August. The season's grain exports are projected at 53-55 million tons, in line with the five-year average, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev told Izvestia.

VanEck reports the sharpest monthly drop in Bitcoin hash rate since April 2024, suggesting possible miner capitulation. Historically, Bitcoin has recovered within 90 days after such declines in 65% of cases.

The U.S. will retain confiscated oil from tankers seized near Venezuela, President Trump said. "We might sell it or use it for strategic reserves. We will keep it. The ships too," he added.

Gold prices draw market focus amid ongoing volatility; investors consider bullion as a safe haven amid economic uncertainties.

JPMorgan exploring cryptocurrency trading services for institutional clients.

Individual traders on the Moscow Exchange are significantly reducing long positions in Bitcoin futures, according to MSCinsider data. Experts at Bogdanoff Market Research indicate this shift is contributing to a rising Bitcoin price.

Ukrainian President Zelensky says coordinated discussions with European allies are underway on the specifics of the 20th sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector; Canada is also working on new sanctions, with rollout expected by year's end, including measures against Russia's military industry and its international partners, notably China.

Russia's LNG exports to China reached a record high, overtaking Australia as the top supplier to China, Bloomberg reports. More details available at BBG and on MT in MAX.

Israel warns U.S. that Iran's missile drills may signal imminent attack; Netanyahu to consult with Trump on possible new strikes on Iran, sources say.

China’s AI startups MiniMax and Zhipu AI are preparing for initial public offerings, according to a report. Both companies are supported by Alibaba and Tencent and may become the first Chinese AI startups to list on public markets.

Gold futures hit record highs; silver futures also set new peaks, while platinum surged to its highest in 17 years. More details available at MT in MAX.

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis announces she will not seek re-election in 2026; industry supporters credit her with advancing cryptocurrency legislation, including efforts related to a U.S. national Bitcoin reserve bill. More details available in the article.

U.S. gasoline prices have fallen to their lowest level in four years, raising concerns among consumers. The decline is being closely observed by former President Trump, who has emphasized the impact of fuel costs on the electorate. MT in MAX

MOSCOW – The Kremlin has clarified that Moscow has not transmitted any messages to American counterparts via Dmitriev, according to Peskov. For more information, visit MT in MAX.

President Trump reaffirmed that the blockade on sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela will stay in effect until Maduro's regime returns all stolen American assets. Trump previously stated that Venezuela had unlawfully seized all American property within the country. More insights available at MT in MAX.

Arthur Hayes asserts that the "altcoin season" never concluded, implying many investors overlooked promising tokens. MT in MAX

Russia’s digital financial assets market has exceeded 1 trillion rubles, with projections reaching 5 trillion rubles by 2026 and potentially expanding to 10 trillion rubles in the near term, according to Aksakov in an interview with TASS.

MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin may meet with leading business representatives next week, according to Kremlin spokesperson Peskov.

An investor secured a 24% discount totaling 7.2 million rubles on a Moscow apartment in December, according to market sources. Moscow's exclusive real estate market continues to offer insider deals, including installment options and attractive mortgage rates. Highlights include a 10% down payment, monthly installments ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles, fixed-price offers with discounts up to 25%, and family mortgage rates at 2.5%. Subscription to the "OZ PRO Moscow Real Estate" channel provides access to these exclusive deals.

U.S. stocks under Trump exhibit patterns similar to his first term. Following volatile tariff declarations, market stability—referred to as "Trump equilibrium"—re-emerges. President Trump often claims record highs in the stock market, emphasizing his focus on the S&P 500. He has committed to sustaining elevated stock levels. With U.S. households heavily invested, any downturn could influence voter sentiment ahead of the midterm elections. More details at MT in MAX.

U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS in Syria The United States has initiated strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, marking a retaliatory operation, according to Defense Secretary Hegseth. The move does not indicate the beginning of a new conflict. Former President Trump had previously pledged a "very serious" response to ISIS following the death of U.S. service members in Syria.

Russia's government has directed the Federal Antimonopoly Service to increase wholesale gas prices by 9.6% in 2026, according to a resolution cited by TASS.

Rubio highlights progress in Ukraine talks, underscores need to address remaining key issues; notes wars generally end through surrender or negotiation, and ongoing discussions continue amid no signs of surrender from either side. U.S.-Ukraine negotiations scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Miami. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Whitaker suggests weekend meetings will shed light on Moscow's plans for conflict resolution by 2026.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni and French President Macron played a key role in derailing the EU's plan to confiscate Russian assets, according to the Financial Times.

Rheinmetall and KNDS secured a $5 billion contract from the German military for Puma tanks; delivery of the initial units is expected by mid-2028. More details available at here.

MOSCOW—The Bank of Russia has lowered its key interest rate to 16% from 16.5%, aligning with market expectations. While November's price growth indicators showed a decline, inflation expectations have modestly increased in recent months. The central bank announced it will maintain tight monetary policy to bring inflation back to target, signaling a prolonged period of restrictive measures. More details are available in the official release and on MT in MAX.

France's President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to prepare for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that a durable peace could be achieved through current negotiations or by resuming discussions between Europeans and Russia. Macron emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation with Ukraine and suggested that renewing talks with Putin could be advantageous. MT in MAX

President Trump to sign executive order to fast-track reclassification of marijuana as Schedule III, permitting legal medical use; official says it does not constitute full legalization, BBG reports.

Bitwise files application with SEC for spot SUI ETF.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on a purchase of Russian aircraft, TASS reports.

The US Treasury is prepared to impose additional sanctions on Russia next week, according to Bessent. For more information, visit MT in MAX.

Ministry of Justice in Taiwan confiscates 210.5 BTC, marking a notable enforcement achievement. For more details, visit MT in MAX.

U.S. inflation data release prompts notable market shifts; stocks, Bitcoin, and gold react to changing economic indicators.

Russia's Pension Fund held discussions on July 16, 2018, concerning potential retirement age delays. Details available at link. Further insights provided by MT in MAX at MT in MAX.

Initial jobless claims in the U.S. matched estimates at 224,000, unchanged from prior reading and down from 237,000 earlier. Continuing claims totaled 1.897 million, below the forecast of 1.930 million and up from 1.830 million in the prior week.

Platinum prices hit 17-year high.

Belgian Prime Minister De Wever said EU proposals for Ukraine financing are evolving amid discussions, warning against property confiscation that could affect the euro and European economies. More details available at MT at MAX.

Bank of Thailand Governor cites concern over rapid baht appreciation

China's LNG imports rose 13.6% year-on-year in November, the highest level in 11 months.

In the foreign exchange market, the US dollar exhibits mixed movements. The USDCNY is quoted at 7.042. The USDTRUB is at 80.90.

EU summit to discuss Russian asset confiscation and sanctions; New Zealand GDP data due at 0045 GMT; UK interest rate decision scheduled for 1500 GMT, with Bank of England Governor's speech at 1530 GMT; ECB to announce interest rate at 1615 GMT; US initial jobless claims and CPI figures released at 1630 GMT; Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index due at 1630 GMT; ECB press conference set for 1645 GMT; US EIA natural gas storage report at 1830 GMT.

Venezuelan President Maduro issues statement amid escalating tensions with US, reaffirming that Venezuela will not become a colony and calling on Colombian military to unite against Washington; accuses US of trying to impose puppet government in Caracas. Reports indicate USS Gerald Ford approaching Venezuela, signaling potential military action. Colombian President Petro warns US attacks on Colombian targets would constitute a declaration of war.

The Times reports US opposes EU seizure of Russian assets, warning that such actions could prompt the EU and UK to repatriate funds. Concerns cite potential prolongation of Ukraine conflict and erosion of Western leverage over Moscow. Politico states US pressures EU to refrain from utilizing Russian assets for Ukraine. WAPO discloses a US proposal to deploy frozen assets for post-conflict agreements, including a $100 billion pledge for Ukraine’s reconstruction. More details on MT in MAX.

U.S. House rejects two Democrat-led resolutions opposing Caribbean ship strikes and military actions against Venezuela. The first aimed to limit former President Trump’s military activities in the Western Hemisphere without Congress approval; the second called for halting U.S. military operations involving Venezuela unless authorized by Congress. Trump previously indicated he had not ruled out air, sea, and ground operations against Venezuela. Details on MT in MAX

SP500, BTC, gold, and silver shift to war preparedness mode with Venezuela, reports Bogdanoff Market Monitor. For more details, visit MT in MAX.

EU may re-evaluate use of emergency powers for joint Ukraine borrowing, as ECB's Lagarde proposed; Belgium backs plan, sources say. Hungarian PM Orban excludes Russian asset confiscation from EU summit agenda on December 18-19 in Brussels. Seven EU nations reportedly oppose Russian asset confiscation, Euractiv reports.

Kallas says EU could assist Thailand, Cambodia with satellite monitoring if ceasefire reached

OpenAI and Google in talks over multiple biotech sector deals, The Information reports.

SBI Ripple Asia plans to launch yield-based products in Asia utilizing XRP, with an aim to tokenize real-world assets (RWA) on the XRP Ledger.

Increasing exports of Russian naphtha to Venezuela face potential disruption following U.S. sanctions and the blockade of tankers ordered by President Trump, according to a report by Reuters.