🇷🇺 Russia's Finance Ministry and the Central Bank are developing a mechanism for the Russian stablecoin and its potential uses. The goal is not to create a new tool but to assess demand and risks, says Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov in an interview with TASS.

📈 Today, traders are quickly buying up even the smallest dip in BTC, according to monitoring data. Historically, Bitcoin remains bullish despite minor fluctuations. Investors continue to see potential for price recovery and growth in the crypto market.

🌍 French President Macron announced France supports strengthening ties between EU and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized deepening relations amid global threats. Macron revealed agreements with Trudeau on enhancing collaboration in energy, space, and climate sectors, highlighting that Canadian LNG could become a vital energy source for Europe.

🤖 Anthropic is exploring the launch of a new AI model, Claude, as an alternative to GPT-6 Astra from OpenAI. The move aims to offer competing options in the rapidly evolving AI market.

🗽 The US and China have started trade negotiations in New York ahead of the upcoming summit between Trump and Xi, reports Bloomberg. The talks mark a crucial step amid ongoing tensions and efforts to resolve trade disagreements.

🇷🇺 Elections 2026 are the most challenging in the last decade due to increased tension and external influence, according to the Central Election Commission. Kyiv failed to disrupt the elections, says the Ministry of Internal Affairs. United Russia leads the State Duma elections, with final results expected no earlier than September 25 (ЦИК).

🔥 France's grain harvest hits a record low due to drought, with corn yields down by 19%. Wine production could fall to a 70-year low after heatwaves damaged vineyards. Meanwhile, the strongest El Niño since 1877 is expected this winter, raising Pacific Ocean temperatures by at least 3°C and risking severe drought and food shortages. BFM TV, CNBC, BBG

🔔 The United States is preparing extensive sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to WSJ. Senator Rubio previously labeled the ICC a "stupid organization." Details of the upcoming measures remain unconfirmed. Learn more at WSJ.

🚗 Chinese automaker Leapmotor has surpassed Subaru and Mitsubishi in global sales, according to NIKKEI. The company's rapid growth marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry.

🗳️ The Alternative for Germany (AfD) leads in another state election, securing 37% of votes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, reports Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Experts previously stated that Gazprom's stock prices will heavily depend on AfD's success in German elections.

🌍 Saudi Arabia has exited the China-led cross-border digital payment project, mBridge, supported earlier by Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE, reports FT. The platform aims to facilitate CBDC transactions and reduce dollar dependence. China's BIS led mBridge after stepping down in October 2024. Analysts suggest US pressure may have influenced Riyadh’s decision. Visit FT for details.

🚨 NATO’s Military Committee will be led by German General Carsten Breyer, the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr. Traditionally, the head of this committee serves as the chief advisor to the alliance's Secretary General and helps develop military strategies.

🚨 A former British general, Sir Richard Shirreff, who previously served as NATO's deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, warns that today's situation resembles the Edwardian summer before 1914. He states, "Many talk of war, but the idea of actually fighting seemed impossible then. We are roughly in that same position now." Read more at BBC.

🚫🛢🇷🇺 Tensions escalate as Trump repeatedly urged Zelensky during a call to stop strikes on Russian refineries. Meanwhile, Zelensky reports new attacks on refineries in Moscow. More details on Axios.

🚨 Iran suspends all flights to and from Iraq from September 22, amid rising US military activity in the region, reports Sabreen News. The decision follows sightings of US refueling aircraft over the Persian Gulf and drone reconnaissance near Iran’s southern coast. Iranian media also report unidentified fighters over Bandar Abbas. Iran has raised its military alert to "Code 100," signaling potential imminent attack.

📬 The Moscow Financial Forum (МФФ-2026) is scheduled for today, September 21, 2026. No trade is announced for Japan. Data from the US Chicago Fed National Activity for August will be released at 15:30 Moscow time. The Bank of Canada’s Governor Macklem will speak at 18:05 Moscow time. Nokia’s shares are returning to the Euro Stoxx 50 index. For more, visit mt в max.

🌎 The global markets are showing mixed reactions as investors await economic data releases. Stocks fluctuate amid concerns over inflation and interest rates, while commodities remain volatile. Experts advise caution, emphasizing the importance of monitoring upcoming reports for clearer direction. Stay updated through market news for latest insights.

🌎 The USDCNY exchange rate remains at 6.69, while USDTRUB is steady at 88.3.

📰 Former President Trump, fearing a new conflict, withdrew plans for strikes against the Houthi rebels at the last moment, despite requests from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the New York Times.

🇺🇸🇨🇳 US Treasury Secretary Bessent announced that the US and China held highly successful trade and AI talks on Sunday. A scheduled meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping is set for September 24.

🛢 Oil prices dropped by 2%. Trump has, for now, refrained from attacking the Houthis at Saudi Arabia's request. However, Iran is preparing for a strong escalation of US strikes soon.