VK has significantly lowered its debt levels over the past 18 months, with net debt more than tripling in reduction. As of the end of the first half of 2026, the company's Net Debt/EBITDA ratio was 2.3x, reflecting a stable financial position. VK plans to sustain its Net Debt/EBITDA ratio within the medium-term target range of 2 to 3x. Further details are available on the company's website.

The United States is scheduled to release August Consumer Price Index data at 15:30 Moscow time.

Elvira Nabiullina, head of the Central Bank of Russia, said there is less scope for easing the country's key interest rate than initially expected in the first half of the year.

Russian Central Bank to Sell Gold in 2026, Citing Past Acquisitions and Ministry of Finance Operations

Elvira Nabiullina explained that the Russian Central Bank's decision to sell gold in 2026 follows years of previous accumulation when other central banks were not net buyers. She noted that the current sales are primarily associated with transactions conducted by the Ministry of Finance.

Trump's chief economic advisor Hassett raises concerns over rising diesel prices, citing it as the administration's top issue.

The Canadian regulator has announced that tokenized deposits will be granted the same legal standing as traditional deposits.

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Element has begun production of power modules for electric vehicle charging stations and power supplies for servers, according to a company statement.

Trading on the Moscow Exchange will be suspended on September 12-13, according to an official announcement.

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote next week on a sanctions bill targeting Russia, legislation described as "hellish sanctions."

CNN reports damage to Saudi Arabia's "East-West" oil pipeline yesterday.

A Russian representative will attend the G20 energy summit in Houston next week, according to the White House, Reuters.

The International Energy Agency has downgraded its global oil demand forecast for 2026 by 2.5 million barrels per day to 102.45 million, echoing historical crises of the 1970s and economic shocks in 2008 and 2020. In August, global oil supply declined by 1.6 million barrels per day to 100.1 million amid tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

Aeroflot Group's passenger traffic for the first eight months of 2026 declined by 0.1%, reaching 37.4 million, according to a company report. Passenger numbers in August fell 1.3% year-on-year amid ongoing flight restrictions.

Bank of America has flagged what it describes as "excessive calm" in financial markets, warning that this complacency could lead to increased volatility. Data from BofA and EPFR show that investors withdrew $14.2 billion from U.S. equity funds over the past three weeks, the largest outflow since January 2026. The bank cites rising Treasury yields, oil prices surpassing $100 a barrel, record diesel price increases, and a lack of decisive government intervention as factors that may trigger greater market fluctuations.

U.S. bond yields approach the 5% level, prompting concerns among investors. Societe Generale warns that a 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reaching 5.5% could begin to exert downward pressure on equities.

U.S. lawmakers are exploring the deployment of "AI emergency stop buttons" to mitigate risks associated with potentially uncontrollable artificial intelligence systems.

The International Energy Agency forecasts an escalating oil shortage by 2026, citing sluggish recovery in Middle Eastern oil supplies.

Tesla to Launch Semi Electric Trucks in Europe, Says Elon Musk

Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed rumors of mobilization in Russia, calling them unfounded and asserting they are provocations aimed at influencing public sentiment ahead of the upcoming State Duma elections.

Hunter Biden comments on the 99% decline of meme coin LAPTOP, stating, "We are doing our best."