On September 3, 2026, Russia observed the Day of Rowan Fires and hosted the third day of the Eastern Economic Forum, during which President Putin addressed the plenary session. Australia, Japan, China, India, and Russia released their Services/Composite PMI data for August, while Switzerland and Turkey disclosed inflation and GDP figures. The Eurozone and the United States also published economic indicators, including initial jobless claims and trade balances. Earnings reports from Ciena, Lululemon, Docusign, and Ambarella were anticipated.
Australia's Services PMI declined to 53.2 from 53.6, while the Composite PMI decreased to 52.7 from 53.2 in August, reflecting a modest slowdown in economic activity.
Sberbank anticipates potential pauses in the Central Bank of Russia's key rate reductions, with no indications of an upcoming rate increase. CEO Herman Gref projects the key interest rate to be between 11% and 12% by year-end. Deputy Chairman and CFO Taras Skvortsov estimates a 50% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in September, followed by a pause.
Japan's economic indicators demonstrate an upward trend. The Services PMI rose to 52.5 from 51.2, and the Composite PMI increased to 53.5, up from 52.7.
China's economy demonstrated improvement in August, with key performance indicators showing positive growth. The Composite PMI rose to 52.1 from 50.8, and the Services PMI increased to 54.1 from 50.4.
ALROSA currently does not require support through diamond purchases from the state reserve. The company is not experiencing any significant sales challenges, according to the Head of Yakutia, as reported by RIA Novosti.
Sberbank expects to achieve higher profits by the end of 2026 compared to 2025, while maintaining a strong capital adequacy ratio. The bank anticipates record dividend payments by 2026 and currently does not foresee any difficulties in fulfilling these obligations. According to Herman Gref, Sberbank forecasts unprecedented profits for 2026, with Russia's banking sector potentially generating approximately 4 trillion rubles by the end of the year.
Russian airspace remains secure as the country implements comprehensive measures to maintain its safety, stated Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the President of Russia. His comments were made in response to Ukraine's assertions concerning the risks associated with flying over Russian territory, according to TASS.
The Russian import-substituted aircraft SJ-100 is anticipated to obtain certification in the spring, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2027. According to TASS, firm contracts for the delivery of SJ-100 aircraft with prospective customers, including Red Wings and Azimut, may be finalized by the end of 2026.
The Japanese yen has appreciated notably against the U.S. dollar following recent market interventions. Market participants are closely observing for potential further interventions in anticipation of the upcoming Bank of Japan meeting and the subsequent two-day holiday. This interval presents an opportune moment for the central bank to engage in market operations, according to Bloomberg. Both Japan and the United States have indicated their willingness to implement additional interventions if deemed necessary.
Russia's largest retailer, X5, has petitioned the Russian President to revoke a key provision of the Trade Law. This regulation restricts networks from opening new stores after reaching a 25% market share in a municipal area or region. Retailers contend that amending this rule will help maintain uninterrupted food supplies, which are currently threatened by attacks on logistics infrastructure. Further details can be found in this report.
The role of OPEC remains significant, and the organization is expected to continue exerting substantial influence on global markets, according to Novak. Previously, RTRS reported that OPEC+ had lost its influence on the oil market six months into the war in Iran.
In Germany, the Composite PMI for August increased to 51.8, up from 51.3 in the previous period. Conversely, the Services PMI experienced a slight decrease, registering at 49.7 compared to 49.8.