Russia's Yamal LNG has shipped its first cargo to China since November, according to LSEG data.

Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service approves resolution leading to an 11% increase for FESH

Russia's Etalon reports a significant increase in first-quarter 2026 housing developments, commissioning 237,000 square meters — a threefold rise compared to the same period in 2025. The Moscow region accounted for the majority with 169,000 square meters, representing 72% of the total. Despite this growth, housing completion rates across Russia from January to March 2026 showed little change on a year-over-year basis, according to DOMRF. mt in max

Tehran has rejected any "temporary ceasefire" with the United States, according to Reuters. Read more

China added 5 tons of gold in March, the largest purchase this year, amid a 12% market correction, according to Bloomberg. The People's Bank of China continues its gold-buying activity as geopolitical tensions from the Iran conflict influence gold prices. More details

Former President Donald Trump has issued a statement regarding Iran’s geopolitical situation, warning that an entire civilization could vanish this evening. He characterized the moment as a significant, irreversible turning point. While expressing reluctance about this potential outcome, Trump indicated that revolutionary changes could follow with new leadership. He described the event as a pivotal point in world history and expressed hope for positive change after years of turmoil. "God bless the great people of Iran," he added. mt in max

The United States has launched strikes on more than 50 targets on Iran's Khark Island, according to the Wall Street Journal. Fox News confirms the strikes targeted military installations on the island. Read more

Vance: The United States is striving to ensure free trade in oil following the war with Iran. mt in max

Senator J.D. Vance has accused Ukraine of attempting to interfere in elections in the United States and Hungary, raising concerns over foreign influence in democratic processes. More details can be found here.

The West has a history of significant actions around Easter, dating back to the Crusades' city destructions and the bombing of Belgrade in April 1944. Recently, former President Donald Trump has reportedly praised Allah on Easter and issued strong rhetoric threatening to bomb Iran. Some interpret these events as coincidental, while others see a pattern. mt in max

Iran suspends ceasefire negotiations with U.S., informs Pakistan it will no longer participate, reports New York Times. Read more

Experts warn that Brent futures prices may no longer accurately reflect the underlying spot oil market conditions. For more details, visit this link.

Physical oil prices climb to record highs near $150 a barrel amid escalating tensions over the Hormuz crisis, according to RTRS. The ongoing situation continues to influence global oil markets.
Original report

Iran's Revolutionary Guard issues warning amid rising tensions. At approximately 3:30 a.m. Tehran time, regional leaders reportedly delivered a direct message to President Trump: "Crazy bastard, stop this damn war." Iran has indicated it would pursue significant retaliation against U.S. allies if attacked, enumerating targets including the Karish and Tanin gas fields. The statement raises concerns of a potential large-scale strike on energy infrastructure critical to global oil and gas supplies. More details are available here.

Reports suggest Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly provided false information to President Trump regarding military operations in Iran, including U.S. military superiority during the "TACO" operation, according to The Washington Post. Additional details are available on MarketTwits.

Zcash rises 25%.

Today, April 8, 2026:

New Zealand's central bank rate decision coming at 05:00 MSK. India's monetary policy review scheduled for 07:30 MSK. The Eurozone's February Producer Price Index release set for 12:00 MSK. U.S. EIA oil inventory data due at 17:30 MSK. FOMC minutes to be published at 21:00 MSK.

President Trump to host Dutch Prime Minister Rutte at the White House amid NATO departure threats.

Russia's Finance Ministry to auction OFZ bonds 26235 and 26254.

Earnings reports include MGMK FS 2025, Delta Airlines at 13:30 MSK, and Constellation Brands at 23:05 MSK.

The foreign exchange market reports USDCNY trading at 6.83 and USDTRUB reaching 80.70.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has held its official cash rate at 2.25%, in line with market expectations and unchanged from the previous setting.

Iran agrees to open Strait of Hormuz for two-week ceasefire, according to AP. During this period, Iran and Oman will impose fees on ships passing through the strait. Tehran will retain control over the waterway. Brent crude drops 13%, WTI declines 15%. For more details, visit mt in max.

Israel to halt strikes on Iran for two weeks, according to CNN. U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled for April 10 in Islamabad, Pakistan, will include Whitkoff, Kushner, and Vance. An agreement has been reached on 15 points, with most already settled. Former President Trump commented to AFP, "Let's see what happens next. We'll see if it reaches the end." mt in max