🌟 The symbol featuring the letter B with vertical stripes made its debut in the 1991 game Space Quest IV, representing the in-game currency known as Buckazoids. Interestingly, the official BTC logo was introduced 18 years later.

🚀 In 2025, early investors reaped significant rewards as three companies saw remarkable returns before their IPOs. Anthropic led the way with a staggering 576% increase, followed by Kraken at 374% and OpenAI at 253%. As debates around AI's role in the economy continue, qualified investors are exploring opportunities. Investment in foreign securities is limited to these qualified individuals. For insights on current investment options through a licensed Russian broker, visit here.

📊 A December survey by BofA among global fund managers reveals that the cash level in portfolios has hit a record high of 3.3%, indicating a strong long position in risk assets. Equity allocation is at its highest since February 2022, while commodity market allocation also reaches a peak since the same month. The Bull & Bear indicator has risen to 7.9, nearing a sell signal. The long position in the "magnificent seven" stocks remains the most crowded trade, with the "AI bubble" identified as the biggest risk for markets.

⚠️🇺🇸 Pfizer shares fell by 2% following the company's disappointing forecasts for 2026.

🇺🇸 Kraft Heinz will have a new CEO starting January 1, 2026.

🌟🇺🇸 Visa is set to launch stablecoin settlements for US banks, starting with USDC. This initiative aims to enhance transaction efficiency and broaden the use of cryptocurrencies in traditional banking systems. For more details, visit the full article here.

🎬 Filmmaker James Cameron, known for blockbuster hits like "Terminator," "Titanic," and "Avatar," has officially become a billionaire, according to Forbes.

🚨 Elon Musk has started funding Republican campaigns ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, according to Axios.

🍬 A significant surplus of sugar has emerged in Russia. Forbes investigates whether grandmothers stocked up during the highs. For more details, visit the full article here. For updates, check max.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Dutch parliament, stating that Russia is a negative force and accusing President Vladimir Putin of constant dishonesty.

📱 Analysts at Counterpoint predict that the average price of smartphones will increase by 6.9% by 2026.

💰 Microfinance organizations (MFOs) in Russia will be prohibited from issuing new loans to individuals until their previous loans are fully repaid, according to the Central Bank of Russia. This measure aims to regulate lending practices and protect consumers from accumulating debt. For more details, visit the Central Bank's official announcement here.

🇺🇸 Bessent announced that a new head of the Fed is likely to be announced in early January 2026.

🇺🇸 Bessent stated that the Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs is likely to be made in early January.

🌍 Drugs are flowing from the Asian East through Russia and Belarus into "enlightened Europe," according to Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with Newsmax TV. He emphasized that the demand for drugs in Europe is significant, which drives the trade. Additionally, he noted that synthetic drugs are being sent in the opposite direction, from EU countries.

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🎉 On December 17, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation will hold auctions for the placement of OFZ 26253 and 26251.

🚨 Upcoming Economic Events

The United States will release its ADP Employment data today at 16:15 Moscow time. This will be followed by the Nonfarm Payrolls report for November and the unemployment rate for the same month, both scheduled for 16:30 Moscow time. These key indicators will provide insights into the U.S. labor market's performance.

🚨 The United States has reported an increase in ADP Nonfarm Employment for the week, with figures showing a rise of 16,200 jobs, up from a previous gain of 4,750.

🚨🛢️🇷🇺 Discounts on Russian Urals oil at western ports have risen from $20.1-$22.5 per barrel in November to $24.3-$26.4 in the first half of December, according to Argus data reviewed by Interfax. Discounts at Indian ports increased by $2 per barrel, while ESPO dropped by $3 per barrel. The discount in China surged by $6.9 per barrel.

🔥🇺🇸 The U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls for November show an increase of 64,000, surpassing expectations of 40,000 but down from the previous month's revised figure of 119,000. The unemployment rate for November stands at 4.6%, slightly above the anticipated 4.5% and higher than the prior rate of 4.4%.

🏠 On December 23, DOMRF will discuss the approval of its Development Strategy for the period 2025-2030 and the outlook through 2036.