🚨 More than half of entrepreneurs in Russia are unable to afford loans at market rates, postponing business development plans until credit conditions improve. The corporate lending revival in October largely stemmed from refinancing existing loans. Nearly 80% of entrepreneurs anticipate worsening economic conditions in the coming year, with investments declining in the third quarter. Despite lower interest rates, monetary conditions remain tight, according to a recent survey by CSR.

🏦 Following the Central Bank's decision, Sberbank will reduce its market mortgage rates starting December 25 and consumer loan rates from December 22.

⚡️ President Vladimir Putin is reportedly in love, according to recent statements. The details surrounding this personal revelation remain unclear, but the announcement has sparked interest and speculation in various circles. As more information emerges, observers are keen to see how this news might influence Putin's public persona and political landscape. Further developments are expected.

🎉 DraftKings is entering the prediction market with a new trading app, expanding its portfolio. The move aims to capitalize on the growing interest in prediction markets, allowing users to engage in trading based on future events. For more details, visit the full article here.

🇩🇪 Rheinmetall and KNDS have secured a $5 billion order from the German army for Puma tanks. The initial delivery of these tanks is expected by mid-2028, marking a significant step in Germany's military modernization efforts. For more details, visit this link.

❗️🇷🇺 The live Q&A session with President Putin has concluded.

🇪🇺🇷🇺 The confiscation of Russian assets was a test that Europe failed, according to Bloomberg. The ongoing challenges surrounding the seizing of Russian funds highlight significant shortcomings in Europe's approach to this critical issue during the Ukraine war. For further details, read the full article here.

🚨 Ahead

The Central Bank of Russia will hold a press conference today at 17:00 Moscow time.

WATCH
—————-
MT at MAX

❗️🇷🇺 Nabiullina announced that inflation is slowing down, with a more rapid decrease expected in November than previously anticipated. However, she cautioned that upcoming months will see prices affected by an increase in VAT and price regulations. WATCH

❗️🇷🇺 NABIULLINA: RUSSIA'S ECONOMY TO COOL DOWN IN EARLY 2026

Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has stated that the country's economy is expected to emerge from overheating in the first half of 2026.

For more information, visit MT in MAX.

⚠️🇷🇺 NABIULLINA: The implementation of inflationary risks may require a pause. The reduction of the rate will not be on autopilot. MT in MAX

🌍 Witkoff and Umerov will meet with national security advisors from Germany, France, and Britain in Miami today. Representatives from Turkey and Qatar will also participate in the meeting, according to Axios.

🎉 The Chairwoman of the Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, made a statement following the Bank's Board of Directors meeting on December 19, 2025. For more details, visit here. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Thank you for your attention! — Central Bank.

🇷🇺🇪🇺 The Central Bank of Russia will not withdraw its lawsuit against Euroclear, according to Elvira Nabiullina. She responded to inquiries regarding the possibility of retracting the claim following the EU summit, where member states failed to achieve confiscation of Russian assets. For more details, visit here.

🚨💰 Today marks the largest options expiration in U.S. history, valued at $7.1 trillion, according to Goldman Sachs. Of this total, $5 trillion is attributed to SP500 options, while the remainder involves individual stocks. Bloomberg reports that the Triple Witching expiration typically results in a surge of trading activity. For more information, visit MT в MAX.

🚨 On December 26, the last and largest Bitcoin options expiration of the year will take place on the Deribit exchange, with a total value of $23 billion. This event marks a significant moment in the cryptocurrency market. For more updates, visit MT в MAX.

⚠️🇯🇵 The Japanese yen (JPY) has reached a historic low against the euro (EUR) and the Swiss franc (CHF). This significant decline highlights ongoing economic challenges for Japan, as the currency struggles to maintain its value in the face of global market fluctuations. Investors are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.

🚀 TRON has announced a partnership with Base from Coinbase, marking a significant step in its growth strategy. Following this collaboration, TRON's stock has seen a rise of 2.6%. Investors are optimistic about the potential developments from this alliance, which could enhance TRON's position in the cryptocurrency market. For more details, visit Coinbase.

🚨 Ahead

🇺🇸 U.S. - Existing Home Sales (Nov) - 18:00 MSK
🇺🇸 U.S. - Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Dec) - 18:00 MSK
🇺🇸 U.S. - Consumer Inflation Expectations (Dec) - 18:00 MSK

🚨🇺🇸 In the latest economic report, the Michigan Consumer Sentiment for December stands at 52.9, slightly below the expected 53.3 and up from 51. The one-year consumer inflation expectations have risen to 4.2%, surpassing the forecast of 4.1% but lower than the previous 4.5%. Meanwhile, the five-year consumer inflation expectations remain steady at 3.2%, matching expectations but down from 3.4%.

🚨 The United States has reported a rise in existing home sales for November, increasing by 0.5% month-over-month, contrary to expectations of a 4.8% decline. This marks an improvement from the previous month's growth of 1.5%.