The U.S. aims to outpace Russia and China in launching a nuclear reactor to the Moon, reports The New York Times.

October 18 marks the 30-day deadline since President Trump signed the law imposing “hellish sanctions” on Russia, requiring him to decide whether to implement secondary sanctions targeting Russia’s trade partners. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told CBS News that Trump is evaluating the options and will likely make a decision by the deadline. Granholm emphasized that while she does not know Trump’s final decision, he is considering all available pressure tools related to the Ukraine conflict.

VK has sold a 40% stake in "Intickets," the ticketing platform that managed Kanye West’s concert events. Details here.

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to allocate nearly $100 to more than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

In September, voyages through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) reached a record 133, representing a 46% increase from August and over four times the number recorded in 2022. Nearly half of these voyages were conducted by Russian-flagged vessels. The surge is attributed to escalating geopolitical risks on conventional shipping routes and diminishing ice cover resulting from climate warming. Read more in FT.

Former President Donald Trump underscored the significance of fostering good relations with North Korea, citing the country's missile capabilities as a reason. "When someone has 112 nuclear missiles, it's good to be on good terms with them," he said, referencing his rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The comment highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and North Korea.

Google to Restrict Free Access to Gemini AI Models Starting October 9
Users Without Subscription Will See Only Gemini Flash-lite Version

Trump's chief economic advisor, Kevin Hassett, has urged Jerome Powell to resign from the Federal Reserve. On September 30, former President Donald Trump publicly called for Powell's immediate removal.

Oil shipments from the Middle East have nearly returned to pre-conflict levels in Iran, but global prices remain above $100. Worldwide oil inventories have fallen sharply, hitting their lowest levels in five years. Market participants express concern that the conflict could flare up again at any moment, according to Bloomberg.

CryptoQuant CEO declares the cycle bottom has been reached, signaling the start of a new bullish phase in the cryptocurrency market.

Japan has no plans to release oil from national reserves, according to Reuters sources.

Germany's Composite PMI rose to 53.8 in October from 51.8 in September, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector. The Services PMI increased to 52.9 from 49.7, signaling a faster growth rate in the services sector.

Eurozone Composite PMI rebounds to 53.1, up from 52, pointing to economic growth; Services PMI also rises to 53 from 51.6.

The United States is poised to receive its first shipment of Belarusian potash in four years, according to the Financial Times.

Tensions in the oil market are set to escalate until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, according to the CEO of Aramco. The release from reserves will only provide temporary support to markets.

Britain’s latest economic data shows a modest slowdown in activity. The Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) decreased to 52 from 52.5, while the Services PMI fell to 52.1 from 52.5. The figures indicate a slight deceleration in growth within the UK’s services sector.

Brent crude oil prices surpass $102 per barrel.

Aramco CEO highlights rising oil demand, underscores need to replenish reserves.

Analysts forecast that India's central bank will hike interest rates by 0.25% at the upcoming meeting, according to a Reuters survey.

Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, also known as the Petroline, is operating normally, according to sources from RTRS.