... hopes for the resilience of consumer spending despite high inflation. At the same time, the GfK consumer confidence index in the UK dipped slightly (to -19 points from -18 in June), reflecting continuing household caution. A key theme in Europe remains international trade relations. In light of new challenges in global trade, an increasing number of companies mention the impact of tariffs and barriers in their reports. The focus is on negotiations between the USA and the European Union. President Donald Trump's administration has intensified its rhetoric concerning import tariffs; however, by August 1, positive shifts are emerging: Washington and Brussels are close to an agreement ...

... reached by August 8. These measures could include 100% tariffs on trade with Russia and restrictions on countries buying Russian oil, gas, and other resources. For the markets , such a threat signifies heightened geopolitical tension and new risks for international trade. Investors will closely monitor statements from Washington: **does the White House plan to impose sanctions today** or will negotiations be extended? Any official news on this matter could provoke fluctuations in the currency market (strengthening of safe-haven assets, weakening of the ruble) and affect the price dynamics of energy resources and metals. **Impact on commodity ...

... reserves. Electricity is handling peak loads largely due to the rising share of RES. Coal and refined products maintain their niches and are not causing shocks to the global economy. Ahead lie important months of preparation for winter and ongoing international negotiations. Participants in the fuel and energy market will carefully monitor demand and supply balances to respond promptly to new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

... economic growth in Asian countries accelerates. Nevertheless, the balance in Europe’s gas market currently appears stable, and prices remain relatively moderate. This is a favorable situation for European industry and energy ahead of the heating season. International Politics: Summit Outcomes and Sanction Prospects On August 15, a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the U.S. took place in Anchorage, Alaska—an event the global community awaited with great anticipation. Negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump lasted several hours and were primarily focused on finding ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. As experts had predicted, the summit did not conclude with any specific agreements in the oil and ...

... possible after August 8. The U.S. is attempting to tighten pressure on a major oil exporter—Iran, which is refusing concrete negotiations with the States, further exacerbating tensions in the oil market. U.S. actions push prices upward, while OPEC+ actions ... ... formation of a stable trend," Gromov concludes. Will OPEC+ Continue to Increase Production? "I agree with the majority of international analysts that, at this stage, OPEC+ is likely to pause further easing of production quotas," said Gromov from ...