... cautious forecast for Brent at year-end—around $60 per barrel—expecting that risk of weak demand will again come to the forefront. Thus, oil prices are balancing between supply-reducing factors (voluntary production limits from OPEC+ countries and sanctions against Russia) and signs of weakening fuel consumption. Gold, meanwhile, continues to hold near historical highs, although its price corrected downwards from peaks at the end of the week. The spot price of gold, following a strong jump in the ...

... and other cutting-edge areas). In addition to government institutions, private players are beginning to show activity: for example, the venture firm Kama Flow has launched a new fund of 10 billion rubles for investments in mature startups. Even under sanctions, the market is looking for ways to finance priority technologies and strives to foster its own successful "unicorns." At the same time, some regional startups are reaching new levels. For instance, the Krasnodar-based foodtech project ...

... fundamentally changed the balance of power around North Korea. Kim Jong-un's regime views its nuclear arsenal as a guarantee of its own security and survival. Attempts by the international community to achieve denuclearization through negotiations and sanctions have yet to succeed. In response to North Korean tests, its neighbors are strengthening their defenses: Japan and South Korea are deploying missile defense systems and enhancing their alliance with the USA, while voices in South Korea periodically ...

... cycle, presence of crisis phenomena or, conversely, recovery). The political situation is also important: a stable government, predictable legislation, absence of geopolitical tension create favorable conditions for business, while political crises or sanctions can negatively affect the securities market. The goal of this stage is to identify the global trend. If the economy is growing and the stock market is on the rise, the investor expects a generally favorable background for most companies (even ...

... exporters. Geopolitics: UN Security Council Meeting on Ukraine On Thursday, the UN Security Council will hold a meeting in New York dedicated to the conflict in Ukraine. Geopolitical tensions remain a risk factor for markets: escalating hostilities, new sanctions initiatives, or statements from UNSC members can influence commodity prices (oil, grains) and investor sentiment. Particular attention will be paid to discussions about the humanitarian situation and implications of recent events, such as the ...