... has been raised to 21%, making loans expensive. Thirdly, the uncertainty in the economic situation (geopolitical risks, high sanctions costs, and ruble volatility) complicates revenue and cash flow forecasting for target companies, increasing expected ... ... factors restraining M&A activity at this stage can be summarized as follows: Regulation of transactions with non-residents. New rules require significant payments for asset exits: commission fees plus fines create a considerable discount from the actual ...

... political crisis in Venezuela coincided with another round of escalation between Israel and Iran, which raised expectations of a new surge in prices, even though the market had already ended July on a positive note: the average price of Brent rose by 3% over ... ... could lead to a reduction in supply. In Venezuela, the potential decline in production will be linked to the tightening of U.S. sanctions. In April, the U.S. Treasury Department refused to extend License 44, which in October 2023 had lifted restrictions ...

... Threatens Support for Ukraine Nationalist sentiments are growing in Europe, undermining EU unity and weakening support for Ukraine, reports Bloomberg. In Slovakia, Austria, Croatia, and several other countries, politicians advocating for a review of sanctions against Russia are gaining popularity. The Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has halted military assistance to Kyiv and openly discusses the possibility of the country exiting the EU and NATO. In Austria, far-right forces, traditionally opposed ...

... period and the onset of the autumn season. Coal Sector: Record Production Amid Modest Demand The global coal sector is reaching a new production peak in 2025, even as consumption growth slows. According to the IEA's forecast, global coal production this year ... ... of Russian companies remain near historic highs, with the coal sector actively reorienting toward Asian markets in light of sanctions. The government supports exporters by developing port infrastructure in the Far East and subsidizing railway transport ...

... attribute this to a number of factors, including tax payments from Russian exporters, reduced demand for currency following the New Year holidays, stable foreign trade activity, and a rise in optimism amid geopolitical events. However, forecasts are divided.... ... Others warn of a possible depreciation of the Russian currency to 110 rubles by the end of the year. Key risk factors include sanction pressures, the state of the trade balance, the influence of American foreign economic policy, and dynamics in oil prices....