... slowdown caused by the pandemic and global economic turmoil. Record industrial performance Industrial production rose 6.2% in December, driven by a recovery in supply chains, government support for manufacturing, and increased demand for Chinese goods. Retail sales up Retail sales rose 3.8%, driven by subsidies aimed at stimulating consumption, particularly in electronics and automobiles. Trade surplus China posted a record trade surplus. However, falling prices for exported goods have been a negative factor,...

... 88.4 in June), although this remains below forecasts. This modest increase in business sentiment suggests that the largest economy in Europe is avoiding a deeper recession for now, although companies continue to exercise caution. In the UK, moderate retail sales data emerged: in June, sales volume increased by about 0.9% m/m after a decline in May, raising 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 ...

.... By July 31, wholesale gasoline prices remained near peak values. The government has already signaled that it does not rule out extending the export limitation after August 31, if there is no significant stabilization of prices in the wholesale and retail segments. Thus, Russia's case illustrates that even one of the largest gasoline exporters is willing to limit external sales to protect domestic consumers. This highlights the presence of local fuel imbalances in different parts of the world. A contrasting picture is observed in the U.S., where the domestic fuel market is experiencing a period of relative abundance. Thanks ...

... assessments for such projects. A similar situation is seen in the banking sector: regulatory pressure and intensifying competition are reducing the number of mergers between banks. Transactions in industry and construction also slow down: last year, sales of foreign assets primarily occurred in development and engineering, whereas such outflows have nearly vanished now. In contrast, the IT and consumer markets (retail, FMCG) remain dynamic — experts anticipate potential deal drivers in these sectors. However, even in these segments, companies primarily seek to retain capital and diversify risks before pursuing M&A. Major Transactions and Key Players Despite ...

... closed placements. Access to such transactions is available to qualified investors and, within certain limits, to non-qualified (retail) investors. However, restrictions apply in Russian markets: without qualified status, a private investor can invest only ... ... shares. The round typically occurs through the issuance of additional shares (new funds go into the company) or through the sale of stakes by existing shareholders (secondary placement). Investments are made via a closed subscription: the placement is ...