... effectively blocking most transactions involving foreign capital. Secondly, high financing costs diminish project attractiveness: the Bank of Russia's key rate 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 risks. Finally, investor participation has decreased: most companies wishing to exit the market have ...

... interest rate hikes in 2025, risk assets like Bitcoin may encounter headwinds. For example, rising rates or a strengthening dollar could temporarily dampen interest in BTC as investors shift to safer instruments. Conversely, persistent inflation or geopolitical tensions could enhance Bitcoin's appeal as an alternative store of value. Nevertheless, in the event of a broad risk-off environment, Bitcoin is likely to experience sell-offs alongside other speculative assets. Both institutional and retail ...

... for interest rates. If the Fed perceives that inflation in the service economy is not abating, it may choose to keep monetary policy tighter for longer, which can be a headwind for equities. Moreover, wider risks – from global economic slowdowns to geopolitical tensions – continue to cap risk appetite. As a result, while the ISM news gave stocks a welcome lift, further upside for the S&P 500 index may hinge on evidence that inflation is coming under control, allowing central banks some leeway ...

... August under the influence of mixed factors. The conclusion of the tax period at the end of July has weakened support for the national currency, and last week the exchange rate fell to around ~80 rub/$ amid balancing between high export revenues and geopolitical risks. On Tuesday, market participants anticipate decisions from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Russia regarding currency operations volumes under the budget rule for August. If the regulator resumes significant foreign currency ...

... achieved positions. Continued soft monetary policy and slowing inflation could support further growth of digital assets, while a potential decrease in the Federal Reserve's interest rates may enhance investor interest in riskier investments. However, geopolitical tensions or new regulatory constraints could cool the market — participants are closely watching the adoption of crypto laws in the US and the implementation of rules in other regions. Nonetheless, the baseline scenario remains optimistic: ...