RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Russia’s stock market ended flat on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index closing unchanged at 0.00%. Trading activity remained muted as key stocks showed no movement during the session.
AFK Sistema PJSC (MCX:AFKS) ended the day steady at 15.45, while Aeroflot PJSC (MCX:AFLT) remained at 56.98 and ROSSETI PJSC (MCX:FEES) closed at 0.07. Interestingly, the same companies led both the day’s best and worst performance list, reflecting the lack of price action. Market breadth also stayed neutral, with no advancing or declining stocks reported on the Moscow Stock Exchange.
The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks implied volatility of MOEX options, held firm at 31.90, suggesting cautious sentiment among investors.
In commodities, gold futures for December delivery rose 1.52% to $3,413.80 per troy ounce, supported by safe-haven demand. Meanwhile, energy markets faced selling pressure, with September crude oil contracts falling 2.79% to $67.33 per barrel and October Brent contracts dropping 3.94% to $69.67 per barrel.
Currency markets showed mixed movements. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Russian ruble, with USD/RUB down 1.36% at 80.00, while EUR/RUB edged higher by 0.11% to 92.68. The U.S. Dollar Index Futures also slipped 0.81% to 98.93, reflecting broader dollar softness.
Investors are watching global commodity trends and currency fluctuations closely, as these factors continue to influence Russian market sentiment. The flat close of the MOEX Index highlights cautious positioning amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties impacting Russia’s financial markets.
