Russia’s state-owned banking giant in focus amid inflation, policy and sanctions chatter
Central banks are maintaining cautious stances as inflation pressures persist. Officials have signalled that rate paths will be data-driven, with ongoing monitoring of energy prices and geopolitical risks. Market expectations hinge on inflation trends and the pace of growth.
The Times of Israel reports that the strengthening shekel is raising costs for Israeli tech firms and forcing some to cut costs, shift hiring abroad, and consider relocating R&D. Authorities are under pressure to support exporters and startups as the currency remains strong and inflation risks stay elevated.
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Wildberries’ warehouses in Russia, hitting facilities in Elektrostal and Tambov and prompting disruptions to delivery. Kyiv says the strikes aim to pressure Russia’s economy by hitting a major online retailer that stores and ships goods for thousands of merchants.
Since July 18 Ukraine has struck multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, causing fires, deaths and major stock losses. The campaign has put at least 1.5 million sq m of warehouse space out of operation, forced evacuations and pushed merchants toward bankruptcy. Wildberries and Russia are discussing compensation and possible state support.
Russia has issued a decree allowing the state to take physical and financial control of facilities that fail to maintain security or repair damage after Ukrainian drone strikes. The move targets fuel, energy, industrial, communications, transport and logistics sites and could see ownership powers transferred to a state agency if safety standards are not met. Officials say the measure is targeted and not a general nationalization.