The main events by the morning: February 6

• Saudi Arabia increased the price of Arab Light oil for Asia by $2.40 per barrel in March, reaching the maximum price increase since August 2022. This is due to higher premiums for Middle Eastern raw materials and improved refining margins in the region. Sanctions against Russian oil have forced Asian refiners to look for alternatives, which has bolstered demand for Middle Eastern supplies.

• The Central Bank of India may reduce the key rate by 25 bps to 6.25% following a two-day meeting. This will help support the weakening economy against the backdrop of slowing inflation and a record low exchange rate of the rupee. The yield on 10-year bonds fell by 16.5 bps in three weeks, amounting to 6.664% at the close of trading on Wednesday, due to expectations of policy easing in February.

• The United States demands compensation for assistance to Ukraine. Washington is ready to finance Ukraine only if the costs are compensated through rare earth metals, which Kiev has agreed to. Conditions include low taxes and mitigation of environmental regulations. However, key deposits are under Russian control. The total value of Ukrainian minerals is estimated at $15 trillion, but the complexity of mining makes projects of little interest to investors.

• The US trade deficit reached $1.2 trillion in 2024. This was due to increased imports ($4.1 trillion) and limited exports ($3.2 trillion) against a strong dollar. The growth in services exports offset the weak growth in goods. The deficit with China, the EU and Mexico has become the largest. Trump may introduce new protectionist measures. In response, China imposed duties on $20 billion and launched an investigation against Google.

• The leadership of the Panama Canal denied the statement of the US State Department on the abolition of fees for the passage of American government vessels. In a message posted on the social network X, it is noted that no changes have been made to transit duties. Earlier, the US State Department claimed that exemption from fees would bring economic benefits, but the channel's administration denied this.