Russia Presents Peace Terms to the US
Overnight, reports suggest that Russia has delivered a list of demands to the US as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. These demands reportedly include:
- No NATO membership for Kyiv
- An agreement not to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine
- International recognition of Crimea and four Ukrainian provinces—Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia—as Russian territory
Notably, none of these four provinces are fully under Russian control, making the proposal a highly contentious one.
Trump Threatens ‘Devastating’ Financial Punishment
Former US President Donald Trump has warned Russia of severe financial consequences if it refuses to accept the terms of the proposed agreement. Markets are closely monitoring developments, as heightened geopolitical tensions could lead to further currency volatility.
Key Economic Data Releases Today
Today’s market-moving data includes:
- EU Industrial Production Figures – Released this morning, providing insights into the strength of the European manufacturing sector.
- US Employment Figures – Due this afternoon, this data will be closely watched as a gauge of labour market strength and potential impacts on Federal Reserve policy.
FX Market Overview: Cable Hits 5-Month Highs
In the foreign exchange market, the British pound (cable) remains elevated, touching five-month highs. Meanwhile, the Australian and New Zealand dollars present strong buying opportunities, trading at multi-year highs.
Navigating Market Volatility
With ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic data releases, and shifting currency trends, market volatility remains elevated. If you’re looking to capitalise on these fluctuations or manage risk, our Qumoney experts are here to help.