Oil prices surged following new sanctions against top Russian oil companies. The Mexican peso remains in demand

The Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 0.71% by the end of Wednesday. The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 0.53%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Index (US100) closed lower by 0.93%. Investors evaluated mixed corporate earnings reports and new trade risks following reports that the White House is considering restricting the export of American software to China.

Among corporate results: Netflix (NFLX) lost 10% after publishing results that were pressured by a tax dispute in Brazil. Tesla (TSLA) fell by 1.4% ahead of its earnings report following reports that some new models might suddenly lose battery charge.

The Mexican peso (MXN) continues to be in demand among investors, despite a slowdown in economic activity. Even after the latest key rate cut, the country continues to offer one of the highest real yields among emerging markets, which supports the carry trade and stimulates the inflow of foreign portfolio investments.

European stock markets traded mixed on Wednesday. The German DAX (DE40) dropped by 0.74%, the French CAC 40 (FR40) closed lower by 0.63%, the Spanish IBEX35 Index (ES35) rose by 0.09%, and the British FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up by 0.93%. The EU is preparing to approve the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, while the US is also preparing to strengthen sanctions due to Russia’s unwillingness to enter into peace negotiations.

WTI crude oil prices rose by more than 2% on Wednesday and gained another 3% on Thursday following reports of new US sanctions against Russian oil companies. Washington imposed a ban on cooperation with Rosneft and Lukoil, increasing pressure on Moscow for refusing to participate in peace negotiations on Ukraine. These companies account for about half of Russia’s oil exports, and energy export revenues form about a quarter of Russia’s federal budget.

Asian markets declined yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.02%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.01%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.94%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a negative result of 0.70%.

Bank Indonesia (BI) unexpectedly left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.75% after its October 2025 meeting, following three consecutive cuts. The decision reflects the central bank’s confidence that inflation in 2025-2026 will remain within the target range of 1.5-3%, supported by a stable Rupiah exchange rate. According to the latest data, Indonesia’s GDP grew to 5.12% y/y in Q2, the fastest pace in two years, while annual inflation accelerated to 2.65% in September, the highest since May 2024.