The main events by the morning: April 15

• Europe is again seeking to completely stop importing gas from Russia. Brussels is considering legal mechanisms that will allow European companies to terminate long-term gas supply contracts without having to pay heavy fines to Moscow. The main option is to declare force majeure. According to representatives of the European Commission, the bloc plans to get rid of Russian supplies by 2027.

• The Bank of Russia has cancelled the license of Promtransbank, registered in Bashkortostan. The reason is a violation of federal laws and regulations, including measures to counter money laundering and terrorist financing. In addition, the bank has repeatedly faced restrictions on attracting deposits during the year. The Central Bank also noted that the bank had chronic losses.

• American businesses are almost certain that a recession is coming in the United States. A CNBC Supply Chain survey showed that most companies will not be able to move production due to high costs. 81% of respondents are confident that this will not lead to more jobs for Americans, as automation of production will be more profitable. 60% of companies are also preparing for rising prices and recession.

• Russia may lose up to 40% of its fruit harvest due to frosts affecting the south and Central part of the country. Apricots, peaches and cherries were the most affected. The National Union of Agricultural Insurers believes that adverse weather conditions can negatively affect crops on an area of at least 4.7 thousand hectares.

• Goldman Sachs predicts that gold could generate a 14% return by the end of the year, and even more by mid–2026. The price of an ounce is expected to rise to $3,700 by the end of 2025 and reach $4,000 by the middle of next year. The main reasons for the growth are high demand from central banks and the protective properties of gold in the face of recession, geopolitical risks and tariff war.