The main events by the morning: October 16

• Russia is considering the possibility of purchasing electricity from Azerbaijan and Georgia to ensure stability in the southern regions. The parties are negotiating the supply of 300 MW of electricity from each country. These measures are considered as a safety net in emergency situations related to summer blackouts in the south due to overloads and incidents at the Rostov NPP. There is no response from both countries yet.

• Audi will close its electric car manufacturing plant in Brussels due to economic difficulties. According to Bloomberg, the company failed to find a suitable investor. None of the 26 potential stakeholders could present a viable and sustainable plan for the future of the enterprise.

• The cost of real estate in Russia will fall by 3-5% in the coming year. According to ACRE, Russians today prefer to save rather than buy real estate due to high rates. However, after the reduction of the key rate from the Bank of Russia, Russians can start investing in housing again, which will resume price growth. But not in the next 12-18 months. 

• The head of the Association of Banks of Russia suggests that at the upcoming meeting, the Bank of Russia will leave the key rate at 19%. According to Anatoly Kozlachkov, the inflation rate will return to the target 4% only by 2026.

• Democratic candidate Kamala Harris announced her strategy aimed at supporting black investors. Harris has advocated for the regulation of cryptocurrencies to protect black men who own or invest in digital assets. She also proposed financial measures to support the colored population, including payments of up to $20,000 to open a business.