The main events by the morning: February 17

• Japan's economy is showing signs of stagnation. By the end of 2024, the country's GDP growth was only 0.1%, which is significantly lower than in 2023, when the economy grew by 1.5%. Nominal GDP, reflecting the size of the economy at current prices, reached 609.29 trillion yen (about $4 trillion), exceeding the 600 trillion yen mark for the first time in history.

• The telephone conversation between Putin and Trump on February 12 had a positive impact on the stock markets of Russia and Europe. Following the results of the week that ended on the day of the negotiations, European equity funds raised a record $2.5 billion, the highest volume in the last two years. The Russian market also showed growth on the back of this news.

• Electronics imports to Russia showed a decrease for the first time in two years. According to market participants, the reduction was up to 3%. Previously, a similar trend was observed only in 2014 and 2022. Experts attribute this to difficulties in making payments to China and the high key interest rate. Experts predict that in 2025, the reduction in imports will continue, especially in the segment of household appliances, where the drop may reach 30%.

• The reforms initiated by Donald Trump and Elon Musk have led to a sharp increase in unemployment in the US capital. Since the Republicans came to power, about 4,000 Washington residents, which is about 0.5% of the city's population, have applied for unemployment benefits. The reason was the reduction of the government staff and the introduction of an early retirement program through a «buyout.»

• The United States and Belarus are preparing a «grand bargain» that will include the lifting of sanctions. According to the terms of the deal, Minsk releases «a large number of political prisoners» and Washington lifts sanctions. In recent months, Lukashenko has already granted amnesty to more than 200 people who were convicted after the protests in Belarus in 2020.