The main events by the morning: October 24

• The technological confrontation between the United States and China will continue regardless of the results of the presidential election. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris intend to impose new restrictions on trade and technological supplies to China, although their approaches differ. Trump plans to act more aggressively and on a large scale, whereas Harris prefers to use targeted measures.

• The IMF noted a change in the global balance of power: the BRICS countries are increasingly catching up with the G7. According to the latest report of the organization, the economic growth of the BRICS member states continues to accelerate and is approaching the level of the developed G7 countries. For example, countries such as Egypt and Vietnam will increase GDP at purchasing power parity at a pace comparable to developed economies.

• The European Union has provided Ukraine with a loan for 45 years. The loan amount is 35 billion euros, and its repayment is planned at the expense of income from frozen Russian assets. The loan is linked to the reform plan proposed by Kiev. Initially, the proceeds from the assets will go to the EU budget, after which 95% of these funds will be directed to support Ukraine.

• The American elite avoids supporting candidates in the presidential election. The famous billionaire Warren Buffett announced that he would not support any of the presidential contenders, although he had previously supported the Democrats. A similar position was taken by JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who also refused to openly express his preferences in the current presidential race.

• Russia and Saudi Arabia have reduced offshore oil supplies to Asia. In the first nine months of 2024, supplies decreased by 5% y/y (to 3.24 million b/d) and 7% (4.93 million b/d). This was facilitated by a decrease in oil consumption in China amid the crisis in the construction industry and efforts to switch to alternative fuels.