The President of Belarus signed a decree on crypto banks in the country

 Friday, January 16 2026 14:19:00
The President of Belarus signed a decree on crypto banks in the country

ArmInfo. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree regulating the regulation of digital tokens and cryptobanks in the country, according to the Telegram channel "Pool of the First," which is affiliated with the presidential press service.

US banks returned a record $140 million to shareholders
 Friday, January 16 2026 14:05

ArmInfo. Six leading US banks have paid out over $140 billion in dividends and share repurchases to shareholders through 2025 amid relaxed capital requirements.

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The situation around Iran is pushing oil prices higher
 Wednesday, January 14 2026 17:46

ArmInfo. Oil prices rose for the fifth consecutive session amid heightened geopolitical risks.

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The global economy will grow by 2.6% in 2026, according to the World Bank forecast
 Wednesday, January 14 2026 14:04

ArmInfo.The World Bank (WB) expects global economic growth to reach 2.6% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027, according to its December Global Economic Prospects report. In June 2025, the bank projected GDP growth of 2.4% in 2026 and 2.6% the following year.

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Russia`s International Reserves Reach a Record $763.9 Billion
 Tuesday, January 13 2026 18:35

ArmInfo. Russia's international reserves reached a record $763.9 billion at the end of the day on December 26, the Central Bank reported on January 13.

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The global economy will grow by 2.7% in 2026
 Tuesday, January 13 2026 18:21

ArmInfo. The global economy will grow by 2.7% in 2026, following 2.8% in 2025, according to a forecast from experts at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Growth will be constrained by further fragmentation of the global economy, increasing protectionism within countries, and weak investment activity resulting from growing global uncertainty.

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Trump Imposes a Credit Card Interest Cap
 Tuesday, January 13 2026 14:08

ArmInfo. Trump to Cap US Credit Card Interest Rates to 10% for a Year. "Effective January 20, 2026, I, as President of the United States, am announcing a one-year cap on credit card interest rates of 10%," Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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Trump imposes 25% tariffs on countries cooperating with Iran
 Tuesday, January 13 2026 13:40

ArmInfo. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran.

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Experts expect the ruble to weaken in 2026
 Monday, January 12 2026 19:04

ArmInfo. The Russian currency will weaken by approximately 6% this year, and the average annual dollar exchange rate will be 88.5 rubles per dollar in 2026, according to a Vedomosti consensus forecast.

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Mercedes-Benz sales fell 9.2% last year
 Monday, January 12 2026 18:55

ArmInfo. Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales by the end of 2025 fell by 9.2% to 1.8 million, according to a company press release.

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Georgia`s tangerine exports plummeted by 54%
 Sunday, January 11 2026 18:29

ArmInfo. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, Georgian mandarin exports decreased by 54% year-on-year from January to November 2025.

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Oil prices are rising
 Saturday, January 10 2026 13:01

ArmInfo. Oil prices gained momentum on Friday evening, supported by concerns about supply stability.

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Florida is building a highway that will charge electric vehicles on the move
 Friday, January 9 2026 19:23

ArmInfo. In Florida, construction is well underway on State Road 516, which will feature a 1.2-kilometer section for on-the-move contactless charging for electric vehicles.

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Goldman Sachs reiterates its 2026 forecast of $4,900 per ounce
 Friday, January 9 2026 13:55

ArmInfo. Since December of last year, when gold cost $2,700 per ounce, the price of the precious metal has risen 68%, or $1,800 per ounce. Goldman Sachs analysts are reiterating their 2026 forecast of $4,900 per ounce in 2026, citing sustained central bank purchases and potential interest rate cuts in the US.

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Strategic competition is growing between the US and China
 Thursday, January 8 2026 18:37

ArmInfo. Despite its refusal to join the Belt and Road Initiative, the US increased its investments in countries that did join it once they signed memoranda of understanding with China. Strategic competition is the primary driver of this investment, according to an ECONS publication based on empirical research on the Belt and Road Initiative.

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Telegram suffered a $500 million bond freeze in Russia due to Western sanctions
 Thursday, January 8 2026 17:38

ArmInfo. Telegram suffered a $500 million bond freeze in Russia due to Western sanctions, the Financial Times reports, citing sources. The bonds were blocked at Russia's National Settlement Depository (NSD), which has been under EU blocking sanctions since June 2022 and US sanctions since June 2024, the FT reports.

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Copper Prices to Continue Rising in 2026
 Thursday, January 8 2026 17:15

ArmInfo. (INTERFAX) Citi analysts believe copper demand will remain strong in 2026, in part due to the energy transition and the boom in AI development. Electrification, grid expansion, and data center construction require significant volumes of copper used in wires and cables, as well as in distribution infrastructure, CNBC reports.

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Trump is developing a large-scale plan to control Venezuelan oil
 Thursday, January 8 2026 16:43

ArmInfo. Oil prices have barely budged since the US ousted Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and President Trump pledged billions to revive the country's oil infrastructure. The president believes this initiative could lower oil prices to his goal of $50 per barrel.

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Analysts predict a growth trend for the Chinese stock market in 2026
 Thursday, January 8 2026 16:27

ArmInfo. (finversia). Stock analysts expect steady growth in Chinese stock prices in 2026. As reported on Monday by the China Daily, this is being driven by China's independent technological development and ongoing economic recovery.

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RBC: Jim Rogers sold all his US shares and invested in Uzbekistan
 Thursday, January 8 2026 16:18

ArmInfo. Renowned American investor Jim Rogers has sold all his US stocks because he fears a correction in the American market and a slowdown in economic growth.

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News
Fitch Ratings revises Armenia`s outlook to positive; affirms at  `BB-`; forecasts GDP of above 5.0% in 2026-2027Fitch Ratings revises Armenia`s outlook to positive; affirms at  `BB-`; forecasts GDP of above 5.0% in 2026-2027
Fitch Ratings upgrades Armenia`s rating outlook from Stable to  Positive - RA premier Fitch Ratings upgrades Armenia`s rating outlook from Stable to  Positive - RA premier 
During the week of January 12-16, 2026, Armenia`s interbank foreign  exchange market experienced a rise in  dollar and ruble transactions During the week of January 12-16, 2026, Armenia`s interbank foreign  exchange market experienced a rise in  dollar and ruble transactions 
AraratBank Partners as General Sponsor of 4090 Charity Foundation`s Five-Year Milestone EventAraratBank Partners as General Sponsor of 4090 Charity Foundation`s Five-Year Milestone Event
National standards  developed and approved  in tourism sector National standards  developed and approved  in tourism sector
RA SRC  identified cases of counterfeit vodka and tobacco products RA SRC  identified cases of counterfeit vodka and tobacco products
The President of Belarus signed a decree on crypto banks in the countryThe President of Belarus signed a decree on crypto banks in the country
US banks returned a record $140 million to shareholdersUS banks returned a record $140 million to shareholders
Banks have no right to refuse to open accounts under Social Package  program - CBBanks have no right to refuse to open accounts under Social Package  program - CB
While second person lives below poverty line, Armenia`s leaders  receive bonuses reaching millions While second person lives below poverty line, Armenia`s leaders  receive bonuses reaching millions 
TRIPP is turning Armenia into hub for American economic interests in  South Caucasus region - expertTRIPP is turning Armenia into hub for American economic interests in  South Caucasus region - expert
Armenian-Turkmen  business forum takes place in YerevanArmenian-Turkmen  business forum takes place in Yerevan
RA  Ministry of Territorial Administration: Armenia, Azerbaijan   conduct joint inspection of  Yeraskh- Sadarak railway sectionRA  Ministry of Territorial Administration: Armenia, Azerbaijan   conduct joint inspection of  Yeraskh- Sadarak railway section
Armenia adjusting greenhouse subsidies  to attract young  entrepreneurs and individuals over 63 years  to the sectorArmenia adjusting greenhouse subsidies  to attract young  entrepreneurs and individuals over 63 years  to the sector
"Wings of Unity": Armenia needs an economy focused on production and  exports
Pashinyan assures there will be no increase in liquefied gas prices  Pashinyan assures there will be no increase in liquefied gas prices 
Armenian premier on reasons for premiums to government officialsArmenian premier on reasons for premiums to government officials
RA Central Bank identifies 72 unlicensed organizations offering  various financial servicesRA Central Bank identifies 72 unlicensed organizations offering  various financial services
Armenia presents solar energy management solutions at international  exhibition Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026)Armenia presents solar energy management solutions at international  exhibition Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026)
Regional Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency holding  talks in Yerevan Regional Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency holding  talks in Yerevan 
IBRC: Armenian businesses to gain access to export invoice insuranceIBRC: Armenian businesses to gain access to export invoice insurance
RA Economy Minister: Armenia ranks 37th out of 101 countries in WB  rankingRA Economy Minister: Armenia ranks 37th out of 101 countries in WB  ranking
The situation around Iran is pushing oil prices higherThe situation around Iran is pushing oil prices higher
Unforgettable Moments and a Profitable Offer at Myler. Idram&IDBankUnforgettable Moments and a Profitable Offer at Myler. Idram&IDBank
Net flow of foreign investment into Armenian economy dropped to  negative $221 million by October 2025, but FDI saw significant gainsNet flow of foreign investment into Armenian economy dropped to  negative $221 million by October 2025, but FDI saw significant gains
Economy Ministry`s priority programs to be aligned with peace agenda  - Gevorg PapoyanEconomy Ministry`s priority programs to be aligned with peace agenda  - Gevorg Papoyan
WB on major risks for ECA WB on major risks for ECA 
Armenia to remain EAEU member as long as it is compatible with its  desire to join EU - RA premier Armenia to remain EAEU member as long as it is compatible with its  desire to join EU - RA premier 
Issue of competitive procedures in implementation of various programs  priority for the Armenian government - Deputy MinisterIssue of competitive procedures in implementation of various programs  priority for the Armenian government - Deputy Minister
The global economy will grow by 2.6% in 2026, according to the World Bank forecastThe global economy will grow by 2.6% in 2026, according to the World Bank forecast
AraratBank Takes the Lead in Brand PR PerformanceAraratBank Takes the Lead in Brand PR Performance
Armenia plans to establish rules for calculating and paying VAT in  transactions involving supply of goods to individuals through EAEU  electronic platformsArmenia plans to establish rules for calculating and paying VAT in  transactions involving supply of goods to individuals through EAEU  electronic platforms
Armenian premier on planned construction of bridges across  Armenian-Azerbaijani border Armenian premier on planned construction of bridges across  Armenian-Azerbaijani border 
Programs co-financed by RA budget not to be subject to income taxPrograms co-financed by RA budget not to be subject to income tax
More Armenian airlines to get air tax benefit More Armenian airlines to get air tax benefit 
Cadastre Committee`s service centers to be replaced by advisory  centers - billCadastre Committee`s service centers to be replaced by advisory  centers - bill
Minister on Armenian authorities` final decision on construction of  nuclear power plant with several small modular reactorsMinister on Armenian authorities` final decision on construction of  nuclear power plant with several small modular reactors
Armenia, Iraq discuss  energy cooperation Armenia, Iraq discuss  energy cooperation 
World Bank forecasts moderate slowdown for Armenia`s economy through  2027World Bank forecasts moderate slowdown for Armenia`s economy through  2027
Unemployment rate in Armenia drops to 11.8% in Q32025Unemployment rate in Armenia drops to 11.8% in Q32025
Russia`s International Reserves Reach a Record $763.9 BillionRussia`s International Reserves Reach a Record $763.9 Billion
Idram Summarizes 2025Idram Summarizes 2025
The global economy will grow by 2.7% in 2026The global economy will grow by 2.7% in 2026
Armenia`s High-Tech Sector Development Strategic Plan  to be approved  in 2026Armenia`s High-Tech Sector Development Strategic Plan  to be approved  in 2026
PM Pashinyan: Azerbaijani fuel imports breaking monopolies and  lowering pricesPM Pashinyan: Azerbaijani fuel imports breaking monopolies and  lowering prices
RA Economy Minister  hopeful for  new economic and logistical  opportunities with potential opening of borders with Turkey RA Economy Minister  hopeful for  new economic and logistical  opportunities with potential opening of borders with Turkey
The Power of One Dram Donates 5,788,105 AMD to the City of Smile Charity FoundationThe Power of One Dram Donates 5,788,105 AMD to the City of Smile Charity Foundation
Armenia`s trade turnover hits 6 trillion drams in 11 monthsArmenia`s trade turnover hits 6 trillion drams in 11 months
Union of Banks of Armenia, EFPA Europe launch Branch Manager  qualification programUnion of Banks of Armenia, EFPA Europe launch Branch Manager  qualification program
Armenia`s telecommunications revenue growth deceleratingArmenia`s telecommunications revenue growth decelerating
Cargo transportation in Armenia increased by 2.5% in the first 11  months of 2025, while passenger transportation decreased by 2.3% Cargo transportation in Armenia increased by 2.5% in the first 11  months of 2025, while passenger transportation decreased by 2.3%
Romanos Petrosyan: ENA CJSC paid approximately 63.7% more in taxes  and feesRomanos Petrosyan: ENA CJSC paid approximately 63.7% more in taxes  and fees
Papikyan: Armenia to allocate 150 billion drams for defense industry  development Papikyan: Armenia to allocate 150 billion drams for defense industry  development
Trump Imposes a Credit Card Interest CapTrump Imposes a Credit Card Interest Cap
Cognac and wine production in Armenia  significantly decreased by  December 2025Cognac and wine production in Armenia  significantly decreased by  December 2025
Trump imposes 25% tariffs on countries cooperating with IranTrump imposes 25% tariffs on countries cooperating with Iran
EEC Board sets import customs duty rate on natural calcium phosphatesEEC Board sets import customs duty rate on natural calcium phosphates
Armenia`s industry hardly retains growth by Dec 2025 Armenia`s industry hardly retains growth by Dec 2025 
Armenia`s metallurgical industry shows declineArmenia`s metallurgical industry shows decline
Electric energy output 6.5% up in Armenia in Jan-Nov 2025 as compared  with Jan-Nov 2024Electric energy output 6.5% up in Armenia in Jan-Nov 2025 as compared  with Jan-Nov 2024
Read more
Exchange rates
16.01.2026
RUB4.880.05
USD379.990.57
EUR441.32-0.14
GBP509.410.23
CAD273.530.59
JPY24.030.09
CNY54.520.06
CHF474.040.06


Experts
Information security expert on risks of AI in government system Information security expert on risks of AI in government system 
Armenia has for many years been importing oil products from Turkiye -  expert Armenia has for many years been importing oil products from Turkiye -  expert 
Mining remains a social pillar of Armenia`s regions - studyMining remains a social pillar of Armenia`s regions - study
Read more

Commented
ATI.SU: Demand for international cargo transportation 30% up in  ArmeniaATI.SU: Demand for international cargo transportation 30% up in  Armenia
Civil Contract nominates Armen Ktoyan for  Central Bank Board Member  positionCivil Contract nominates Armen Ktoyan for  Central Bank Board Member  position
Armenia, France considering prospects for expanding technological  cooperation  Armenia, France considering prospects for expanding technological  cooperation  

Company bonds
UCO CJSC "GLOBAL CREDIT"1
UCO CJSC "GLOBAL CREDIT"3
UCO CJSC "GLOBAL CREDIT"4
UCO CJSC "GLOBAL CREDIT"5
UCO CJSC "GLOBAL CREDIT"7
"National Mortgage Company"2A
"National Mortgage Company"2B
UCO CJSC “FINCA” 1
UCO CJSC “FINCA” 2