Russia became the first country in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine, named ‘Sputnik V’. Argentina said a deal to restructure IMF debt could take months. China’s credit expansion decelerated amidst strong real estate activity. Private banks stepped up lending in Brazil as the government’s economic team suffered further casualties. Industrial production and inflation surprised to the upside in India. Turkey’s external accounts deteriorated as the population increased gold purchases. The Peruvian parliament approved a new government. Czech Republic’s labour market remained resilient. Popular protests continued in Belarus following a recent election.