As of Oct 20, Shanghai Stock Exchange margin financing stood at CNY1.258 trillion, down CNY1.07 billion from the previous trading day. Shenzhen Stock Exchange margin financing was CNY1.185 trillion, down CNY1.07 billion. Combined margin financing across the two exchanges totaled CNY2.443 trillion, down CNY2.14 billion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Wednesday with U.S. special envoy Witkoff to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, foreign media reported. At the outset of the meeting Russia released a detained U.S. retired teacher as a goodwill gesture. Russian agencies quoted Putin thanking U.S. President Trump for efforts to resolve the conflict and saying Russia is interested in restoring economic ties with the United States. Witkoff, in his ninth face-to-face meeting with Putin, said a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire has a basis and urged consideration of trilateral talks between Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine.

Iraq on Wednesday closed the Sheeb border crossing with Iran, banning people, vehicles and commercial trucks until further notice. Sources said the closure was intended to allow a reassessment of security arrangements inside the crossing.