Russia is now likely in recession with GDP growth expected to decline 3.4 percent this year, says the IMF in its annual economic assessment. Mission Chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, explains how Russia’s economic woes are largely due to the dramatic drop in oil prices, and sanctions in response to developments in Crimea and Ukraine. Ernesto … Continue reading
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has cut the key interest rate from 11.5% to 11.0% citing growth as a priority. The rate cut is already the 5th consecutive one this year. Last Friday, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) said in a statement the following: Major macroeconomic indicators demonstrate further economy cooling. The Bank of Russia estimates GDP decrease … Continue reading
By Carl Schreck The Russian ruble’s sharp plunge this week, which saw it fall below 50 to the U.S. dollar, has revived the specter of the kind of currency crisis that Russians have suffered through repeatedly over the past 25 years. The ruble on December 1 took its steepest dive in intraday trading since 1998, … Continue reading