Russia's inflation headed towards lowest level in post-Soviet history
Annual inflation in Russia has eased to 2.2 percent in February, according to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Statistics show that price growth briefly fell to that level in 2018.
The Central Bank of Russia has cut its key rate in February by 25 basis points, from 6.25 percent to six percent. It left inflation outlook for 2020 unchanged, at 3.5-4 percent.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade expects inflation this year at three percent. Experts say that the possibility of inflation easing to a record low increases the likelihood of a seventh consecutive interest rate cut later this month. They also point to the global spread of coronavirus, which has sparked a sell-off in Russian assets.
Also on rt.com Putin suggests launching new investment cycle in Russia to achieve growth rates above global average"A 25 basis-point cut is now practically guaranteed in March and the likelihood of another reduction in the next few months has increased," Alex Isakov, VTB Capital economist told Bloomberg.
According to analysts at Raiffaisenbank and Nordea Bank, a pause in easing this month is still possible, as the central bank is monitoring the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak.
"The virus isn't under control yet and the risk of a sell-off in the market remains," said Nordea analyst Tatiana Evdokimova.
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