US EditionRussian central bank cuts key rate to 15%
- On Friday, the Russian central bank cut its key rate by 50 basis points to 15%, citing slower inflation while warning that "uncertainty regarding the external environment has increased considerably."
- Annual inflation slowed to 5.79% as of March 16, down from 5.84% one week before, as price growth decelerated following a temporary acceleration in January.
- Flagging economic growth, which slowed to 1% in 2025 from 4.3% in 2024, prompted the move, despite business leaders arguing a 12% rate is necessary for investment.
- The rouble has slid by 9% since the start of March, and Russia has benefited from rising oil prices during the Middle East crisis, boosting export revenues.
- Russia remains an outlier in monetary policy, unlike major economies warning of rising inflation risks due to global supply disruptions and the war in West Asia involving Iran and Israel.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The Central Bank of Russia today lowered the reference interest rate from 15.5% to 15%, and Governor Elvira Nabiulina stated that the economic activity in the country is below the expectations of the national bank for the first quarter, but that, in general, the forecast for the growth of the gross national income (GDP) of 0.5%-1.5% for 2026 is still valid, the Interfax agency reported.
Energy prices have recently increased in Russia, but in order to get the economy back on track, interest rates will be lowered, which is a special way for the central bank.
The Bank of Russia reduced the key rate by half per cent to 15 per cent annually.
Times of India
The Economic TimesRussian central bank cuts key rate by 50 bps, warns of uncertainty
Russia's central bank has lowered its key interest rate to 15 percent. This move comes as inflation shows signs of slowing down. However, the bank has cautioned that global uncertainties have significantly increased. The decision aims to support Russia's economic growth. Higher commodity prices are also benefiting the nation's revenues.
Russian Central Bank Lowers Key Rate to 15%
Russia’s Central Bank lowered its key interest rate to 15% from 15.5% on Friday, citing a continued downward trend in inflation, though it highlighted an increasingly uncertain outlook for the economy and inflation in the wake of the Iran war.
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