Russian central bank expected to lower key rate from 14.5% to 12% by year‑end 2026, per Reuters poll of 12 analysts.
Q1 2026 GDP contracted 0.3%, the first quarterly decline in three years, prompting analysts to raise 2026 growth forecast to 1% from 0.8%.
Business executives say a 12% rate would let firms resume investment and expansion despite many reporting Q1 profit declines.
Russia’s economy grew 1.8% in March after a 1.1% fall in February and 1.8% rise in January; Q4 2025 growth was 1.0%.