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Is Russia’s Housing Market Facing a Coronavirus Bubble?

Mortgages have never been cheaper and lending is growing at an eye-watering pace. Is it sustainable?

Inside Russia’s Plans For a Digital Ruble

Russia's Central Bank is eyeing up a new “digital ruble” — a regulated, controlled and legal alternative to cryptocurrencies.

TEMPORARY PAUSE

Russia Holds Back on Interest Rate Cuts, Citing Inflation Risks and Global Uncertainty

The Central Bank held its key rate at 4.25% on Friday, but said more cuts were likely before the end of the year.

Russia Cuts Interest Rates to New Record Low

Central Bank fears inflation could stay low into 2021 and signals more cuts are on the horizon.

CORONAVIRUS RECESSION

Russian Economy Shrank 10% in Second Quarter – Central Bank

Oil production cuts outweighed recent recovery in other parts of economy.

Russia Slashes Interest Rates to Record Low

Central Bank warns Russia’s economic contraction could be sharper than first feared.

‘LONG AND TEDIOUS’

Russia Starts to Dig Its Way Out of a Coronavirus Economic Hole

The Kremlin will see the post-pandemic state of the economy as a vindication of its conservative doctrine, but there are underlying weaknesses.

ECONOMIC WARNING

Russia’s Central Bank Cuts Rates and Warns of Deep Recession

Russia slashed interest rates to their lowest level since 2012.

Nabiullina Signals Russia Will Cut Interest Rates

Central Bank prepares markets for a cut in rates to their lowest level in six years.

Russian Banks Reject Most Applications for Emergency Coronavirus Loans

Lenders slow to approve interest-free salary loans while consumers face frequent rejections for loans not covered by government schemes.

Russian Government Completes $28B Sberbank Swap

The Central Bank has sold its controlling stake in the country’s largest lender to the Finance Ministry.

Russia Could Cut Interest Rates as Central Bank Issues Economic Warning

As Russia begins a month-long economic lockdown, governor Elvira Nabiullina signals the bank could act soon.

‘SIGNIFICANT DEVIATION’

Russia Keeps Key Interest Rate Unchanged at 6%

The Central Bank is having to adjust to economic risk caused by the coronavirus and the oil price war.

Russia Braces For Higher Prices

The oil price war will lead to inflation and a dilemma for the Central Bank.

RECOVERY MISSION

Russia’s Central Bank Steps Up To Support Ruble

Bank starts selling foreign currency as markets reel from oil price crash.

LOSING INTEREST

Russia Cuts Interest Rates as Inflation Falls

Central Bank’s cat-and-mouse game to catch up with weak inflation continues with sixth consecutive rate cut.

Five Years After Meltdown, Ruble Is Reborn as Trade-War Refuge

Analysts call it a “beacon of light” in emerging Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Russia's Central Bank Cuts Key Rate to 6.25%

Governor Elvira Nabiullina hinted that a pause might be on the cards after five straight rate cuts.

CURRENCY CONTROL

Central Bank Warns Russians Not to Save in Euros

Russian banks must not keep “excessive” amounts of foreign currency on their balance sheets, regulator says.

BANKING CLEANUP

Russian Banks More Stable and Transparent Than Ever, Central Bank Chief Says

Six years and $80 billion into a mammoth clean-up drive, Elvira Nabiullina hails the strength of Russia’s financial sector.

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