MOSCOW, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of Russia on Friday cut its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 14.5 percent, marking its eighth consecutive reduction.
The central bank said underlying price growth remains elevated at around 4-5 percent annualized, with inflation expectations still posing risks to a sustained slowdown.
The regulator noted that Russia's economic growth slowed in the first quarter of 2026 due to temporary factors, but maintained its GDP growth forecast for the year at 0.5-1.5 percent.
The bank said it would consider further rate cuts at upcoming meetings depending on inflation trends and risks from external and domestic conditions, with its next decision due on June 19. ■
