Financial News: Russia Central Bank Cuts Rate By 50 Bps

Russia Central Bank Cuts Rate By 50 Bps

03/20/2026 - 08:33:00 (RTTNews)

(RTTNews) - Russia's central bank cuts its interest rate for the second straight time this year despite rise in oil prices amid conflict in the Middle East.

The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia decided to cut its interest rate by 50 basis points to 15.00 percent. The outcome of the meeting came in line with expectations.

The bank had previously reduced the rate by 50 basis points in February.

Price growth predictably decelerated in February after a temporary acceleration last month. The bank estimated the underlying measures of current price growth remained in the range of 4-5 percent in an annualized terms.

Given the monetary policy stance, annual inflation is forecast to ease to 4.5-5.5 percent in 2026.

Underlying inflation is projected to be close to 4 percent in the second half of 2026. In 2027 and beyond, annual inflation will stay on target, the bank said.

The board observed that monetary conditions eased somewhat but remained tight. Further, policymakers said proinflationary risks still prevail over disinflationary ones on the mid-term horizon.

Fiscal policy is set to slow down inflation over the medium-term horizon. Changes in the fiscal policy parameters may require an adjustment in the monetary policy pursued, they added.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

Market News provided by RTTNews

RECENT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

Luxembourg Jobless Rate Remains Stable At 6.3% (24 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Luxembourg's unemployment rate held steady in February, the latest figures from th ...Full Story»

Croatia Jobless Rate Falls To 4.7% (46 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Croatia's unemployment rate decreased for the first time in six months in February ...Full Story»

Italy Current Account Deficit Narrows In January (01 hr(s), 19 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Italy's current account deficit decreased in January from the previous year, the B ...Full Story»

Russia Central Bank Cuts Rate By 50 Bps (01 hr(s), 21 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Russia's central bank cuts its interest rate for the second straight time this yea ...Full Story»

Hong Kong Inflation Climbs To 9-month High (01 hr(s), 52 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Hong Kong's consumer price inflation increased in February to the highest level in ...Full Story»

Italy Trade Balance Swings To Surplus In January (02 hr(s), 45 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - Italy's trade balance turned to a surplus in January from a deficit in the previou ...Full Story»

Eurozone Trade Balance Swings To Deficit (02 hr(s), 47 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The euro area trade balance swung into deficit in January largely due to the fall in e ...Full Story»

Eurozone Current Account Surplus Highest Since Mid 2024 (03 hr(s), 13 min(s), 17 sec(s) ago)
(RTTNews) - The euro area current account surplus increased in January to the highest level since ...Full Story»