The Central Bank of Russia published its latest Monitoring of Businesses update, reporting that the Business Climate Index increased to 2.2 points in April from -0.1 points in March, reflecting improved assessments and expectations for output and demand. Business price expectations were broadly unchanged from March. While companies reported a downturn in investment activity in the first quarter of 2026, they expect a slight increase in investments in the second quarter, and capacity utilisation in the first quarter remained significantly above the 2017–2019 level.
Central Bank of Russia 2026-04-15
Central Bank of Russia reports Business Climate Index rises to 2.2 points in April
The Central Bank of Russia reported that its Business Climate Index rose to 2.2 points in April from -0.1 points in March, reflecting improved assessments and expectations for output and demand. Business price expectations were broadly unchanged, while firms reported weaker investment activity in the first quarter of 2026 but anticipate a slight increase in the second quarter, with capacity utilisation remaining well above 2017–2019 levels.