The Central Bank of Russia published its March business monitoring update, showing the Business Climate Index eased to 4.8 points from 5.4 the previous month, indicating that the growth rate of economic activity remained broadly in line with the last six months. Companies were more moderate in their assessment of current conditions than in February, while improving their short-term expectations. Price expectations declined markedly for a second consecutive month and returned to the levels seen in the first quarter of 2024; further detail is set out in the March issue of the “Monitoring of Businesses: Assessments, Expectations and Comments” commentary.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-03-24
Central Bank of Russia reports Business Climate Index slips to 4.8 points in March as firms’ price expectations return to early 2024 levels
The Central Bank of Russia's March business monitoring update reveals a decline in the Business Climate Index to 4.8 points from 5.4, suggesting stable economic activity growth over the past six months. Companies showed more moderate assessments of current conditions but improved short-term expectations, while price expectations decreased significantly for the second month, aligning with early 2024 levels.