Analysts widely expect Russia’s Central Bank to raise the key interest rate to 23 percent at its December 20 meeting, according to a consensus forecast by RBC.
Of the 30 analysts surveyed, 23 anticipate a 200-basis-point hike to 23 percent. Four believe the Central Bank could take a more aggressive step, raising the rate to 25 percent, while one predicts an increase of 300 basis points, to 24 percent. Only two suggest the rate might remain unchanged at 21 percent.
If the Central Bank tightens monetary policy as expected, December’s hike would mark the fourth consecutive increase, once again setting a new record high for the key rate.
Key rate
The interest rate at which banks can borrow when they fall short of their required reserves, which determines the cost of credit for borrowers and influences the supply of money and credit in the economy.