December 15, 2024

Ghost of Economy Future


Ghost of Economy Future
Russia's Ministry of Finance. Ludvig 14, Wikimedia Commons

Russian state media surveyed economic analysts on how they feel the Russian economy will perform in early 2025.

All analysts predicted an increase in the government's lending rate. Currently, the interest rate stands at 21 percent. Half of those surveyed feel it will increase to 23 percent at the next Central Bank meeting, with some saying it could rise to as high as 24 or 25 percent.

At the same time, unemployment is strikingly low: only 2.3 percent according to state data.

While this may be a good sign for the health of the Russian economy, at the same time, inflation has been worsening. Prices have been rising by between 7 and 9 percent per week. According to some analysts, the inflation rate by the end of December could reach 9.6 percent. In addition, the Russian ruble has lost much of its value in international markets.

The picture painted by this data, as well as the analysis by Russian experts, is that the Russian economy is strong, but volatile. It will need to slow down and stabilize.

The recommended course of action? Control government spending and calm the geopolitical situation.

You Might Also Like

Playing With Fire
  • October 15, 2022

Playing With Fire

Maria Yudina was a profoundly gifted pianist and teacher. And there is a certain lingering myth about her...
Welcome to the Vault
  • November 25, 2024

Welcome to the Vault

Russia is beginning the serial production of mobile nuclear shelters.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Moscow and Muscovites
November 26, 2013

Moscow and Muscovites

Vladimir Gilyarovsky's classic portrait of the Russian capital is one of Russians’ most beloved books. Yet it has never before been translated into English. Until now! It is a spectactular verbal pastiche: conversation, from gutter gibberish to the drawing room; oratory, from illiterates to aristocrats; prose, from boilerplate to Tolstoy; poetry, from earthy humor to Pushkin. 

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955