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Russian Central Bank Hikes Interest Rates Again to 13% as Inflation Soars and Ruble Slumps amid Ukraine War Costs

  • Russia's Central Bank raised interest rates from 12% to 13% due to high inflation concerns. This is the second rate hike in two months.

  • The ruble has fallen below 100 against the U.S. dollar recently, indicating economic weakness. A falling currency drives up imported goods prices.

  • Inflation is running at 5.5% currently, above the 4% target, partly due to the ruble's fall. More rate hikes are possible if inflation doesn't cool.

  • Russia's economy is overheating partly due to high military spending for the invasion of Ukraine. The Central Bank trimmed next year's GDP growth forecast.

  • Higher interest rates aim to cool economic activity but may have limited impact as government war spending drives much of the economy.

themoscowtimes.com
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