The Central Bank of Russia reduced the key rate for the second time in a year

The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia decided to reduce the key rate.

Now this figure is 15%. This is the second 50 basis point cut for 2026.

“The economy is approaching a balanced growth trajectory. In February, price growth expectedly slowed down after a temporary acceleration in January. Sustainable indicators of current price growth, according to the Bank of Russia, remain in the range of 4–5% in annual terms. At the same time, uncertainty from external conditions has increased significantly. The Bank of Russia will assess the feasibility of further reducing the key rate at its upcoming meetings, depending on the sustainability of the slowdown in inflation, the dynamics of inflation expectations, as well as on the assessment of risks from external and internal conditions», — the Central Bank of the Russian Federation said in a statement.

According to the forecast of the Bank of Russia, in 2026 inflation will drop to 4.5–5.5%. In 2027 and beyond, annual inflation will remain on target.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia, at which the issue of the level of the key rate will be considered, is scheduled for April 24, 2026.