Russian Central Bank warns of inflation risks increaseJuly 25, 2014 - 16:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s Central Bank said Friday, July 25, that inflation risks increased in the country because of geopolitical tensions and the effects this had on the ruble’s exchange rate, RIA Novosti reported. “The slack in the growth in consumer prices for July 2014 is occurring in smaller increments than were forecasted. Inflation risks rose under the effects of geopolitical tension and its possible influence on the dynamics of the national currency exchange rate, as well as the expected changes in tax and tariffs policies," the bank said in a statement. An increase in these risks, according to the Central Bank, will lead to holding inflation expectations at an elevated level, creating the threat of inflation growing at the same pace in the next few years. Inflation in Russia for the July 15-21 period stood at 0.1 percent, equal to the last week levels. Earlier this month, however, there was a spike in consumer prices, largely explained by the indexation of tariffs from July 1. The annualized inflation rate for July 21 was 7.5 percent. Following a meeting of the board of directors, Russia’s Central Bank unexpectedly raised its key interest rate to 8 percent from the previous level of 7.5 percent, citing the aforementioned increased inflation risks. The regulator's move falls out of line with the wait-and-see stance previously expected from the Central Bank, whereas now it hopes to shape the conditions for reducing the annual inflation rate to 6 to 6.5 percent by the end of 2014 and down to the target level of 4 percent in the medium term. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |