The Central Bank predicted a significant reduction in the key rate in 2026

The current forecast of the Central Bank of Russia assumes a fairly significant reduction in the key rate this year. This was announced on March 23 by Alexey Zabotkin, Deputy chairman of the regulator.

"At the next meetings, we will assess the feasibility of further rate cuts. Our current forecast suggests a fairly significant further downward movement," TASS quoted him as saying.

Zabotkin stressed that the high rate has proven its effectiveness, as over the past 12 months, inflation has decreased from 10% to less than 6% in annual terms.

Measure it seven times: The Central Bank may slow down the key rate cut due to the conflict in Iran

How will banks react to this and will loans become more affordable?

On March 20, the central bank lowered its key rate to 15% per annum. According to the Central Bank's forecast, taking into account the current monetary policy, annual inflation will decrease to 4.5-5.5% in 2026, and stable inflation will be near 4% in the second half of 2026.

In turn, the head of the Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, noted that, if necessary, the further trajectory of the key rate in the Russian Federation will be determined in April this year. According to her, the impact on the trajectory of the key rate is a separate factor that cannot be decisive.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.