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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBank Of Russia Hikes Rate To Aid Sinking Currency
The action announced Tuesday in Moscow comes after the ruble's value has sunk roughly 50 percent since January, battered by Western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine and plunging worldwide oil prices. The falling ruble threatens to escalate Russia's inflation to dangerous levels and paralyze the economy.
The central bank's aggressive move illustrated the magnitude of the perils confronting Russia. It reflected fears that the ruble's decline could trigger consumer panic, incite a run on banks and deepen Russia's economic problems.
By raising interest rates, the bank hopes investors will find it more financially appealing to keep their money in Russia.
"They did it as a lure to encourage people to keep their rubles at home rather than continue to flee the currency and the country," said Barry Eichengreen, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley. "It's a way of buying time. It doesn't solve any of the underlying issues that the Russian economy has" falling energy prices, Western sanctions and widespread corruption.
Such challenges are especially difficult because Russia's economy relies so heavily on petroleum revenue and lacks the diversification to withstand severe economic downturns.
That tends to leave the economy at the mercy of global financial markets, where oil is priced in dollars. The average price of a barrel of oil has dropped below $56 from a summer high of $107. The Russian government recently downgraded its growth forecast for next year, predicting that the economy will sink into recession.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/15/russia-currency_n_6330212.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
Putin is quickly destroying that nation's economy...and the majority of Russians are cheering him on.
fadedrose
(10,044 posts)I am sick and tired of less than 2% interest on savings - what is it now anyway? I just put a little money in the bank every once in a while to keep from spending it.
Travis_0004
(5,417 posts)Its good for home ownership, car sales, new home constriction and businesses investment.
fadedrose
(10,044 posts)We wouldn't need mortgage and car interest rates as low as they are. The 1% gives us 1% interest on savings, and charge us 20% or more on credit card purchases.
That 20% eats up the low interest rate on the home, and wages aren't keeping up with the price of homes, cars, furniture, groceries, doctors. We used to have a luxury called "90 days cash," with no interest.
Our house is paid for and has been for a long time. But the thought of a new roof, furnace or whatever is next scares me. Nothing left after utilities and food for investments.
pampango
(24,692 posts)I don't recall that anyone is nostalgic for the economic damage that did. 20% interest may be great for those with CD's or significant money in interest-bearing accounts but they are terrible for everyone else.