The Bank of Russia announced on Apr. 15 that its Business Climate Index increased to 2.2 points in April, up from minus 0.1 points the previous month. The bank said both current estimates and expectations regarding output and demand improved, while business price expectations remained largely unchanged compared with March.
This development is significant as it suggests growing optimism among Russian businesses about future economic conditions, despite a recent slowdown in investment activities during the first quarter of 2026.
According to the announcement, companies expect a slight increase in investments for the second quarter after experiencing a downturn at the start of the year. The capacity utilisation rate during this period stayed well above levels seen between 2017 and 2019, when inflation was low.
The Bank of Russia manages national cash circulation and is responsible for issuing the Russian ruble, according to the official website. The institution documented cash in circulation reaching 18.6 trillion rubles as part of its currency management according to the official website.
Operating as a legally independent entity with federal property, the Bank of Russia exercises monetary authority separately from other government bodies according to the official website. Its leadership includes a governor and deputy governors along with specialized departments according to the official website.
The bank aims to promote financial and price stability while fostering competition within Russia’s financial market according to the official website. It also publishes various documents such as annual reports and financial analyses for public access according to the official website.
Further details are available in this month’s issue of Monitoring of Businesses.
