The reports highlights that, even though the Russian economy has started reviving from the crisis, growth has been moderate and inflation high. Executive Directors have advised that the focus should be on reducing fiscal vulnerabilities, lowering inflation, promoting a stronger and more competitive banking system, and creating a favorable environment for investment and economic diversification. Directors encouraged the authorities to undertake growth-friendly, credible, and ambitious fiscal consolidation. They have supported the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) recommendations to strengthen financial sector policies.

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Russian Federation’s growth slowdown that began in 2011, reflecting structural constraints, continued in 2013 despite accommodative policies. Real GDP growth slowed to 1.3 percent owing to a contraction in investment while consumption remained robust owing to strong real wage growth and an unsecured consumer credit boom. The general government balance moved from a modest surplus in 2012 to a deficit of slightly more than 1 percent of GDP in 2013. The IMF staff projects real GDP growth at 0.2 percent in 2014 with considerable downside risks.

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Russian Federation’s growth slowdown that began in 2011, reflecting structural constraints, continued in 2013 despite accommodative policies. Real GDP growth slowed to 1.3 percent owing to a contraction in investment while consumption remained robust owing to strong real wage growth and an unsecured consumer credit boom. The general government balance moved from a modest surplus in 2012 to a deficit of slightly more than 1 percent of GDP in 2013. The IMF staff projects real GDP growth at 0.2 percent in 2014 with considerable downside risks.

Macroeconomic developments have been very favorable since early 1999, strengthening in important areas lately. Real GDP has more than recovered from the recession that followed the 1998 crisis and the recovery is gaining momentum, with recent data suggesting that real GDP is growing at an annual rate of 6-7 percent. The strong macroeconomic performance reflects mainly the large real ruble depreciation in 1998, but also the increase in oil prices in world markets and a significant strengthening of fiscal and monetary policies.