In June, the Central Bank lowered its key rate for the first time in nearly three years, from a peak of 21% to 20% per annum. The record high had persisted for over seven months, beginning in late October of last year. A further reduction of 2 percentage points followed in July, and another reduction of 1 percentage point in September.
Most experts surveyed by RIA Novosti predicted that the Bank of Russia would lower the rate to 16% per annum this Friday, although some analysts believed it could remain at 17%.
The Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided on October 24, 2025, to lower the key rate by 50 basis points to 16.50% per annum, according to a statement published today.
Earlier, expert Yushkov commented on US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil.