The Bank of Russia unexpectedly maintained its key interest rate at a record-high 21% , defying analysts’ expectations of another significant hike as inflation remains stubbornly elevated. The decision marks a shift toward a more measured approach in balancing economic growth and price stability. Key Details Inflation Concerns: Annual inflation climbed to 8.9% in November, well above the central bank’s 4% target , with inflation expectations reaching 13.9% in December. Policy Rationale: The central bank cited the significant tightening of monetary conditions after October’s 200-basis point hike as sufficient to resume disinflationary processes. Governor Elvira Nabiullina emphasized avoiding both economic overheating and severe slowdowns. Economic Overheating: Elevated government spending on the war in Ukraine and social programs, coupled with labor shortages and rising wages, have fueled strong domestic demand, exacerbating price pressures...
If you have not think about saving for retirement, perhaps it's time to put this question into light for a while. Have you plan your path to retirement? As life gets in the way, it's normal for most people to think of it as "I'll just work for longer rather than worry too much about saving for retirement now." It's normal and I have friends who started a family at young age...and savings become difficult when one has to meet the monthly bills and forking out money for kids....day care is not getting any cheaper and wait til the kids are going into college. The amount of money required is unbelievable but that's another story though. But the question is this: Is working longer really the solution? Well, none of us can be certain...some work, some doesn't but statistic don't lie. WORKING LONGER MAY NOT ALWAYS BE POSSIBLE The baby boomers have been trying the work-longer experiment and it often doesn't work for them. S...