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...
Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest automaker, is planning to shut down at least three factories in Germany as part of a sweeping cost-reduction effort, according to the company’s top labor leader, Daniela Cavallo. These cuts are aimed at making the company more competitive amid declining demand in Europe and increased competition from Chinese automakers like BYD.
In addition to the closures, VW plans to implement universal pay cuts of 10% for employees at the main VW brand and reduce the scale of operations at all other remaining sites in Germany. The measures will include reducing products, quantities, shifts, and entire assembly lines, Cavallo said during a speech to VW workers in Wolfsburg.
“This is starvation, a weakening in installments,” she added, expressing concern that these cost-cutting moves would significantly affect the workforce. Cavallo also warned that this could threaten “tens of thousands” of jobs in Germany, with particular impact on the Osnabrück factory, as Porsche has already terminated its production relationship there.
The announcement comes ahead of VW's expected third-quarter results, which are predicted to show declining sales and profit. The automaker has struggled with a botched shift to electric vehicles and poor pricing strategy, which union leaders argue are the result of boardroom mistakes. Porsche and Audi, VW’s premium brands, which have been the company's main profit drivers, are also facing difficulties, with Porsche considering cost cuts after a demand slump in China.
Warning strikes at VW sites in Germany are possible starting December 1 if negotiations fail to yield results, as the company faces increasing pressure to restructure amid difficult market conditions.
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