Page 17 - RPTRusFeb17

A Levada Center survey conducted in January found that 78% of Russians believe the country is heading for an economic crisis, an increase from 74% in September. Data due Tuesday or Wednesday will show retail sales shrank for a record 25th month in January, while a decline in real disposable incomes extended into a second year. Each lost more than 5% in 2016, compared with a contraction of only 0.2% in gross domestic product.
Uncertainty over the length and severity of the crisis is also increasing.
The only thing that Russians seem to be sure of is that the crisis will not be over soon.
Likewise, families are expecting prices to rise and by significant amounts. Inflation remains one of the biggest concerns for middle classes.
17 RUSSIA Country Report February 2017 www.intellinews.com