Monitoring businesses: October sees increase in business activity
The Bank of Russia’s Business Climate Index rose to 1.2 p in October from −2.4 p in September. Both companies’ estimates of current output and demand and their expectations regarding output and demand in the next three months improved.
Businesses’ short-term price expectations were down in October. According to companies, non-price lending conditions slightly tightened.
As assessed by companies, investment activity in 2026 Q3 was at the level of 2026 Q2. The balance of companies’ expectations for 2026 Q4 reached a three-quarter high, which suggests growth in investment activity.
Compared to 2026 Q2, capacity utilisation was down, though remaining above the 2017–2019 level. Staffing levels improved.
More details are available in the October issue of the information and analytical commentary Monitoring of Businesses.