Putin: I am aware of SPIEF discussions about high rate challenges, hope lending growth meets Central Bank expectations

ST. PETERSBURG. June 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged discussions about the level of the key rate during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) and expressed hope that credit growth would align with the Central Bank of Russia's projections.

"Our fixed capital investments reached 8.7% in the first quarter of this year. I'm aware of forum discussions regarding challenges from high key rates and concerns about sustaining investment through to the end of the year. Nevertheless, the Central Bank maintains that real sector lending will stabilize at 10%-11%. We'll observe the actual outcome. I sincerely hope these projections materialize," Putin said during a SPIEF plenary session.