OREANDA-NEWS. In February 2016, inflation expectations of the general public for the next 12 months were going down for three consecutive months as observed by the Bank of Russia comments on LLC inFOM’s regular poll prepared at the Bank of Russia request. Monthly inflation horizon has also improved: a proportion of those who believe in ‘a dramatic price hike’ in March is down. But inflation expectations are still high.

Against the backdrop of stabilised price dynamics the participants in the February poll are much less concerned about price rises for fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, cheese and sausages, eggs, dairy products, tea and coffee, confectionary and alcoholic beverages. At the same time the majority of the respondents still finds that during the past year prices grew more rapidly than before.

The Russians are more optimistic about the ruble exchange rate in a year’s time: in February a share of those who believe that the ruble exchange rate would grow up or remain unchanged increased.

Consumer and savings sentiments of the public are virtually unchanged as compared to the previous month. More than a half of those polled prefer savings, and the most attractive form of savings is still bank deposits.

With falling incomes the respondents believe that the present time is not quite appropriate for major purchases. However, the pollees estimate their financial standing as more positive for the nearest year: a proportion of those who expect improvements has increased, whereas a share of those who predict deteriorations has been down for the second consecutive month.