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March 20, 2026
CBR Cuts Key Rate by 50 Bps to 15% Despite Risks
March 20, 2026 6:16 PM UTC
Bottom Line: Despite adverse global developments and proinflationary risks, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) reduced the policy rate by 50 bps to 15% on March 20 likely to stimulate the economy as it comes under increasing strain from high borrowing costs. CBR noted in its written statement that it
Preview: Due April 1 - U.S. February Retail Sales - Autos and gasoline to rise, trend now subdued
March 20, 2026 5:30 PM UTC
We expect February retail sales to see a modest bounce of 0.4% after a 0.2% decline in January, with sales ex auto increasing by 0.3% after two straight unchanged months. Ex autos and gasoline however we expect a rise of only 0.2%, down from 0.3% in January, keeping trend subdued.
Preview: Due March 31 - Canada January GDP - Flat on the month and near flat yr/yr
March 20, 2026 3:07 PM UTC
We expect January Canadian GDP to be unchanged in line with a preliminary estimate made with December’s data. We expect a positive preliminary estimate for February of around 0.2%, though Q1 is still likely to fall short of a 1.8% annualized Bank of Canada forecast made in January.
Canada January retail sales - Positive start to Q1, but risks ahead
March 20, 2026 12:46 PM UTC
January Canadian retail sales with a 1.1% increase have fallen short of the provisional 1.5% estimate made with December’s report. Sales rose by 0.8% ex autos, 0.9% ex autos and gasoline and 1.0% overall in real terms. The preliminary estimate for February is for a 0.9% increase.