The Russian economy grew in the first quarter of this year for the first time since 2008 thanks to the recovery of this industry and services, and improving labor market. On an annual basis for the first quarter GDP grew by 0.5 per cent since the fourth quarter of last year declined by 2.6 percent, data show the indicator for the economy of VTB Capital – the investment bank unit VTB. Only in March the Russian economy grew by 1.1 per cent growth from 0.5 percent in February, the index shows. Increased demand for raw materials and larger consumer spending helped the country to escape from its worst recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union. According to official statistics in the fourth quarter the economy shrank by 3.8 percent annually after a decline of 7.7 per cent in the third. For the year reported a decrease in GDP by 7.9 per cent. According to data from the state rail operator transporting goods by rail, which is considered indicative of changes in industrial production jumped by 12.7 per cent yoy in the first quarter. In February retail sales increased by 1.3 per cent annually, while unemployment fell to 8.6 per cent from 9.2 per cent. Capital investment and unemployment are “weak links” in the restoration, said last month, Deputy Economy Minister Andrei eyelid. VTB Capital indicator calculated on the basis of surveys of business conditions in manufacturing and services sectors.
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