The average Russian consumer awaits the start of a new crisis and prefer to keep money rather than spending it. According to experts ' forecasts, in 2017, the trend may change for the better.

Positive changes in the Russian economy – the ruble up to wage growth and industrial production – is still not reflected in the consumer sector, which accounts for about half of the $1.5-trillion Russian economy, writes Bloomberg.

According to Bloomberg, Rosstat 21 or 22 will release February data on the reduction of retail sales in Russia in January (the 25th consecutive month) and the decline in real disposable income. In 2016, both indices decreased by more than 5% against a GDP decline of only 0.2%.

To increase the volume of retail trade in Russia will help slow down inflation, which at year-end 2017 may slow down to a record low 4%. In January consumer prices in Russia increased by 5%. In turn, one-time payment to retirees in January and an increase in the average size of pensions can continue to improve the material condition of Russian households, says Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, the ruble in 2017 continues to grow, adding since the beginning of the year about 5%. By the end of 2016, the ruble rose against the dollar to a record 20%.

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