Category: Analysis

An analysis of Russia's esoteric services market: from a 2.4 trillion ruble boom in 2024 to a 40% drop in demand in 2025. The reasons behind the rise and correction, spending statistics, and forecasts for the niche.

What's going up from January 1, 2026: VAT to 22%, utility tariffs by 1.7%, recycling fees by 10-25%. Economists and the Central Bank estimate the contribution to inflation at 1.2 to 2.5 percentage points. A breakdown of the impact on consumer prices.

How microloan rules will change in 2026: overpayment capped at 100%, a limit of two high-rate contracts, and a cooling-off period. Why Russians fall into the MFO debt spiral and what the new market regulation will achieve.

Avito's key achievements in 2025: the adoption of platform economy legislation, development of A-Vibe and A-Vision AI models, launch of gig work services, and support for 1.4 million entrepreneurs.

An analysis of Russian retail in 2025: turnover growth to 60 trillion rubles, the shift toward smart consumption, a 9% decline in the electronics market, and corporate strategies for adapting to high key interest rates.

How Russia's alcohol industry changed in 2025: a moratorium on spirit producer licenses, beer excise taxes rising to €1.5 per liter, wine industry development, and business challenges. Expert opinions and key events of the year.

Key developments in Russia's IT sector in 2025: AI moving from theory to practice, sanctions pressure, budget cuts, and major achievements. Industry experts from leading companies weigh in on challenges and growth prospects.

Key developments and challenges facing Russia's IT sector in 2025: the shift toward cost-effective digitalization, budget cuts, and progress in import substitution. Leading IT company experts weigh in on the year's major trends and risks.

Russia's insurance market grew 15–18% in 2025 to reach 2.7–2.8 trillion rubles. OSAGO reforms, digitalization, cyber insurance, and the industry's main challenge—declining customer trust. Analysis of key trends and forecasts.

Sellers of artificial Christmas trees and decorations are abandoning marketplaces ahead of New Year's due to mass returns. How a wave of returns turns revenue into losses and what Wildberries and Ozon are doing to address the problem.

Russia faces 14% of global cyberattacks despite accounting for just 3% of the world economy. We examine the scale of threats, economic damage from ransomware and APT attacks, major business vulnerabilities, and state-level defense measures.

Tariffs on imported beer have risen to €1.5 per liter, yet Russian beer prices have jumped 15%. We examine the paradox: how protectionism drives up consumer prices and why domestic producers aren't lowering their prices.