Beltway 360 – Russia Sanctions in Congress
Summary:
Economy looks a bit better in February … The GDP leading indicator was up 1.5%, a rebound from 0.7% in January. The manufacturing PMI index was 52.8 in March, a surprise rebound from previous levels and firmly in expansionary territory.
… leading to government optimism. First Deputy Prime Minister Siluanov said that the economy performed much better than had been expected in Q1. The Economy Ministry confirmed that if this positive trend continues he will raise forecasts for this year and next in August.
