BOFIT Weekly

• Russian president holds annual state-of-the-nation address; government resigns unexpectedly thereafter

• Ruble appreciation continues in the first two weeks of this year

• Russian oil fund’s assets doubled last year

• Oil revenues also boost Russia’s foreign currency and gold reserves

• Rosstat predicts a decline in Russia’s population over the next two decades

• China’s central bank eases monetary policy and phases out old benchmark rates

• Yuan depreciated slightly in 2019

• New foreign investment law enters into force in China

• 85 % of China’s energy needs still met with fossil fuels

• Russia posts sluggish 2019 growth performance

• Critical reports from Accounts Chamber on economic forecast that forms basis for Russia’s government budget projections generate questions about budget expenditures

• Sanctions continue to overshadow Russia’s relations with the West