Russia central bank keeps rate unchanged THE Russian central bank has kept its main refinancing rate unchanged at 8.25 per cent, resisting pressure from some MPs for a quick rate cut to boost economic activity. But in a statement accompanying its decision on Tuesday, the Bank Rossii appeared to leave the door open for a cut in the future by saying inflation, currently high at 7.2 per cent, should return to within its target range in the second half of the year. The bank also gave a downbeat assessment of Russia's economic growth prospects, saying that recent data pointed towards a continued slowing of growth and risks of a further slowdown. "The decision (to hold rates) has been taken against the background of an estimation of the inflation risks and the prospects for economic growth," the bank said. The Bank Rossii will continue to monitor the inflation risks and the risks of economic slowdown. The bank's next monetary policy meeting is scheduled for the first half of May.