Domestic economic conditions are playing a growing role in shaping the outlook for Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to global financial services group ING.
ING, which refers to the four economies as the CIS-4, said higher commodity prices are strengthening external and fiscal buffers in key exporting countries. In particular, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are benefiting from currency stability and easing inflation, giving policymakers greater flexibility over interest rates.
In Armenia, ING said the recent parliamentary election result supports policy continuity, although unresolved tensions with Azerbaijan and uncertainty surrounding EU integration could weigh on investor sentiment.
With inflation remaining moderate, the Central Bank of Armenia is expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 6.5% at its next meeting.
Azerbaijan is projected to benefit most from elevated energy prices, with stronger fuel revenues improving both its fiscal position and external balance. Analysts forecast a budget surplus of around 5% of GDP and a current account surplus of roughly 11% of GDP in 2026.
In Kazakhstan, despite a recent 100-basis-point interest rate cut, real interest rates remain elevated, while the tenge continues to be supported by non-oil exports and portfolio inflows.
ING expects the central bank to pause further monetary easing for now, although additional rate cuts may be possible later if currency stability is maintained.
Uzbekistan is seen as having the strongest case for further monetary easing, supported by the resumption of gold exports, renewed portfolio inflows and slowing inflation.
ING said the Central Bank of Uzbekistan could reduce its policy rate from 14% at its next meeting, even as many global central banks remain cautious.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that significant “blind spots” remain in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of C...
Domestic economic conditions are playing a growing role in shaping the outlook for Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to global...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed “absolute solidarity” with Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro following sanctions imposed on him...
At the start of 2026, something unusual happened in China's car market. BYD, the company that had spent years at the top of the domestic sales charts,...
China's foreign ministry has confirmed the detention of a U.S. citizen identified as U Min Zin, saying he is suspected of espionage and of endangering...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed “absolute solidarity” with Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro following sanctions imposed on him by China.
At the start of 2026, something unusual happened in China's car market. BYD, the company that had spent years at the top of the domestic sales charts, was knocked off its perch by a rival.
China's foreign ministry has confirmed the detention of a U.S. citizen identified as U Min Zin, saying he is suspected of espionage and of endangering national security.
Authorities in Hong Kong have seized suspected counterfeit World Cup merchandise worth an estimated HK$156 million (US$19.91 million), including jerseys and footballs, in one of the city's largest recent crackdowns on fake sports goods.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American base in Jordan, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides.
U.S. Donald Trump has said he has cancelled planned strikes on Iranian oil and gas ports announced earlier on Thursday. Trump said he made the decision after senior leadership in Iran agreed to peace talks.
Azerbaijan is considering new restrictions on children's use of social media, including a minimum registration age of 16 and fines for platforms that fail to protect young users. The proposals form part of a broader global trend towards tighter regulation of online platforms.
Authorities in the western Afghan city of Herat have arrested at least 30 women for allegedly breaching dress rules imposed by the Taliban, according to the United Nations agency for women’s rights.
Bangladesh and India have agreed to strengthen cooperation along their shared border, focusing on improved intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols, according to a joint statement released on Friday.
Russia has once again offered warm words to Tbilisi, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praising Georgia's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and saying Moscow is ready to deepen ties.
Azerbaijan dispatched 17 railway wagons carrying 984 tonnes of diesel fuel to Armenia on Thursday, marking the latest shipment in growing trade between the two countries.
The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated talks in Astana between Washington and the five Central Asian states.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment