Russia central bank keeps main interest rate unchanged

The Russian central bank on Tuesday decided to keep its main refinancing rate unchanged at 8.25 percent, resisting pressure from some policymakers for a quick rate cut to boost economic activity. But in a statement accompanying its decision, the Bank Rossii appeared to leave the door open for a cut in the future by saying inflation, currently high at 7.2 percent, should return to within its target range in the second half of the year.