• The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) reported a decline in its composite business environment index for December.
  • The index dropped to 46.1 points, which is half a point lower than the November result.
  • This indicator has remained in the negative zone, defined as values below 50 points, for the entire year of 2025.
  • The continued negative sentiment suggests persistent challenges within the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors.

Quick Summary

The RSPP composite index of the business environment registered a decline in December, settling at 46.1 points. This represents a decrease of 0.5 points compared to the previous month of November. The indicator remains in the negative zone, staying below the critical 50-point mark for the entirety of 2025.

The data suggests a lack of positive momentum among industrialists and entrepreneurs as the year concludes. The consistent negative readings point to a challenging economic landscape for businesses throughout the year. The December result reinforces the prevailing cautious sentiment within the business community.

December Index Performance

The business climate indicator showed a slight deterioration in the final month of the year. According to the data, the index stood at 46.1 points in December. This marks a reduction of 0.5 points from the November level of 46.6 points.

The decline indicates that sentiment among industrialists did not improve as the year ended. The specific value places the index firmly in the negative territory. A score below 50 points is generally interpreted as a negative assessment of the current business conditions.

Year-Long Negative Trend

The December performance is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern observed throughout 2025. The index has consistently remained below the neutral 50-point threshold for the entire year. This sustained period of negative readings highlights the persistent difficulties facing the sector.

Despite seasonal expectations or hopes for a year-end recovery, the RSPP index failed to break into positive territory. The consistency of the metric suggests structural challenges rather than temporary fluctuations. Business leaders have maintained a pessimistic outlook for several consecutive months.

Implications for the Industrial Sector

The composite index serves as a key metric for gauging the health of the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors. A score of 46.1 points suggests that a majority of respondents view the economic climate unfavorably. This sentiment can influence investment decisions, hiring plans, and operational expansion.

Staying in the negative zone for the entire year indicates that businesses are likely exercising caution. The lack of improvement in December may delay any significant recovery in business confidence. The data points to a need for careful navigation of the economic environment in the near future.

Conclusion

The RSPP business climate index ended 2025 on a low note with a December reading of 46.1 points. The 0.5-point drop from November confirms the absence of a holiday mood among industrialists. With the index remaining below 50 points for the entire year, the data reflects a sustained period of negative business sentiment. These findings suggest that the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors faced significant headwinds throughout 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Russian business climate index?

The index is currently at 46.1 points as of December, which is in the negative zone (below 50 points).

How did the index change in December?

The index dropped by 0.5 points compared to November.