Russia's central bank says inflationary expectations edge down in December

MOSCOW - Inflationary expectations for the year ahead among Russian households edged lower in December to 12.1% from 12.2% in November, the central bank said in a report on Wednesday, just two days before it meets on rates.

All 23 analysts and economists polled by Reuters expect the Bank of Russia to hold rates at 7.5% at its final meeting of the year on Friday, as inflation continues to slow and in order to assess the possible economic impact of the oil price cap and embargo.