One way to gauge domestic confidence in Russia’s economic and political environment is by taking a look at capital flight. The picture is not pretty. Data from Russia’s Central Bank shows that the country’s private sector-capital flight has reached a staggering level. The outflow peaked at $76.2 billion during the fourth quarter of 2014 and slowed over the past year. Even so, Russia has seen over $330 billion flow out of the country since Vladimir Putin’s third term began. Worst of all, much of the fleeing capital appears to be heading to offshore accounts, rather than going toward any foreign direct investment. To see just how much of Russia’s capital fled the country by quarter, hover your mouse over the chart.
Originally published by EurasiaNet.org
