Russian business optimism rises

Russian private firms are the most optimistic about future business in over four years, reflecting the prospect of larger client bases, a think tank said on Monday in its survey note. Data from a latest business outlook survey indicated largely positive forecasts for future business activities and new orders, the London-based IHS Markit said in a news release, citing its economist Sian Jones. Optimism toward output growth is the highest since June 2013, and expectations for new orders are the strongest since early 2014, Jones said.