Russia's consumer sentiment hit a new low in May according to MNI's Russia Consumer Indicator, which fell to 87.2 from 88.5 in April, its lowest level since the series began in 2013. Consumers grew increasingly pessimistic about their personal finances, ability to purchase big ticket items, and long-term business conditions amid high inflation, increased loan costs, and expectations that Russia will fall into recession due to its tense situation with Ukraine. Most components of the indicator declined to new lows in May as consumers faced rising prices and interest rates and anticipated a weakening labor market and contracting economy.