Rosstat summarized the last month of summer. According to new data, the drop in real income of the Russian population accelerated in August, the rate was already at 8.3%. While in July the figure was lower at 7.3 percent in June to 4.8%. In General, during January-August of 2016 income in real terms declined by 5.8% compared to the same period last year. It is noteworthy that the average salary in this case was 34.1 thousand rubles and in comparison with August of 2015 it grew by 5.8%. In July of the same nominal increase in wages reached 9%.
“It should be noted that wages in Russia are growing very differentiated. That is someone they really grew up, but most did not. And so, in the end, it turned out this figure. Therefore, this growth has only widened the gap between “rich and poor”. Here is the answer to the question why, despite the increase in salaries, the poorer Russians”, – said economist Dennis Vyazemsky.
According to experts, citizens are spending their personal reserve Fund not as rapidly as the state.
“It is possible to allocate two categories. First, if you had a “stash”, it was quite small and already spent. Now salary is only enough for the Essentials – food, medicine, housing and utilities. It is clear that those who find themselves in such a situation, it is necessary to save on everything. Totally. The second category – who has the higher income. However, they still try to save enough in the reserve to the maximum. As a result, no matter what category you belong to, you spend less. I’m especially missing those who have a windfall, because they are still a minority. As a result, consumer demand falls. And recover soon”, says Vyazemsky.
In turn, the sociologist Marina Golovko believes that the number of poor compatriots will continue to grow. “I’m sure the end of the year the number of Russians who consider themselves poor, will approach 50%. Now it is 30-35%. At least if the current trend will not be reversed, then such a situation we will observe. And 50% is already a critical level. But, of course, Rosstat these figures will not give them to the poor, by contrast, is reduced”, – said the expert.
Aggravate the situation, according to her, the replacement of indexation of pensions to a lump sum payment, which the elderly can only get in January. As a result, the dynamics of their income in the remaining time will be negative.
