IMF Cuts Russia GDP Growth Forecast By Two-Thirds On Geopolitical Uncertainty

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund cut its 2014 economic growth forecast for Russia by two-thirds on Tuesday and warned that downside risks remain on geopolitical uncertainties after Moscow's takeover of Crimea.

The Fund cut its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 1.3 percent from an earlier 2 percent, revising down its estimates for the third time in a row, from an initial 3 percent.

"The balance of risks (for Russia and neighbors) remains to the downside, considering rising geopolitical uncertainties following the takeover of the Crimea by Russia, tightening financial conditions, and volatile capital flows," the Fund said in a report.

"Intensification of sanctions and countersanctions could affect trade flows and financial assets."

The IMF forecast follows gloomier estimates from the World Bank of the likely economic damage from the Kremlin's standoff with the West over Ukraine. The bank warned the Russian economy may contract by 1.8 percent if the conflict escalates and grow by 1.1 percent at best.

The IMF is also more optimistic in its GDP growth estimates than the Russian Economy Ministry, which said earlier this month that economic expansion may come "significantly" below 1 percent if current trends continue.

The United States and European Union have imposed asset freezes and visa bans on a group of Russians and threatened economic sanctions if Moscow escalates the crisis further. The standoff is estimated to result in up to $70 billion in capital flight from Russia in the first quarter.

The World Bank says capital outflow may come to $150 billion if the crisis deepens. The IMF has not provided estimates of how much money could flee Russia this year.

The Fund said Russia's slowdown would have a spillover effect on former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan, Armenia or Taijikistan.

"A slowdown in Russia owing to unsettled conditions would affect the Caucasus and Central Asiathrough both real sector and financial channels, particularly if energy supply is disrupted and oil and gas prices rise," the Fund said.