MOSCOW, – New machines popping up in Russian shopping centres seem innocuous enough — users insert their passport and receive a small loan in a matter of minutes. But the devices, which dispense credit in Saint Petersburg malls at a sky- high annual rate of 365 percent, are another sign of a credit boom that has authorities worried. Russians, who have seen their purchasing power decline in recent years, are borrowing more and more to buy goods or simply to make ends meet. The level of loans has grown so … Continue reading Easy credit poses tough challenge for Russian economy