As oil prices stabilize in the wake of an OPEC-led production deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin said signs of economic strength are becoming clear. The president sat with his top economic advisors for the second time this year, saying there are clear signs of positive momentum. By his read , the 0.2 percent decline in gross domestic product last year was better than expected. “The trends are becoming more or less clear, and we have an overall understanding of the ongoing developments,” he said. “Overall, we are seeing positive economic momentum.” The International Monetary Fund said it expected a 0.6 percent contraction for Russia last year, but growth would return at 1.1 percent in 2017. After keeping its key lending rates unchanged […]