Russian rail freight -- a key indicator of broader economic health -- rose 6.7 percent in October from a year ago, extending its recovery trend to a full 12 months.

State rail monopoly Russian Railways, or RZhD, said freight totalled 106.8 million tons in October -- this year's monthly high.

In January-October, freight cargo grew 9.3 percent on the year, slowing down from the first-half growth of 12.2 percent, but still well on track to meet full year's target of 7.5 percent annual growth.

Rail freight returned to growth in year-on-year terms in November 2009, as Russia's economy began its slow recovery from the first recession in a decade. (Reuters)