Russian rouble extends recovery after Putin's speech, rate decision in focus

Reuters2021-04-22

MOSCOW, April 22 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble firmed on Thursday, adding to gains made in the previous session after a national address by President Vladimir Putin and with markets focused on the central bank's rate decision on Friday.

At 0727 GMT, the rouble was 0.3% stronger against the dollar at 76.37 and had gained 0.2% to trade at 91.98 versus the euro .

Putin said Moscow wanted to "maintain good relations with all participants of the international dialogue, including with those with whom keeping up good relations has not worked out. Indeed we do not want to burn bridges." He added he hoped no foreign state would cross Russia's "red lines."

He spoke on a day when police rounded up more than 1,700 protesters as Russians in dozens of cities took part in rallies organised by allies of hunger-striking Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny over his failing health in jail.

Putin's economic policy remains very conservative, said BCS Global Markets in a note, which should please the market but may disappoint others by keeping prospects for long-term growth down.

The economy ministry has lowered its economic growth forecast for this year to 2.9% from 3.3%, a source told Reuters on Thursday, adding that it sees Russia's key rate at 5% or lower by the end of the year.

Analysts polled by Reuters early this week said they expected a key interest rate increase by 25 or 50 basis points from its current level of 4.5% at the central bank's meeting on Friday, amid high inflation and intensified geopolitical risks.

Brent crude oil , a global benchmark for Russia's main export, was down 0.4% at $65.08 a barrel.

Russian stock indexes were mixed.

The dollar-denominated RTS index was up 0.6% to 1,472.8 points. The rouble-based MOEX Russian index was 0.8% lower at 3,570.3 points.

For Russian equities guide see

For Russian treasury bonds see

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

((alexander.marrow@thomsonreuters.com))

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

Leave a comment
1