Free Trial

Russian Sanctions-Proofing Puts RUB On the Front Foot, But Ukraine Risks Remain

RUSSIA
  • USD/RUB opens firmly lower as markets digest the impact of US sanctions in yesterday's session, erasing the initial spike higher to move back below 75.50.
  • Beyond the knee-jerk reaction of the sanctions, markets are seeing that, given a highly undervalued RUB, reduced foreign ownership of $-debt <50%, limited foreign OFZ holdings <20% and substantial FX reserves, there are a number of hurdles in place to cushion against any major adverse financial sanctions effects as we highlighted yesterday.
  • Additionally, due to narrow scope, a number of avenues remain open to circumvent OFZ restrictions.
  • The US did, however, voice flexibility to escalate sanctions, but overnight Biden's comments urging de-escalation and dialogue going forward will have soothed concerns somewhat.
  • We can likely expect some choppy price action today into the weekend as headline ping-pong resumes and the Ukraine conflict shows little sign of thawing just yet.
  • Markets may be looking to tentatively fade any moves back towards 76.50-77.00, but with lingering uncertainty over Ukraine tensions and possible EU & UK sanctions, many will likely watch from the side-lines until the prevailing volatility recedes somewhat.
  • Oil markets providing little support to RUB, trading marginally in the green.
  • Intraday Sup1: 75.3055, Sup2: 74.9221, Res1: 75.7372, Res2: 76.0201, Res3: 76.3321
MNI London Bureau | +44 020-3983-7894 | murray.nichol@marketnews.com
MNI London Bureau | +44 020-3983-7894 | murray.nichol@marketnews.com

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.