USD/RUB flirts with daily lows near 69.30 post-CBR decision

The Russian ruble is picking up extra pace on Friday and is now forcing USD/RUB to trade in the area of daily lows around 69.30.

USD/RUB weaker post-CBR decision

USD/RUB is trading in the lower bound of the weekly range on Friday, coming under extra selling pressure after the CBR reduced the key rate by 100 bps to 4.5% per annum.

The central bank justified its move in response to increasing disinflationary factors, which exceeded the bank’s estimates due to the restriction measures taken amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The central bank expects the GDP to have contracted markedly during Q2 due to the lockdown measures, while it predicts a contraction of 4%-6% of the economy during the whole of the year and a recovery in 2021 and 2022.

In addition, the unremitting bullish stance around crude oil prices lifted the European benchmark Brent crude to fresh tops in levels just shy of the $43.00 mark per barrel earlier in the session, and it has also lent extra wings to RUB.

What to look for around RUB

The persistent slowdown in domestic consumer prices have been exacerbated by the restrictions imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic and prompted the CBR to reduce its policy rate further south from the 6%-7% band, considered as the “neutral rate” by the bank. Brent dynamics and the gradual re-opening of the economy are expected to play a relevant role in determining the price action around the ruble in the next months, while extra easing remains on the card in order to keep inflation near the 4% target.

USD/RUB levels to watch

At the moment the pair is losing 0.85% at 69.27 and a drop below 68.03 (monthly low Jun.8) would aim for 67.38 (200-day SMA) and then 6529 (monthly low Mar.3). On the flip side, the next up barrier aligns at 70.54 (monthly high Jun.15) followed by 71.40 (100-day SMA) and then 72.43 (55-day SMA).