The expert named the reasons for the strengthening of the ruble against the dollar

Since the beginning of the year, the Russian currency has risen in price against the U.S. by 13% and has become the leader among the currencies of emerging markets, but Russian banks do not record sharp spikes in demand for the purchase of foreign currency amid the strengthening of the ruble, Olga Veretennikova, vice president of analytical company Borsell, told "Izvestia" on February 21.

"The demand for currency exchange remains stable, there is no agitation in bank branches and exchange offices," the expert explained.

According to her, the ruble was strengthened by a positive news agenda related to the start of negotiations between the Russian and US delegations.

"Exporters' preparation for tax payments and seasonal reduction of imports create conditions for strengthening the ruble. The ruble's strength is expected to persist until the tax period ends on February 28. Nevertheless, the average exchange rate for the year is likely to be higher than the current level," Veretennikova summarized.

With the new ruble: what awaits the Russian currency in the first quarter of 2025

If nothing extraordinary happens, the ruble will remain at the current levels in January - March

February 12, analysts interviewed by "Izvestia" said that the limit of strengthening of the national currency in this cycle will be Br90 per dollar. This level is possible by early spring. Among a number of factors, the exchange rate is positively influenced by seasonally low demand for foreign currency on the part of importers and the tight monetary policy of the RF Central Bank.