The economist attributed the strengthening of the ruble to the improvement of the foreign policy environment

In the long term, there are no underlying economic factors to strengthen the ruble against the dollar, as the American economy is currently more successful. This opinion was expressed by Candidate of Economic Sciences, financial analyst Mikhail Belyaev on Tuesday, March 18.

The economist attributed the current strengthening of the Russian currency to exchange rate calculations based on the over-the-counter market, which is speculative. Now its participants are focused not on economic factors, but on the state of the foreign policy environment — there has been some improvement in the situation, and this is working in favor of strengthening the national currency, he said.

"Plus, I have a strong belief that the Central Bank adjusts the exchange rate to its liking. In this case, it is impossible to predict the course in the short term, it is close to fortune—telling on coffee grounds," Belyaev said in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

According to the economist, after the ruble reaches its limit, underlying factors will begin to work, which will lead to a depreciation of the national currency against the dollar.

"Therefore, in the long-term trend, it is possible to predict the inevitable depreciation of the ruble against the dollar. By the end of the year, he can crawl out to 100 completely calmly," the expert admitted.

Redoing dreams: the dollar may drop to 80 rubles

Why such a course is unlikely to stay for a long time and what can play in favor and against the national currency

Earlier in the day, the dollar exchange rate on the over-the-counter market fell below 81 rubles, NSN reports. At the same time, the euro dropped below 89 rubles, IA Regnum reports. The last time currencies traded at this level was in June 2024.

The dollar exchange rate at the auction on March 17 sank below 82 rubles for the first time since June 2024. The ruble also strengthened against other currencies, to 91.5 per euro and 11.5 per yuan. His position has noticeably strengthened against the background of news about the upcoming conversation between the presidents of the Russian Federation and the United States, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.