The economist admitted the strengthening of the ruble in 2026

The ruble exchange rate will remain stable in 2026, and it may be able to strengthen. Vasily Koltashov, an economist and head of the Center for Political Economic Research, shared this forecast on the national currency exchange rate with Izvestia on November 18.

According to him, the strengthening of the ruble will have the most beneficial effect on the agricultural and energy sectors, as well as on the manufacturing industry.

"This generally increases the transparency of the economic situation. And, of course, the strengthening of the ruble is beneficial to households, as it limits inflationary processes, makes imports cheaper, and promotes the consumption of goods produced outside our country," he explained.

At the same time, the economist is convinced that a radical strengthening of the ruble should not be expected.

In turn, Mikhail Belyaev, PhD in Economics and financial analyst, said that due to the strengthening of the ruble, export industries that receive payments in foreign currency rather than in rubles may lose out.

"If payments are made in dollars or euros, then the export industries lose quite a lot. For one simple reason: they get less rubles for this currency," the economist explained.

To spite everyone: why the ruble continues to strengthen

The difficult economic situation is not a hindrance

On October 29, the head of the Central Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, said that the weakening of the ruble against the dollar was a pro-inflationary factor. According to her, a stable and strong ruble is possible only with a stable and strong economy. The head of the Central Bank also recalled that the ruble has strengthened by about 10% this year.%

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