The US dollar, euro and Chinese yuan rose moderately against the ruble on the Moscow Stock Exchange on the afternoon of January 4. The ruble is depreciating in major currency pairs due to a notable drop in world oil prices, which is observed for the second day in a row, analysts said.
The dollar exchange rate was 71.86 rubles. at 15.00 Moscow time, which is 72.25 kopecks higher than the closing level of the previous auction. The euro cost 76.0625 rubles, having increased by 1.26 rubles.
The cost of the dual-currency basket ($0.55 and €0.45) increased by 96.5 kopecks to 73.75 rubles.
The Chinese yuan rose by 15.7 kopecks to 10.267 rubles.
According to Interfax-CEA experts, the ruble showed moderate declines in major currency pairs during this Wednesday’s afternoon trading under pressure from a sharp decline in world oil prices, which accelerated due to concerns on global fuel demand.
The prices of the Brent reference brand have fallen below 80 dollars a barrel. March Brent futures on the London ICE Futures exchange fell by 15.00 Moscow time by 2.63% to 79.94 dollars a barrel.
February futures quotations for American grade WTI in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange within the specified time decreased by 2.65% to 74.89 dollars a barrel.
On the eve of the price of Brent fell by 4.4%, WTI – by 4.2%.
Recall that on December 5, the EU introduced a price ceiling for Russian oil in the amount of $ 60 per barrel, as well as an embargo on oil supplies from the Russian Federation to Europe by sea. From February 5, a cap will be introduced for Russian petroleum products. At the same time, exports through the Druzhba pipeline are preserved.
