- USD/RUB drops and rebounds from the 73.70 region.
- The CBR hiked the key interest rate by 25 bps to 4.50%.
- Focus is now on the press conference by Governor E.Nabiullina.
The Russian ruble reclaims some ground lost in past sessions and drags USD/RUB to the 74.00 region on Friday.
USD/RUB now looks to CBR
After two consecutive daily advances, USD/RUB met a moderate resistance in the 74.40/50 region, where converge the weekly highs and the key 200-day SMA. So far, the daily knee-jerk faced contention near 73.70.
The move lower in the pair comes after the Russian central bank (CBR) surprised markets and raised the key policy rate by 25 bps to 4.50% at its meeting earlier on Friday. Previously, market consensus was pointing to a steady stance from the central bank (and a likely rate hike later this year).
According to the CBR, higher inflation expectations are the main reason behind the unexpected rate hike. The central bank added that extra fiscal stimulus likely fueled the pro-inflationary forces along with geopolitical events (sanctions) and improved domestic fundamentals.
Later in the session, CBR Governor E.Nabiullina will give the usual press conference. In the calendar, February’s Retail Sales and the Unemployment Rate will gather extra attention.
USD/RUB levels to watch
At the moment the pair is losing 0.32% at 74.04 and a breach of 72.53 (2021 low Mar.16) would aim for 70.00 (psychological level) and then 68.55 (low Jun.23 2020). On the flip side, the next up barrier emerges at 74.47 (weekly high Mar.19) followed by 74.83 (100-day SMA) and then 74.96 (monthly high Mar.4).
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation
Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too
Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.