Russian ruble may hold onto some of this year’s gains

The Russian ruble appreciated to a one-year high against the dollar recently but we think the rally will fade as oil prices fall back and US Treasury yields rise further. That said, the central bank’s determination to rein in inflation should keep Russian bond yields high and provide the ruble with more protection in this global environment. We now expect the ruble to end next year at 76/$ (previously 80/$).