RUR in the spotlight: latest news

Russia's economy is facing significant challenges as its GDP declines, leading to reduced oil and gas revenues. Military factories are also anticipating staff cuts, raising concerns about the overall economic stability.

Russia's luxury goods market is being shaped by changing wealth dynamics, urban development, and digital advancements, which together are influencing the future of high-end consumerism.

The Russian ruble has strengthened beyond 77.5 per USD, approaching its highest value in over two years, due to a recent repatriation of assets.

Russia's central bank has issued a warning that 67% of major companies in the country are facing critical challenges in servicing their debts due to high interest rates and a sluggish economy.

Russia has started to quickly sell its gold reserves to address budget shortfalls and stabilize the ruble, highlighting a rapid decline in its strategic stockpiles.

Russia's oil and gas revenues are projected to decline by 35% in 2025 due to several key factors, including a significant decrease in global oil prices.

According to calculations by Reuters, Russia's energy revenues for November 2025 could decline by 35% year-over-year, resulting in an estimated total of 520 billion rubles.

Russia's state revenues from oil and gas are expected to decline by one-third in November due to falling prices and a strengthening ruble.

Experts predict that investments in Russian real estate could drop by nearly 40% by the end of 2025. However, realtors argue that these estimates are exaggerated.

The State Duma has approved a draft law in its second reading that proposes an increase in the VAT rate from 20% to 22%, effective January 1, 2026.

WTI crude oil prices have fallen to $59.30, while Brent crude remains at $63.92. This decline is largely attributed to a significant drop in Russia's Urals crude, which has plummeted to $36.61, resulting in widening discounts of $23.52. Additionally, floating storage levels are increasing.

The Russian Ministry of Finance successfully raised 1.75 trillion rubles, equivalent to approximately $21 billion, in a single day through OFZ auctions. This move is aimed at addressing the country's war-related budget deficit, pushing the national debt to a total of 32 trillion rubles.

The Russian Central Bank has cautioned that the economy may experience a decline by the end of 2025 due to three consecutive quarters of slowing growth, alongside increasing financial risks.

Russia's oil and gas revenues experienced a significant decline in October, underscoring increasing strains on the national budget. The Finance Ministry reported that this downturn is attributed to ongoing sanctions and declining global oil prices.

SovEcon has raised its forecast for Russia's wheat exports in the 2025/26 season, increasing the estimate by 0.4 million tons to a total of 43.8 million tons.

The Russian ruble remained stable at 81.5 per USD in November, maintaining a narrow trading range since the second quarter due to strict capital controls and elevated interest rates.

Moscow-based agricultural consultancy SovEcon has raised its forecast for Russian wheat exports for the 2025-26 season, reflecting a positive outlook for the market as prices remain stable.

Bloomberg News has ranked Jason Schenker as the top forecaster for major currencies and the ISM Manufacturing Index for the second consecutive quarter, recognizing his expertise through Q3 2025.

The Russian ruble is currently stable at 81.2 per USD, maintaining this level since hitting two-year highs in the second quarter. This stability is attributed to stringent capital controls and elevated interest rates.

Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine is increasingly stifling economic activity, as indicated by reports from the country's Central Bank.

The European Union has implemented its 19th sanctions package against Russia, marking the first time since the onset of the Ukraine conflict that restrictions have been placed on the Russia-linked A7A5 stablecoin and its supporting entities.

In September, Russia's industrial output was recorded at 0.3%, which was below the expected 0.9%. Meanwhile, in the commodity markets, Ripple (XRP) experienced downward pressure, trading below $2.40 due to fluctuations in exchange reserves. On the corporate front, developments continue to unfold.

The Russian ruble remains steady at 81.3 per USD, maintaining its stability since hitting two-year highs in the second quarter, thanks to stringent capital controls and elevated interest rates.