Tatiana Evdokimova, Research Analyst at Nordea Markets, notes that the CBR decided to avoid Turkish scenario and hiked the key rate for the first time since 2014.
Key Quotes
“The RUB liked the decision but it’s unlikely to be a start of a strengthening trend since tougher sanctions still pose high risks.”
“The phrase about bringing the key rate to the neutral level in 2019 has disappeared from the press-release and the CBR guided for more hikes ahead depending on external conditions.”
“The CBR decided to firmly demonstrate its commitment to inflation targeting avoiding potential Turkey-like scenarios.”
“Even though the consensus and our forecast showed no hike today, the money market was pricing-in a hike and the CBR decided not to disappoint the markets.”
“The inflation forecast was revised from above 4% to 5-5.5% in 2019, which is in line with our forecast.”
“With inflation expectations still unanchored the CBR is more inclined to be more hawkish.”
“The RUB has gained 1.5% vs USD after the decision and settled at strongest levels since early September as the market welcomed the CBR decisive action.”
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