CNH/RUB: Further Increase Is Possible If Ruble Weakens Against Yuan

 | Apr 24, 2017 08:22AM ET

Decline in oil prices may weaken the ruble

In this report, we recommend considering the personal composite instrument (PCI) yuan against the ruble . It reflects the dynamics of the Chinese yuan against the Russian ruble. The PCI may grow if the ruble weakens faster against the U.S. dollar compared to the similar dynamics of the yuan.

The main negative factors for the Russian currency are the decline in world oil prices and the expectations of reduction of the benchmark rate of the Central Bank of the RF. The sale of hydrocarbons accounts for about 70% of Russian exports.

Oil prices decrease on the background of the peaceful settlement of the North Korean crisis. The U.S. decided against a military operation against the DPRK and opted for just economic sanctions. In March of this year, China and South Korea increased oil imports by 7% and 10.2%, respectively, because of political risks. Probably, they will slightly cut it now. Besides, the U.S. continues to increase the active rigs count for the 14th week in a row. This may contribute to the growth of oil production as well.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the RF forecasts inflation at the level of 4.2% in Russia, in April, which may prompt the Central Bank of the RF to a further decline in the benchmark rate. Currently it is 9.75%. In its turn, China has recently demonstrated an improvement in economic indicators, which may prevent the weakening of yuan. Particularly, in Q1, 2017, the GDP growth picked up to +6.9% year-on-year compared to 6.8% in Q4. The Chinese industrial production also rose to +7.6% in March, 2017 on year from 6.8% in February.