The official euro exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Russia fell 5.32 rubles to 69.25 rubles; while the U.S. dollar lost 4.19 rubles to 56.49 rubles.
The day before, the dollar rate was dropping below 56 rubles, and the euro – below 69 rubles.
On December 18 president of Russia Vladimir Putin supported the regulator's policy aimed at limiting currency intervention and saving of its international reserves. What is more, the president said that compulsory measures on sale of foreign exchange revenues was not a central scenario either for the government or for the Central bank of Russia.
On December 16 the Central Bank raised the key rate from 10.5% to 17%. That very day during the Moscow session the euro hit the level of 100 rubles, the dollar – 80 rubles.
On November 10 the Central Bank canceled regular interventions and corridor of the duel currency basket. Thus, the regulator almost announced a transfer to the floating ruble.