The ruble remains the leading currency for savings in Russia, with about one-third of citizens choosing it for cash storage. A little over 34 percent hold ruble savings, while the US dollar attracts around 28 percent, and the Chinese yuan sits at roughly 17 percent. These figures come from a study conducted by Finam analysts and reported by Izvestia. The yuan has overtaken the euro to become the third most common saving currency among Russians, with only about 8 percent of people preferring euros for their savings.
In addition to the top three, the Hong Kong dollar accounts for about 7 percent of the population’s cash holdings, and the Swiss franc is kept by nearly 2 percent. All other currencies make up the remaining 1.3 percent of cash savings. The trend highlights a broader shift toward non-European currencies for personal savings, influenced by perceived risk and diversification needs in the Russian market.
The data indicate that while the ruble remains dominant, there is growing interest in the yuan and the dollar, alongside a notable decline in euro usage. Analysts explain that the preference for the yuan reflects long-term expectations about the Chinese economy and market access that appeal to Russian investors and financial institutions. Meanwhile, the euro’s reduced share points to a reassessment of European economic stability and currency risk in comparison with other options.
Market observers note that capital flows and savings choices can respond quickly to global events. Recent commentary attributes part of the shift to economic signals from large economies, as well as regional factors that influence confidence in different currencies. These dynamics are of interest to savers, financial firms, and policymakers monitoring the resilience of household finances in Russia. The evolving currency mix underscores the importance of diversification and the need to weigh liquidity, exchange costs, and potential hedging strategies in setting long-term savings plans. [citation: Izvestia citing Finam analysts]