The Central Bank of Russia announced the daily official exchange rates, showing a slight adjustment in the value of the Russian ruble against major currencies. The institution published the figures for January 23, noting that the American dollar traded at 87.97 rubles. This level compares with the closing values from January 20 to 22, which stood at 88.59 rubles per dollar. The bank’s update underscores how the ruble moved within a narrow band during the late January period. (Source: Central Bank of Russia)
In the same release, the official euro rate for Tuesday was set at 95.88 rubles, down from 96.38 rubles observed earlier in the January 20 to 22 window. The shift reflects ongoing adjustments in euro liquidity and demand in the Russian domestic market, alongside broader regional economic influences. (Source: Central Bank of Russia)
The official rate for the Chinese yuan showed a modest decline as well, moving from 12.27 rubles to 12.18 rubles. This change aligns with evolving currency movements in Asia and the relative strength of the yuan within global trade dynamics. (Source: Central Bank of Russia)
Turning to stock market indicators, the Japanese Nikkei stock average posted a notable milestone as it rose above the 36,500-point mark for the first time since February 1990. The trading session concluded at 36,546 points, signaling a gain of about 1.6 percent over the course of the day. This move highlighted positive sentiment in certain export-oriented sectors and shifts in risk appetite among investors. (Source: Financial market reports)
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, shares traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange faced renewed downward pressure on Monday, with a renewed slide in equities contributing to fresh record-low levels for some time. The price declines widened the gap between Hong Kong-listed securities and their mainland counterparts, which traded with a notable discount of as much as 36 percent. (Source: Market data providers)
On the same day, U.S. equity markets showed resilience with the S&P 500 index surpassing key psychological levels as part of a broader rally. The index crossed and held above 4,800 points, marking a fresh two-year high and reflecting a renewed appetite among investors for longer-duration holdings and earnings growth optimism. (Source: Market reporting)
Overall, the ruble remained the least valued currency among the G20 group in several contemporaneous assessments, reflecting ongoing currency volatility and the complex interplay of monetary policy, commodity prices, and international trade tensions. (Source: Market commentary)