Decline of the Ruble and Factors Behind It

The ruble has significantly weakened against the dollar, falling below the 100 level, which has sparked discussions about the potential collapse of the Russian economy. This seasonal decline often occurs at the end of the year when Russians increase spending for the holidays, leading to a surge in imports that pressures the ruble. Additionally, factors such as recent sanctions on Gazprom Bank and the strengthening dollar post-Trump's election are also contributing to the ruble's depreciation. Despite these concerns, analysts suggest this weakening is temporary and can be attributed to predictable seasonal and structural economic patterns.