NBU props dollar at 21.5

Макроэкономика 16.04.2015 In a startling reversal of demand, the USD fell to as low as 21.2UAH/USD yesterday as the local market had no USD buyers, according to lnterfax. It appears that the NBU intervened and propped up the value to 21.5/USD. Eventually, the hryvnia gained 6.5% and closed at 21.88/USD. It is worth noting that the continued strength of the Russian ruble, which rose 2.39% yesterday, 20.09% over the past month, and 18.12% since the beginning of the year. With a positive impact on the currencies of the neighboring countries that depend heavily on Russian demand, the ruble's rise aids well to the hryvnia, in particular as yesterday's nominal rise was partially absorbed by the ruble's appreciation, preventing the UAH from devaluing in the foreign exchange market.