Optimal exchange rate for Russian economy is now 80-90 rubles/$1, so ruble in "comfortable zone" - Belousov

ST. PETERSBURG. June 16 (Interfax) - The optimal exchange rate for the Russian economy, budget and the interests of exporters and importers in the current conditions is 80-90 rubles per U.S. dollar, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov told reporters on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Asked whether the recent weakening of the ruble is a trend or a correction, Belousov said "I think this is a correction."

"In my view, the ruble is now in a more or less comfortable zone that is optimal for the economy. This zone, in my view, is now 80-90 rubles per dollar. It is comfortable for the budget, and for exporters and importers," Belousov said.

In December 2022, Belousov said the optimal exchange rate for the economy was 70-80 rubles/$1.