The Central Bank of Russia’s latest Financial Market Risks Review shows that retail investors increased their bond buying in April as securities prices rose, with purchases of corporate bonds reaching a historical high of RUB 157 billion. Individuals also actively bought federal government bonds, with purchases totaling RUB 92 billion. In foreign exchange markets, higher oil prices helped drive a doubling of corporate sales of foreign currency in April, supporting the ruble’s appreciation. At the same time, individuals increased their demand for foreign currency, buying RUB 108 billion. Stock indices were mostly negative at the end of the month, reflecting the stronger ruble and investors’ greater appetite for bonds.
Central Bank of Russia 2026-05-12
Central Bank of Russia reports record RUB 157 billion retail corporate bond purchases and doubled corporate FX sales in April
The Central Bank of Russia’s latest Financial Market Risks Review reports that retail investors sharply increased bond purchases in April, with corporate bond buying reaching a record RUB 157 billion and federal government bond purchases totaling RUB 92 billion. Higher oil prices drove a doubling of corporate foreign currency sales, supporting ruble appreciation, while individuals bought RUB 108 billion in foreign currency and stock indices ended negative amid the stronger ruble and a shift toward bonds.