Russian rouble strengthens vs dollar as market awaits Russia-US talks

MOSCOW, Jan 30 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble strengthened against the dollar on Thursday, but was flat against China's yuan, as the market looks for signs of possible talks between Russia and the U.S. on Ukraine.

At 0830 GMT, the rouble was up 1.3% at 98.00 against the dollar, according to over-the-counter market data. The rouble traded against yuan at 13.41, the same level as in the previous session, on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX).

Analysts said the rouble could weaken in February as U.S. energy sanctions are starting to impact export revenues, but pointed to market expectations of Russia-U.S. talks as a positive factor for the rouble

"The market is still awaiting negotiations between the leaders of Russia and the United States, which is a factor in reducing the geopolitical risk premium in the rouble exchange rate," BCS brokerage analysts said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and that he seeks an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. He said the war was "destroying" Russia's economy.

Russia's central bank said on Thursday that downward pressure on the volume of Russia's exports intensified in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to restrictions from foreign countries.

One-day dollar/rouble futures, which trade on MOEX and serve as a guide for the over-the-counter exchange rate, were up 0.3% at 99.50. The Russian central bank set the official exchange rate at 98.01.