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5.2.2 Current account dynamics
Russia's current account surplus widened to $22.3bn in the second quarter of 2018 from $1.9bn in the same period of the previous year, a preliminary estimate showed.
The current account surplus increased to $60.7bn in 7m18 , versus $53.2bn in the first half of 2018, according to preliminary data from the CBR. Meanwhile, the trade surplus rose to $104bn from $90.6bn. The current account was boosted by stronger capital outflows and ongoing FX purchases by the Finance Ministry in July and over the entire course of 7m18 (it bought almost $34bn in 7m18 and plans to buy up to $6bn in August, barring elevated FX volatility).
46 RUSSIA Country Report October 2018 www.intellinews.com
