Russians sold $5.1 billion in cash dollars in the first half of 2006, the Central Bank of Russia said. The figure is up 200% year-on-year. In the first half of 2005, Russians sold $1.7b worth of cash dollars. The dollars were mainly converted into roubles and deposited with banks, CBR first deputy chairman Alexei Ulyukayev said. Ulyukayev forecasts cash dollar sales to continue at the same pace but not to accelerate further.
Source: VREMYA NOVOSTEI, August 28, 2006
