The Russian rouble slumped to a more than six-month low past 66 per dollar today, hurt by relatively low oil prices and fears that sanctions on Russian oil could crimp the country's export revenues.
The rouble was 2.4% weaker against the dollar at 66.22 - its weakest level since May 30.
The rouble had lost 2% to trade at 70.45 versus the euro, earlier hitting its weakest since May 27.
It had also shed 2.2% against the yuan to 9.48 - its weakest level since early July.
Relatively low oil prices and risks of lower export revenues in the light of the $60-a-barrel price cap on Russian oil imposed by the G7, the European Union and Australia, have put downward pressure on the rouble.
Brent crude oil, a global benchmark for Russia's main export, was up 0.5% at $79.5 a barrel, but this month has traded at its lowest all year.
Upcoming month-end tax payments, when exporters convert foreign currency revenues into roubles to pay local liabilities, should offer support.
"Our view on oil, upcoming taxes and dividends allow us to maintain a forecast for a small rise in the near term (to 63-64/USD)," Dmitry Polevoy, head of investment at Locko Invest, wrote in a note.
The rouble barely reacted on Friday, when Russia's central bank held its key interest rate at 7.5% at its final meeting of the year but slightly shifted its rhetoric to acknowledge growing inflation risks, saying a recent military mobilisation was adding to labour shortages.
Russian stock indexes were falling today.
"Russian equities are set for a weaker open this morning as investors digest the latest sanctions, coupled with static commodity prices, and a lack of domestic catalysts," said Alfa Bank equity strategist John Walsh.
