Rouble firms past 74 vs dollar

The Russian rouble opened stronger on Monday, firming past 74 against the dollar, helped by tax payments that companies are due to make this week and as the market looked ahead to a central bank rate decision on Friday.

At 0726 GMT, the rouble was 2.2 per cent stronger against the dollar at 73.80, hovering around levels seen before February 24, when Russia sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine.

It had gained 2.6 per cent to trade at 78.01 versus the euro . Trading activity remains subdued compared with levels seen before February 24.