Geopolitical tensions remained in focus after Westerncountries said they would expel more than 100 Russian diplomatsin response to a nerve agent attack in
At 0741 GMT, the rouble was 0.15 percent weaker against thedollar at 57.60, its weakest level in a week.Against the euro, the rouble was virtually unchanged at 71.34.
The rouble is on track to lose support from month-end taxpayments that end on Wednesday. Taxes usually promptexport-focused companies to convert part of their revenues tomeet local liabilities.
Prices for oil,
The rouble-based MOEX Russian index shed 0.6percent to 2,249.4 points, while its dollar-traded peer RTSfell 1.1 percent to 1,230.8.
In contrast with the broader market, shares in
The bond market focus was a regular auction of two tranchesof OFZ bonds maturing in 2024 and in 2034.
For Russian equities guide see
For Russian treasury bonds see
(Reporting by Andrey OstroukhEditing by Catherine Evans)