16 Jun 2010 10:27

Dollar down sharply against ruble, euro slightly lower

MOSCOW. June 16 (Interfax) - The dollar declined sharply at the open of trading on the MICEX currency exchange on Wednesday and the ruble was slightly higher against the euro on the continuing rally in oil prices.

The dollar opened at 31.14-31.19 rubles/$1 in "tom" contracts, 16-20 kopecks below the close on Tuesday and roughly 30 kopecks below the official exchange rate.

The euro opened at 38.40-38.43 rubles/1 euro, 4-7 kopecks below the previous close and 10 kopecks below the Central Bank exchange rate.

The bicurrency basket ($0.55 and 0.45 euro) was near 34.42 rubles, about 14 kopecks below the close on Tuesday.