7 Aug 2009 12:45

Ruble falls 5.7% against major currencies in 7 mths

MOSCOW. Aug 7 (Interfax) - The ruble fell approximately 5.7% in real terms against the currencies of Russia's major trading partners during January-July, the Central Bank said.

The ruble fell 6.7% against the U.S. dollar and 8.3% versus the euro in January-July 2009.

The ruble tentatively depreciated 1.5% in July, falling 1.8% against the dollar and 1.4% versus the euro.

The real effective exchange rate declined 6.1% in the seven months compared to the same period of 2008, including 17.3% versus the dollar and 7% against the euro.

The Economic Development Ministry said in its latest forecast for 2009 that the ruble would decline 4.1% this year after appreciating 5.1% in 2008.