MOSCOW: The Russian rouble opened stronger on Monday, helped by the run-up to monthly local tax payments and an uptick in the oil price.
At 0750 GMT, the rouble was 0.6 percent stronger against the dollar at 63.13 and had gained 0.5 percent to 69.76 versus the euro.
Brent crude oil, a global benchmark for Russia's main export, was up 0.2 percent at $47.7 a barrel.
Analysts said the rouble would be supported this week by companies accumulating roubles ahead of local monthly tax payments.
The mineral extraction tax, the largest tax paid by major exporters, falls due on July 25, with the profit tax falling due on July 28.
"Considering the relatively quite economic calendar this week, we suppose that the Russian currency will continue to show a stable dynamic," analysts at Rosbank said in a note. "The sale of foreign currency by exporters ahead of the key July tax dates may act as a support."
Russian share indexes were up, tracking Asian markets.
The dollar-denominated RTS index was up 0.8 percent to 971 points, while the rouble-based MICEX was 0.3 percent higher at 1,947 points.
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