Rouble little changed against dollar

MOSCOW: The Russian rouble was little changed against the dollar on Tuesday despite the prices rallying as fighting between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day, raising investor concerns over the risk of a broader regional conflict.

By 0925 GMT, the rouble was up 0.2% at 78.50 per US dollar, according to LSEG data based on over-the-counter quotes. The Russian currency is up by about 44% against the dollar since the start of the year.

Oil prices, traditionally a supportive factor for the rouble, rose as much as 2.2% to a high of $74.85 a barrel, bringing gains in the last week to around 11%.

“The situation with the oil prices may still power up the rouble and help it hit new highs,” said PSB bank analyst Bogdan Zvarich.