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Russian rouble reaches 5-week high after US peace plan reports

On Friday, the Russian rouble reached a five-week-high against the U.S. Dollar on renewed hopes for peace in Ukraine following reports of a U.S.-backed settlement plan.

At 1130 GMT the rouble had gained more than 1.3% against the dollar and was 1.2% higher at 11,07 against the Yuan at the Moscow Stock Exchange.

During the trading session the rouble reached 78.55 per dollar, its highest level since October 16.

The rouble has strengthened despite U.S. sanction against Russian oil companies Rosneft, and Lukoil. These sanctions will take effect on Friday at 1701 GMT. The sanctions will likely reduce the foreign currency inflows that have supported the rouble.

Alexander Potavin, Finam, said that the foreign currency revenue of oil exporters could drop by 10-15% after the introduction of the sanctions. This would reduce the amount of foreign currency available on the domestic currency market.

He added that "from a longer-term perspective the reduction of foreign assets, and the stricter external sanctions, lead to higher costs for export supply chains, and lower foreign currency revenue, which is a negative for the Russian rouble." (Reporting and editing by Ros Russell.)

(source: Reuters)