Russia's ruble was little changed in early trade on Tuesday, slipping slightly against the dollar but rising versus the euro, after end-of-month tax payments drew to a close.
At 07:30 GMT, the ruble was about 0.2 percent weaker against the dollar at 57.72 but gained 0.2 percent to trade at 62.15 versus the euro.
Tax payments towards the end of each month typically support the ruble as Russian exporters convert foreign currency into rubles for the taxes. The last large tax fell due on Monday.
Russian markets have been advancing for several weeks as oil prices steadied after months of decline and a peace deal in eastern Ukraine gained traction, with investor confidence building as the conflict fades from media headlines.
Brent crude oil was trading more than 1 percent weaker on Tuesday at about $55.50 a barrel but has traded a few dollars either side of $55 for the past couple of weeks.
Russian shares traded slightly stronger on Tuesday.
The dollar-denominated RTS index was up 0.5 percent to 883 points, while its ruble-based peer MICEX traded 0.4 percent higher at 1,618 points.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
