Dollar rate declines at special session

In the first half of this morning's US dollar session, the weighted average exchange rate amounted to 31.85 RUR/USD, sagging by RUR0.01 as compared to the previous level. The fluctuation of the dollar rate has taken place for the first time since December 2, 2002, which was exactly two weeks ago. At that moment, the weighted average exchange rate advanced to 31.85 RUR/USD at the morning trade. At the same time, there has been no dollar rate decline at the special session over the past forty days, i.e. since November 6, 2002.

The ruble strengthening against the US dollar has been underway at this morning's exchange rate against the background of rather high activity of trade participants, as it was expected. This is testified to by the trade volume, which overcame $55m ten minutes after the trade had opened.