Rouble firms for ninth session in Moscow, stocks jump eyeing gas saga

The Russian currency is extending gains made last week after President Vladimir Putin demanded that natural gas exported to Europe be paid for in roubles, a move that has galvanised European countries into action.The Russian rouble strengthened for a ninth straight session in Moscow, ending near 83 per dollar on Thursday, and stocks jumped higher as some curbs on short selling were lifted, with the market focused on the effects of Moscow’s demand that its gas exports be paid for in roubles.