Falling energy prices and the ongoing financial crisis have pushed the Russian rouble to an historic low against the dollar, according to the Russian central bank. As reported by Interfax, the bank moved Thursday for the fourth time since the start of the year to broaden the range for currency fluctuations versus a basket of currencies comprised of the dollar and the euro. The official exchange rate was posted at 32.21 roubles to the dollar, a rate 65.19 kopeks higher than on Wednesday. The previous low of 31.88 roubles to the dollar was hit six years ago, according to Interfax. Russia's central bank has set aside tens of billions of dollars in recent months to prevent a dramatic downgrade in the rouble's value. But, since pressure on the rouble did not let up, the bank took the additional step of devaluation Thursday.
