BRICS Is Sure to Expand, Russia Says. Any Ideas for a New Name?

Admitting South Africa was the easy part. BRICS, the emerging markets club that owes its existence to a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. economist who coined the acronym for Brazil, Russia, India and China, is looking at more expansion. Any ideas on renaming it are welcome.

Russia’s Surprise Rate Increase Fails to Stem Ruble Drop

The ruble tumbled the most since 2011 after a larger-than-forecast increase of Russia’s key interest rate failed to ease concern that the economy will remain hobbled by sanctions and capital flight.

Russia sanctions threaten to blow euro zone off course

(Reuters) - The knock to confidence from harsher European sanctions on Russia could spoil the euro zone's budding economic recovery even if it shrugs off the fallout on trade.

Russian companies prepare to pay for trade in renminbi

Russian companies are preparing to switch contracts to renminbi and other Asian currencies amid fears that western sanctions may freeze them out of the US dollar market, according to two top bankers.

Ukraine Bond Repayment Belies Gutted Economy: East Europe Credit

As Ukraine repays its $1 billion dollar bond, sentiment for the nation’s notes is souring with the economy withering amid fighting between government forces and pro-Russia separatists.

Germany's Merkel Gets Tough on Russia

Angela Merkel wasn’t in a hurry to inflict economic pain on Moscow. Cautious, pragmatic, and mindful of her country’s business ties to Russia, the German chancellor doggedly tried to defuse the Ukraine crisis through back-channel diplomacy and frequent phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

FOREX-Euro flat as Russia says won't annex other parts of Ukraine

NEW YORK, March 18 (Reuters) - A modest easing of geopolitical tensions over Ukraine and a slight increase in U.S. Treasury yields took some premium away from the euro on Tuesday, leaving it flat against the U.S. dollar and weaker against the yen.

Euro Holds On To Strength

The euro maintained its strength on Monday even as tension in Ukraine continued.

Euro Could Start Feeling The Effects Of Uncertainty In Ukraine

The euro was steady against the dollar and traded at $1.3682 at 6:45 GMT on Thursday morning. The common currency held its ground against an improving dollar which reached a two week high in the early hours of Thursday.

Russia Pulls Biggest Bank License of Year Over Dubious Transfers

Russia’s central bank revoked the license of OAO Master-Bank, a retail lender where President Vladimir Putin’s cousin serves on the board, after accusing it of repeatedly breaching money laundering laws.