"The currency has performed well and we remain constructive in the medium term," Morgan Stanley analysts said of the rouble against the euro, although they added they had decided to close a short euro-rouble position. O/R Higher gas prices could help the rouble average 68.3 against the dollar next year, 2.5% stronger than previously thought, according to Sberbank CIB calculations. The rouble is likely to see extra support from higher interest rates at home as the central bank is expected to tighten monetary policy after annual inflation accelerated to 7.63%, a level last seen in February 2016.