Rouble firms back past 84 to dollar

MOSCOW, Mar 31 (Reuters): The Russian rouble strengthened back past 84 to the dollar on Thursday, and stocks jumped higher as some curbs on short selling were lifted, with the market focused on what Moscow's demand that its gas exports be paid for in roubles will mean.
The rouble was 1.5 per cent stronger against the dollar at 83.30, close to a more than one-month high, and had gained 1.7 per cent to trade at 92.59 versus the euro.
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.