Russian stocks slump as traders brace for more U.S. sanctions

Russia's stocks lost ground Monday as the Trump administration looked set to impose more sanctions on that country. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said on the TV show "Fox News Sunday" that the latest sanctions will target companies tied to the Syrian regime and its chemical weapons. They are expected to be in addition to measures announced April 6 that targeted Russian entities and individuals. The RTS Index a gauge tracking Moscow-listed stocks, was recently down 0.8% to 1,096.45. The U.S.-listed VanEck Vectors Russia ETF fell 1.3% in premarket action. The Russian ruble was higher against the dollar, with a buck recently buying 61.83 rubles, down from 62.35 late Friday in New York. But the dollar had traded above 63 rubles early Monday, and it remains up against the Russian currency so far this month, higher by about 8%.