Ruble Slides After Diplomatic Spat Between U.S. And Russia

The ruble slid 1.8% against the dollar on Friday as diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Russia intensified. The dollar bought 61.326 rubles compared to 60.266 late Thursday in New York. The ruble slump came after U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday leveled sanctions against Russia over the country's alleged hacking during the U.S. presidential campaign and other diplomatic tensions. As part of the sanctions, the U.S. expelled 35 Russian diplomats and ordered two Russian diplomatic compounds shut down. Russia responded by reportedly closing down a school attended by diplomats' children and announced plans to kick out 35 U.S. diplomats.