Russian assets and the rouble hit new lows Monday amid concerns about a new round of U.S. sanctions, weak oil prices and one sided bets that the currency would extend its slide.<br/> <br />Traders say the the rouble is down around 45 percent against the dollar this year, forcing the central bank to intervene in the market on an ongoing basis.<br/> <br />But in Moscow residents are taking it in stride.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, WISHED TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Why it is falling? I am no analyst, but I know it will not impact us. It is not the first time for us, so we are not afraid."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT GENNADY, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Generally, it does not impact me at all. The rouble will soon rise again, because the sanctions will not help anybody. That's why everything will be good in the end."<br/> <br />Russia's central bank has spent close to 80 billion dollars propping up the rouble this year, including more than 5 billion dollars this month.
