The ruble fell for a second day as Russia braced for the biggest month for external-debt repayments until at least the third quarter amid mounting political turmoil and declining oil prices. The currency depreciated 0.8 percent to 62.09 versus the dollar as of 12:03 p.m. in Moscow. Russian government bonds declined, pushing the yield on the five-year note up five basis points to 14.47 percent, the highest in a month on closing basis. Tens of thousands marched through Moscow to honor slain political activist Boris Nemtsov in the biggest show of support for Russia’s opposition in three years. About $19.7 billion of external debt for local borrowers is coming due in March, making it the most intense month for repayments since December and until at least October, according to Bank of Russia data. The amount due comes amid rising economic pressures in the nation grappling with the […]