With the ruble plunging overnight after the West imposed tough new sanctions over the war in Ukraine, crashing as low as 115 against the dollar with the USDRUB last seen just south of 100...

... early on Monday, Russia's central bank more than doubled interest rates to 20% from 9.5% in an effort to halt the collapse of the ruble, which has gone into freefall. The Bank of Russia also said on Sunday that it would resume buying gold in the domestic market as it tries to shore up its finances and find ways around sanctions on its activity.

"External conditions for the Russian economy have drastically changed," the Bank of Russia said in a statement. "The increase of the key rate will ensure a rise in deposit rates to levels needed to compensate for the increased depreciation and inflation risks. This is needed to support financial and price stability and protect the savings of citizens from depreciation."