UPDATE 3-Russian central bank sharply hikes rates to 18%, promises further tightening Adds quotes by central bank governor Nabiullina in paragraphs 8-10 By Elena Fabrichnaya and Gleb Bryanski MOSCOW, July 26 (Reuters) - Russia's central bank hiked its key interest rate by 200 basis points to 18% on Friday, the highest level in more than two years, and vowed to continue tightening until inflation rates in an overheated economy come down.

EMERGING MARKETS-Stocks slide to six-week low; Russia, Ghana rate decisions awaited Updated at 0907 GMT U.S. PCE data due at 1230 Sri Lanka to elect new president on Sept 21 Turkey c.bank not considering rate cuts now, deputy Akcay says Hungary flags pre-election stimulus as recovery falters Stocks down 0.2%, FX off 0.1% By Johann M Cherian July 26 (Reuters) - Investors in emerging markets showed caution on Friday ahead of key inflation data out of the United States and interest rate decisions i

Russian rouble weakens ahead of expected key rate hike MOSCOW, July 26 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble was flat against the dollar on Friday, ahead of the central bank's rate decision, after strengthening in three consecutive trading sessions this week, helped by foreign currency sales by exporting companies. By 0730 GMT, the rouble was 0.4% lower at 85.35 RUB= against the dollar.

Russian rouble strengthens ahead of interest rate decision MOSCOW, July 25 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble strengthened against the dollar on Thursday, helped by rising foreign currency sales by exporting companies and expectations of a hefty interest rate hike by the central bank later this week. By 0730 GMT, the rouble was 0.7% higher at 85.65 RUB= against the dollar.

Russian rouble strengthens, bolstered by foreign currency sales MOSCOW, July 24 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble strengthened against the dollar on Wednesday, helped by rising foreign currency sales by exporting companies. By 0800 GMT, the rouble was 1.5% higher at 86.55 RUB= against the dollar. Russian exporters started converting their foreign currency earnings into roubles ahead of corporate tax payments due on July 29. These sales are supporting the Russian currency.