The dollar index, that is, the exchange rate in a basket of six countries that are US trading partners, for the first time in 20 years, has risen above 105 points since December 2002. It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the trading data.

The euro exchange rate against the dollar fell to 1.0423 dollars (at the last close – 1.0515 dollars). Against the Japanese yen, the US currency fell to 133.80 yen from 134.42 yen.

The dollar index increased to 105.03 points by 0.85 percent. It is strengthening against the backdrop of a wave of sales of risky assets on world markets. Investors fear a recession after new reports of record inflation in the US.

Earlier, Axel de Vernou, a columnist for the American edition of the National Interest, predicted losses for the West in the event of further strengthening of the ruble. According to his forecast, this situation will lead to additional costs for Western countries when buying Russian energy resources.