This content was produced in Russia where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine

MOSCOW, Aug 15 Reuters The rouble slid past 61 to the dollar on Monday as the conversion of depository receipts in Russian companies to local shares got underway, and as foreign investors from designated friendly countries were able to return to the bond market.

At 1029 GMT, the rouble was 1.5 weaker against the dollar at 61.49 , leaving the narrow range between 59.45 and 61.45 where it had spent nine trading session in a row.

It eased 0.2 to 62.44 against the euro .

Rouble volatility has declined recently after wild swings which saw it hit a record low of 121.53 to the dollar on the Moscow Exchange in March, days after Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, and then rally to a sevenyear peak of 50.01 in June.

The rouble is expected to find support from monthend tax payments that usually prompt exportfocused companies to convert part of their foreign currency revenues.

On stock markets, the dollardenominated RTS index fell 1.4 to 1,100.2 points, while the roublebased MOEX Russian index was flat at 2,147.6 points.

Market moves were relatively muted despite analysts predicting an increase in selling pressure as Russia starts the conversion of global depository receipts GDRs into shares.

GDRs of Russian companies that were traded on foreign exchanges and held in Russian depositories will be converted into shares on the Moscow…