Dec. 17 (Bloomberg) -- The ruble headed for its biggest decline against a dollar-euro basket in more than three months.

The currency, which is managed against the basket to protect exporters, slid 1.2 percent to 32.6219 against the basket by 11:25 a.m. in Moscow, as Bank Rossii, the central bank, said it widened the trading band it allows the ruble to trade within. The currency is headed for its biggest intraday drop, based on closing prices, since Sept. 3.

Today’s widening amounts to about 40 kopeks either side of the bank’s basket target, compared with the six previous expansions since Nov. 11 of 30 kopeks. A bank official, who declined to be identified, wouldn’t comment on the new size of the band.

To contact the reporter on this story: Emma O’Brien in Moscow at eobrien6@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 17, 2008 03:38 EST