April 26 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble firmed to a

one-month high past 92 to the dollar on Friday after the central

bank held interest rates at 16%, as expected, and slightly

worsened Russia's inflation outlook.

By 1048 GMT, the rouble was 0.1% stronger against the dollar

at 91.86, its strongest since March 27.

All 26 analysts polled by Reuters this week expect the Bank

of Russia to keep interest rates unchanged, with the gradual

slowdown of inflation preventing the central bank from easing

borrowing costs more quickly.

The bank said inflation would return to its 4% target more

slowly than previously forecast.

The rouble had gained 0.2% to trade at 98.49 versus the euro

and shed 0.2% against the yuan to 12.62

.

Brent crude oil, a global benchmark for Russia's

main export, was up 0.6% at $89.53 a barrel.

Russian stock indexes were higher.

The dollar-denominated RTS index was up 0.2% to

1,180.8 points. The rouble-based MOEX Russian index was

0.1% higher at 3,443.5 points.

For Russian equities guide see

For Russian treasury bonds see