MOSCOW, March 22 (Reuters) - The rouble weakened towards

93 to the dollar on Friday, showing limited reaction to a widely

expected rate hold at 16% by the central bank and struggling to

latch on to support from high oil prices and favourable

month-end taxes.

By 1109 GMT, the rouble was 0.8% weaker against the dollar

at 92.80 and had lost 0.3% to trade at 100.35

versus the euro. It had firmed 0.3% against the

yuan to 12.76.

All 24 analysts polled by Reuters this week forecast the

rate hold, with many economists expecting the bank to start

easing monetary policy in June. The bank warned that

inflationary pressure remained high, with labour market

tightness increasing again.

"We do not think the central bank's comments on the rate

decision will fundamentally change the balance of forces on the

FX market, but trading volatility may increase in the short

term," said Alor Broker's Alexei Antonov.

Brent crude oil, a global benchmark for Russia's

main export, was up 0.1% at $85.91 a barrel. It reached its

highest point since early November this week.

Month-end taxes that usually see exporters convert foreign

currency revenues to meet local liabilities are also supporting

the rouble.

Russian stock indexes were lower.

The dollar-denominated RTS index was down 1.1% to

1,111.9 points. The rouble-based MOEX Russian index was

0.3% lower at 3,277.5 points.

Shares in oil major Lukoil were 1.5% lower after

the company's board recommended a dividend of 498 roubles

($5.44) per share for 2023.

For Russian equities guide see

For Russian treasury bonds see

($1 = 91.5040 roubles)