Hopes for better economic times on New Year's Eve in Moscow

Hopes for better times on New Year's Eve in Moscow, after the Russian rouble takes a hit.

But that doesn't let revelers bring them down... as they count down to new days ahead.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, ELENA, SAYING:

"When you have nothing you can't lose anything either!"

The country is sliding into an economic recession as oil prices plummet.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MOSCOW RESIDENT, ALEXANDER, SAYING:

"I am trying to avoid making a value judgment. So whether it was good or bad, we are trying to step away from it making judgment. We are simply living. We are trying to live in the moment."

The rouble lost some 40 percent to the U.S. dollar in 2014. With hopes in Moscow that the New Year will usher in better economic times