Political turbulence is having a negative impact on the value of the Russian rouble, prompting concern among investors.

The currency has weakened by three per cent against the dollar since the outbreak of political protests following the disputed parliamentary elections held at the beginning of December 2011.

The upheaval has left the rouble in a very different place compared to this time last year when it was one of the best performing currencies in the world thanks to the strength of Russia's commodity market.

Now, the currency has slipped to 31.9 to the dollar, prompting investors to reconsider their finances and even sell their roubles and associated assets.

John Peta, portfolio manager at Acadian Asset Management, told the Wall Street Journal that the firm has cut its exposure to the rouble: “It's never good when you have people in the streets. That could lead to more capital flight.”

At the moment, the currency's future remains uncertain with a number of factors still working in the rouble's favour. For example, world oil prices look set to remain above the $100 a barrel cut off, while work is continuing on the eurozone's debt crisis, which is likely to work in Russia's favour is solved.

But not all investors will find the patience to see out the rouble turmoil. This could prompt a foray into alternative investments, such as real estate, which as we saw over the course of 2012 has proven to be a lucrative market for those with the cash to snap up post-recession bargains.