Some opposition activists have called for another big rally to take place in two weeks' time, on December 24.

This was the biggest rally in Moscow since the 1990s.

The biggest rally, in 1998, drew about 6,000 participants, according to police estimates.

Organizers said it was the biggest rally ever here in support of the Palestinian cause.

"But down the road, probably by the end of the year, there is a big rally coming."

Fifteen percent were even more optimistic, saying there would be a big rally within six months.

"The market is getting itself set for a big rally," one trader said.

The dollar had its biggest rally against the euro in a year.

The opposition is due to hold its next big rally on February 4.

"When they come home the next time, we'll have a big rally like this," he said.