EMERGING MARKETS-Latam currencies strengthen alongside rouble

SAO PAULO, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Latin American currencies strengthened on Friday as a gain in Russia's rouble eased investor jitters over a potential financial crisis in the country and the resulting impact on other emerging markets. The MSCI Latin American stock index rose for the third straight day, though gains in the region's equity markets were modest. Russia's rouble rose about 4 percent on Friday, climbing to 59.50 per dollar after touching nearly 80 per dollar earlier in the week.