Russia stocks may open unchanged on mixed background

MOSCOW, Aug 3 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market may open flat and consolidate on Friday amid a mixed foreign environment and a lack of strong drivers, analysts said.

“The MOEX Russia Index may consolidate within a 2,280-2,300 range during the day thanks to the sanctions issue and a mixed external background. There are more chances for a fall than for extensive growth,” Alpari senior analyst Anna Bodrova said.

On Thursday, a group of U.S. senators introduced a bill on new anti-Russian sanctions including sanctions against sovereign debt and politicians, and restriction of energy investment and uranium imports.

Vitaly Manzhos, senior risk manager at investment company Nord Capital, expected the MOEX Russia index to open flat and consolidate later in the day on a lack of trade ideas.

Olma senior analyst Anton Startsev said that the RTS index is also likely to consolidate as the global market environment is not favorable enough for a stable growth.

Investors will also follow publication of financial results for April-June and January-June by gold producer Polyus and grocery retailer Dixy Group among other corporate events.

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