Russian stock market closes mixed on negative foreign environment

MOSCOW, Apr 24 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed mixed on Monday over a negative external background, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.17% to 2,635.43 and the RTS increased 0.16% to 1,020.88.

“Russian indices retain the potential for further growth... At the same time, the probability of a correction is growing. Potentially, it can be realized in the near future on the background of the forthcoming meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve System,” head of the alternative investment department of managing company Pervaya Yevgeny Linchik said.

The ruble rate is expected to stabilize against the world currencies, while there is some potential for ruble strengthening due to the stabilization of oil prices, as well as the probable reduction of the Urals to Brent oil discount, the analyst also said.

Yelena Kozhukhova from Veles Capital said that the Russian stock market retreated from the highs of the day and ended the day under downward pressure after renewing another local highs.

The largest growth by the end of the session showed the shares of Etalon and Qiwi.

The biggest reductions by the end of the session were common and preferred shares of Surgutneftegas, Ozon and Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) quotations.

The board of directors of Surgutneftegas are to consider the issue of holding the annual general meeting of shareholders and dividends on Monday. Last week, the securities showed strong growth.

Below are the MOEX Russia Index’ five most active stocks on Monday:

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Gazprom	-0.1	181.53	7.639
Sberbank	-0.01	235.14	6.699
VTB Bank	-0.2	0.02	2.799
Lukoil	-0.33	4714	2.344
Polyus	+1.32	10520	2.176

(81.4863 rubles – U.S. $1)

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