Russian stocks close higher amid mixed foreign background

MOSCOW, Dec 16 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed higher on Wednesday amid a mixed foreign background, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.67% to 3,269.95 and the RTS increased 0.69% to 1,400.05.

“The MOEX Russia Index and RTS by the end of trading traditionally for this week retreated from the highs of the day due to the deterioration of the external background,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was mixed. Trading in the U.S. started neutrally, and by the end of the Russian session three main U.S. indices were trading mixed within 0.2%. Moderately positive moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil switched to a decline by the evening and were losing around 0.5%.

Bank Saint Petersburg was among growth leaders, adding 5.32%. Diamond giant ALROSA rose 4.08%.

Oil major Lukoil was among outsiders, losing 2.22%. Oil company Rosneft fell 1.9%, and gas producer Novatek went down by 1.96%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.13	278.35	14.332
Gazprom	+2.49	206.00	14.008
Lukoil	-2.22	5180.00	11.156
Norilsk Nickel	-1.24	23398.00	4.962
ALROSA	+4.08	95.70	4.110

(73.4453 rubles – U.S. $1)

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