Russian stocks close mixed amid uncertainty on oil markets

MOSCOW, Feb 16 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed mixed on Tuesday amid uncertainty of buyers on oil markets, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 0.38% to 3,495.26 and the RTS decreased 0.12% to 1,494.58.

“The MOEX Russia Index and RTS retreated from the highs of the day by the end of trading due to uncertainty of buyers on oil markets,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was mixed. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which again renewed record highs and were adding around 0.3%. Neutral moods were seen on European floors. 

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil were trading mixed, within 1%.

TCS Group was among growth leaders, with global depositary receipts (GDRs) adding 3.81% without any fundamental reasons.

Internet giant Yandex went down 1.59% despite publication of strong financial results. Metals giant Norilsk Nickel fell 0.35% as the company said it has no plans to contest a 146 billion ruble fine for a fuel spill so far.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Gazprom	+1.39	232.40	18.690
Sberbank	-0.21	271.25	16.014
Norilsk Nickel	-0.35	26236.00	7.029
Yandex	-1.59	5391.00	5.335
Lukoil	-0.75	5865.00	5.077

(73.3092 rubles – U.S. $1)

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