Russian stocks close mixed as oil prices, ruble grow
MOSCOW, Aug 16 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed mixed on Thursday on investor concerns about new U.S. sanctions, while a slight rebound in oil prices and the ruble rate supported the RTS index, analysts said.
The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.27% to 2,261.09 and the RTS increased 1.07% to 1,066.51.
“The major inspiration for foreign investors today came from the announcement of a visit of a Chinese delegation to the U.S. for trade negotiations. But that was not enough to bring back optimism to the national market, where two major negative factors are still in place – the expected sanctions from Washington and a general pressure on assets of emerging countries,” Igor Kovalyov, an analyst at InstaForex group of companies, said.
Kovalyov also said that the RTS Index reacted to a correctional rebound of the ruble and to a slight increase of oil prices.
Andrei Kochetkov, a senior analyst at Otkritie Broker, said that shares of steelmakers were under pressure ahead of a government meeting scheduled for Friday to discuss additional taxes for metals companies. Severstal, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), and Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) lost 0.47%, 2.02%, and 1.39%, respectively.
Ivan Marchena, an analyst at Forex Club group of companies, said that Gazprom Neft rose 3.19% after the publication of strong financial results for January–June and plans to raise dividend payout for January–September.
Below are the MOEX Russia Index’ five most active stocks on Thursday:
Company | Change, % | Last price, rbl | Trading volume, bln rbl |
---|---|---|---|
Sberbank | +1.93 | 191.60 | 10.404 |
Gazprom | -0.44 | 140.88 | 2.022 |
Lukoil | -0.73 | 4396.00 | 1.912 |
Norilsk Nickel | -0.90 | 10901.00 | 1.571 |
ALROSA | -1.77 | 94.10 | 1.226 |
(66.3772 rubles – U.S. $1)
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