Russian stocks close mixed on oil, gas optimism, weak ruble

MOSCOW, Dec 5 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market showed some growth in the ruble segment on Tuesday thanks to positive dynamics of the oil and gas market, while the RTS decreased pressured by a weakening ruble, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index increased 0.48% to 3,129.33 and the RTS decreased 1.01% to 1,066.13.

“The oil and gas sector restored its positions to some extent, which was beneficial for the entire market. The price of Brent oil stopped around U.S. $78 per barrel, which gives ground for optimism regarding the Christmas rally in this asset,” Otkritie Research’s expert Andrei Kochetkov said.

The ruble’s weakening continued during the day due to a number of factors, including the expectation of key rate decisions that will be announced next week by Russia’s central bank, as well as the European Central Bank, and the U.S.’ Federal Reserve, Freedom Finance Global leading analyst Natalya Milchakova said.

The MOEX Russia Index sank to 3,090.31 in the first trading hours, but managed to reach plus figures by the middle of the day, Kochetkov added.

Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said that the Russian stock market managed to rise in the ruble segment thanks to Sberbank’s stocks, which grew 2.07% ahead of a decision on dividends, which is expected later in the day, and Investor Day planned for Wednesday.

Lukoil gained 1.28% as the company’s shareholders approved paying dividends for January–September.

Novatek grew 1.73% on the news that LNG exports to Europe in November reached a record of 1.75 million tonnes, according to Kpler data, Freedom Finance Global analyst Vladimir Chernov said.

Russia's seasonally adjusted Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) decreased to 52.2 in November from 53.6 in October, which means an overall expansion. The polled companies reported an expansion in staff hiring and confidence in orders.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+2.07	276.56	10.223
Mechel	-2.02	278.80	5.273
Lukoil	+1.28	7223.50	3.549
FESCO	+2.6	68.34	2.443
Gazprom	+0.38	160.62	2.123

(90.6728 rubles – U.S. $1)

End