Russian stocks close mixed on oil price, ruble growth

MOSCOW, Jan 12 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed mixed on Thursday with the MOEX Russia Index falling due to the ruble strengthening, and the RTS index rising on the back of the currency and oil price increase, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index decreased 0.05% to 2,185.93, and the RTS index grew 1.33% to 1,015.94.

"The MOEX Russia Index is stalled near a resistance level of 2,200. Investors may have taken a breather after confident yesterday's growth. Ruble strengthening, negative for the exporters, conditioned trading of the Russian shares in the red zone," Finam analyst Anna Builakova said.

The global market situation was positive, as global investors expected the U.S. inflation to slow down to 6.5% in December from 7.1% in November sparking hopes of a milder than expected toughening of the U.S. monetary policies, the analyst said.

The Russian oil sector was supported by growing oil prices that continued after a slight downward correction at the start of the session, Builakova said.

Yelena Kozhukhova from Veles Capital said that Raspadskaya increased 4.75% on media reports about a 47% rise of coking coal exports in January–November. Investors hope that Raspadskaya's financial results for July–December will be stronger than expected, she said.

According to the analyst, Magnit increased after announcing launch of a new discounter store chain.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.66	148.97	6.562
Magnit	+3.54	4616	3.432
Gazprom	-0.92	164.3	1.621
Polyus	+0.31	7906	0.899
Norilsk Nickel	+0.13	15430	0.874

(69.0202 rubles – U.S. $1)

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