Russian stocks close mixed on uncertain foreign background

MOSCOW, Apr 29 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed mixed on Thursday amid controversial dynamics of global floors, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.20% to 3,571.05 and the RTS increased 0.11% to 1,510.72.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS retreated from the day’s highs by the end of trading despite a number of optimistic external signals,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was mixed. Trading in the U.S. started with an increase of three main indices, which were trading mixed within 0.3% by the end of the Russian session. Moderately negative moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil were adding around 1.5% in the second half of the session.

Internet giant Yandex was among growth leaders, adding 3.11% after publication of strong financial results on Wednesday. Oil major Gazprom Neft rose 1.78%.

Oil company Tatneft’s preferred shares fell 7.75% and common shares decreased 5.19% remaining under pressure after announcement of lower than expected dividends.

Metals and mining company Mechel went down 5.91%.

Children goods retailer Detsky Mir lost 2.6%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.52	296.94	16.321
Gazprom	-1.43	229.62	12.091
Tatneft	-5.19	502.40	11.939
Norilsk Nickel	+0.09	26350.00	8.432
Yandex	+3.11	4985.40	6.753

(74.9390 rubles – U.S. $1)

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