Russian stocks close mixed on varying impact of external background

MOSCOW, Jan 25 (PRIME) – The Russian stocks closed mixed on Monday in line with the foreign bourses, where investors waited for stronger drivers and for news on new anti-Russian sanctions, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.43% to 3,397.48 and the RTS decreased 0.44% to 1,412.02.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS Index rolled back from their intra-day highs in the evening because of the worsening of the external background. The mood of the foreign stock exchanges was mixed. Purchases on the Russian bourses did not continue for long, and only in a few papers that may become defensive assets in the future,” Yelena Kozhukhova, analyst at Veles Capital, said.

“It is very likely that the international leaders will discuss the potential anti-Russian sanctions during the World Economic Forum or during other summits very soon, which is the main risk for the benchmark and for the ruble as well.”

Valery Yemelyanov, analyst at investment company Freedom Capital, said that the U.S. markets were mixed the beginning of their day on reaction the news about new lockdowns in China and California. The main European markets contracted by 1–1.5%, and the Asian floors rose. The MSCI Emerging Markets index gained more than 1%, he said.

The oil price was also of no help for the Russian market as it lost its morning gains during the day and consolidated around U.S. $55 per barrel while investors expected the U.S. to soften its Iranian policy, which would increase supply on the market.

“The MOEX Russia Index showed neutral dynamics on the background of contraction of the foreign currency-denominated (RTS) market and growth of the U.S. dollar against the ruble,” Yemelyanov said.

Kozhukhova also said that shares of real estate developer LSR Group gained 1.48% to 944 rubles due to the company’s robust performance in 2020. Its sales grew by 12% in 2020, while the average price of property gained 14%, she said.

Depositary receipts of retailer Lenta increased by 0.86% to 258.10 rubles following the company’s operating report for 2020. Its retail revenue increased by 7.3% on the year in 2020, Kozhukhova added.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-1.14	265.19	28.354
Gazprom	+0.76	217.12	14.934
Lukoil	-0.21	5728.50	7.071
Norilsk Nickel	-0.98	25916.00	6.324
Yandex	-0.71	4980.20	3.791

(74.3615 rubles – U.S. $1)

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