Russian stocks correct downwards after growth attempts

MOSCOW, Dec 15 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks switched to a decline by the end of trading on Tuesday as part of the correction, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.21% to 3,248.11 and the RTS decreased 0.55% to 1,390.46.

“After trying to rise during the day, the MOEX Russia Index and RTS retreated from their highs by the end of the trading session and went into the negative territory as part of the correction,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was moderately positive. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were adding around 0.3–0.7% by the end of the Russian session. Moderately positive moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil remained in plus by the end of trading in Russia and were adding around 0.5–1%.

Gold producers Petropavlovsk and Polyus were among growth leaders, adding 4.05% and 4.07%, respectively, amid an over 1% increase in gold quotations.

Children goods retailer Detsky Mir lost 4.62%, Bank Saint Petersburg fell by 3.54%, and metals giant Norilsk Nickel decreased by 1.82%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-1.24	276.47	22.187
Gazprom	-0.35	199.22	12.277
Lukoil	-1.78	5230.00	7.368
Norilsk Nickel	-1.82	23508.00	5.425
Rosneft	+1.83	449.90	3.523

(72.9272 rubles – U.S. $1)

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