Russian stocks decline amid falling oil, lack of growth drivers

MOSCOW, Apr 24 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks decreased on Wednesday dragged by falling oil prices and a lack of growth drivers, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.33% to 2,579.05 and the RTS decreased 1.08% to 1,263.97.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS Index remained in minus by the end of trading on Wednesday having received no new growth drivers,” Veles Capital Yelena Kozhukhova said.

Trading in the U.S. started with mixed dynamics of three main indices, which were adding around 0.1–0.2% as Russian trading closed. Trading in Europe was on a neutral note.

Oil prices were losing around 0.1–0.8% by the end of trading in Russia.

Power producer Mosenergo and steelmaker Severstal were among growth leaders, rising by 2.39% and 1.21%, respectively. Real estate developer PIK Group and gas giant Gazprom were among outsiders, losing 1.48% and 1.14%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.14	236.00	10.267
Gazprom	-1.14	160.57	4.141
Lukoil	-0.35	5760.00	3.663
ALROSA	-0.75	95.58	1.907
Norilsk Nickel	-0.79	14316.00	1.509

(63.7906 rubles – U.S. $1)

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