Russian stocks decrease on long-term global negative factors

MOSCOW, Feb 16 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market started the day with a rebound from previous correction on Thursday, but reversed later in the day on long-term global risks, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.58% to 2,153.96 and the RTS decreased 0.90% to 906.71.

“The session on the Russian stock market started with a slight bounce-back after previous correction, but the benchmarks reversed downwards later in the day,” Freedom Finance Global’s Senior Analyst Natalya Milchakova said.

Milchakova also said that the morning’s optimism was likely linked to the decision of Belgium’s Finance Ministry to unblock assets on the accounts of Russia’s National Settlement Depositary. However, the Russian market’s further dynamics were affected by long-term negative factors, including global macroeconomic risks.

The bulls were also pressured by a downward movement of global stock exchanges, she added.

Senior Trader at managing company Alfa-Capital Vladislav Silayev said that the shares of gold producers and petrochemical companies were among the best performers.

Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said that the securities of national flagship air carrier Aeroflot were supported by statements of Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov about contracts on leasing of Russia-produced planes and helicopters to local air companies.  

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.64	157.25	9.728
Lenzoloto, prefs	+32.84	3600	8.470
Polyus	-0.83	8305.5	4.417
Gazprom	+0.01	153.1	2.414
Polymetal International	+0.39	467.6	1.451

(74.2077 rubles – U.S. $1)

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