Russian stocks ease on lack of growth drivers

MOSCOW, Apr 1 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed lower on Thursday amid a lack of growth drivers, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.40% to 3,527.54 and the RTS decreased 1.34% to 1,457.37.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS retreated from the highs of the day by the end of trading, having not received significant reasons for the development of growth,” 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 0.3–1.5% by the end of the Russian session. Moderately positive moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil tried to remain in plus by the evening and were adding around 0.5%.

Oil and gas company Surgutneftegas was among growth leaders, adding 3.24%. Global depositary receipts (GDRs) of TCS Group increased 1.75%. Power producer Territorial Generating Company-1 (TGC-1) rose 1.5% and multi-industry holding Sistema grew 1.89%.

The Moscow Exchange was among outsiders losing 2.62%. Real estate developer PIK Group fell 2.53%. Steel producers Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) and Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK) eased by 2.04% and 2.77%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.74	288.86	13.787
Norilsk Nickel	-0.06	23690.00	11.212
Gazprom	-0.66	225.75	9.362
Rosneft	-1.32	565.05	6.351
Lukoil	-0.82	6061.50	6.334

(75.6373 rubles – U.S. $1)

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