Russian stocks edge up in line with global energy, stock markets

MOSCOW, Feb 15 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market demonstrated optimism in line with the global sentiments on Monday, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 1.60% to 3,481.90 and the RTS increased 2.35% to 1,496.40.

“The MOEX Russia and the RTS indices strived for the psychologically important level of 3,500 and 1,500, but failed to reach them yet. The market is approaching January’s highs of 3,520 and 1,507… Short-term bulls hold their positions although demonstrate some uncertainty,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

Optimistic sentiments persisted on the global stock and energy markets, and the Russian benchmarks were pleased to join them, she added.  

Otkritie Broker analyst Andrei Kochetkov said that the Brent crude price seen above U.S. $63 per barrels supported local stocks from the very beginning of the trading session.

Kozhukhova said that metals giant Norilsk Nickel was among the best performers adding 3.13% ahead of the release of its IFRS financial results for 2020, scheduled for Tuesday.

Metals and mining group Mechel and grocery retailers Lenta were also among the top gainers rising 3.53% and 2.98%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbla
Sberbank	+1.57	270.18	13.723
Gazprom	+0.7	228.3	12.800
Norilsk Nickel	+3.13	26184	7.149
Lukoil	+2.28	5887.5	6.083
Rosneft	+1.73	518.15	4.065

(73.9378 rubles – U.S. $1)

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