Russian stocks fall on worsened foreign background

MOSCOW, Mar 30 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market eased on Tuesday dragged by a deterioration of a number of external factors, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index fell 0.12% to 3,525.23 and the RTS decreased 0.53% to 1,460.32.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS remained in a small minus by the end of trading due to the deterioration of a number of external factors,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was mixed. Trading in the U.S. started with a decline of three main indices, which were losing around 0.3% by the end of the Russian session. Positive moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil were losing around 1–1.5% by the end of the day ahead of the OPEC+ meeting.

Pharmacy Chain 36.6 was among growth leaders, adding 4.44%. Global depositary receipts (GDRs) of TCS Group rose 4.02%, real estate developer PIK Group added 3.63%, and payment service provider Qiwi increased 1.47% after reporting a 54% growth of 2020 adjusted net profit.

Gold producers were among outsiders due to a decline of the gold price below U.S. $1,700 per ounce. Polyus lost 2.83%, Petropavlovsk fell 2.48%, and Polymetal decreased 2.5%.

Coal producer Raspadskaya went down 1.72% after reporting weak financial results for 2020.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Norilsk Nickel	+0.58	23250.00	11.770
Sberbank	+0.18	293.84	10.613
Gazprom	-0.87	226.74	5.784
Lukoil	-1.36	6172.50	5.558
Rosneft	-0.76	570.95	3.422

(75.8287 rubles – U.S. $1)

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