Russian stocks grow despite deterioration of foreign sentiment

MOSCOW, Jul 31 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed higher on Friday despite deterioration of foreign sentiment by the end of the trading session, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 1.00% to 2,911.57 and the RTS increased 0.17% to 1,234.44.

“The MOEX Russia Index and RTS remained in plus by the end of trading, but retreated from the highs of the day along with the deterioration of foreign sentiment,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was moderately negative. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were trading mixed within 1% by the end of the Russian session. Moderately negative moods prevailed on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil were trading mixed within 0.5% as trading in Russia closed after growth attempts at the beginning of the session.

TCS Group’s global depositary receipts added 5.16% on no fundamental reasons. Gold producers Polyus and Seligdar grew by 4.42% and 4.59%, respectively, receiving support from gold futures renewing historical highs.

Retailers Lenta and Magnit were among outsiders falling by 4.2% and 2.51%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.37	221.13	12.645
Gazprom	-0.27	182.02	7.711
Polyus	+4.42	16957.50	5.917
Lukoil	-0.63	5083.00	4.162
Norilsk Nickel	+0.14	19648.00	3.857

(73.3633 rubles – U.S. $1)

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