Russian stocks grow thanks to encouraging foreign background

MOSCOW, Dec 28 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks edged up on Monday in light of a positive global environment including main U.S. benchmarks hitting new record highs and rising crude prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 0.39% to 3,258.95 and the RTS increased 0.94% to 1,391.31.

“The MOEX Russia Index was consolidating due to a fall of basic currencies against the ruble. The benchmark… is in no hurry to gain progress,” Freedom Finance analyst Valery Yemelyanov said.

He also said that the RTS index could not ignore external positive with the main U.S. indices opening gap up at new record highs thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to approve a package of government aid to the economy.

Otkritie Broker analyst Andrei Kochetkov said that the sentiment on the global energy market also supported local shares. The Brent oil price bounced back from a negative movement in the morning to break through the U.S. $51.5 per barrel mark.

Kochetkov also said that power producers were among the top gainers during the day. Power grid operator Rosseti added 5.05%.

Yemelyanov said that metals and mining group Mechel was also among the best performers to rebound from a steep fall seen on December 25.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.35	274.3	9.763
Gazprom	+0.28	205.6	6.656
Lukoil	-0.08	5102	3.166
Norilsk Nickel	+1.11	23600	2.987
MMK	-0.25	57.8	2.601

(73.6921 rubles – U.S. $1)

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