Russian stocks increase amid eased risks of sanctions

MOSCOW, Mar 25 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Monday on eased risks of sanctions despite a negative foreign background, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.20% to 2,497.59 and the RTS increased 1.23% to 1,228.34.

“The MOEX Russia Index and RTS tried to remain in plus by the end of trading on Monday despite a negative foreign background. The bourses were positively affected by the results of investigation of (U.S. Special Counsel) Robert Mueller, which revealed no signs of Russia’s involvement in the U.S. elections in 2016, which resulted in easing of sanctions risks,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

Trading on the U.S. bourses was mixed, and moderately pessimistic moods were seen on European floors, she said.

Oil quotations remained in minus by the end of the day and were losing around 0.5–1%.

Oil and gas pipe producer TMK was among growth leaders, with shares jumping 7.07% after the announcement of the sale of a U.S. subsidiary IPSCO Tubulars to Tenaris for U.S. $1.209 billion on March 22.

National top lender Sberbank’s common and preferred shares added 3.03% and 1.91%, respectively.

Gold producer Polyus and fertilizer maker Acron were among outsiders, falling 2.48% and 1%, respectively.

Truck producer Kamaz rose 0.55% after reporting a 23% increase in sales on the year to 4,300 trucks in January–February.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+3.03	214.00	22.848
Lukoil	-0.92	5740.00	3.962
Gazprom	0	152.29	3.419
Norilsk Nickel	0	14280.00	2.466
Rosneft	-1.02	404.25	1.332

(63.7705 rubles – U.S. $1)

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