Russian stocks increase backed by high oil prices

MOSCOW, Apr 22 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Monday supported by a jump of oil prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.81% to 2,584.74 and the RTS increased 1.17% to 1,275.59.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS Index remained in plus by the end of trading on Monday thanks to high oil prices,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was moderately positive. Oil quotations remained in plus and were adding around 2.5% after the U.S. said it will eliminate in May all waivers granted to eight economies allowing them to buy Iranian oil without facing U.S. sanctions.

Trading in the U.S. was mixed, while European floors remained closed for Easter holidays.

Oil company Bashneft’s common and preferred shares were among growth leaders, adding 1.7% and 2.09%, respectively. Power producer Mosenergo and metals and mining company Mechel were among outsiders, losing 2.06% and 0.86%, respectively.  

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.21	233.70	10.397
Lukoil	+1.57	5690.00	1.568
Gazprom	+0.57	163.50	1.464
Rosneft	+1.76	439.60	1.048
M.Video	+1.4	419.90	0.721

(63.9602 rubles – U.S. $1)

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