Russian stocks increase on positive background, rising oil

MOSCOW, Jan 30 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Wednesday supported by a moderately positive foreign background and growing oil prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.54% to 2,511.86 and the RTS Index increased 0.64% to 1,198.99.

“On Wednesday, the Russian stock market opened with a small decrease amid a mixed news background, after which it took an upward trend thanks to rising oil. A positive trend was observed throughout the trading session, and the MOEX Russia Index managed to renew its historical high,” Veles Capital analysts said.

The European indices finished the day with mixed dynamics, and the U.S. markets grew at the opening.

Metals giant Norilsk Nickel added 2.86% on strong production results, while flagship air carrier Aeroflot and oil pipeline monopoly Transneft’s preferred shares were also among growth leaders, rising 2.36% and 1.8%, respectively.

En+ Group’s global depositary receipts (GDRs) and shares of aluminum giant UC RUSAL and Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) were among outsiders, losing 5.66%, 3.34%, and 2.07%, respectively.  

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.22	213.14	12.699
Gazprom	+1.5	165.40	4.130
Norilsk Nickel	+2.86	13639.00	3.186
Lukoil	+0.59	5227.00	2.379
Rosneft	+0.7	415.80	1.469

(66.3412 rubles – U.S. $1)

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