Russian stocks may edge up amid neutral foreign environment

MOSCOW, Apr 19 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market may edge up at the opening on Friday, but its further dynamics are uncertain because of the absence of non-residents due to a holiday break on the Western bourses, analysts said.

“The external background looks neutral ahead of the opening of the Russian stock market. The market liquidity is expected to be below the average thanks to a Good Friday break on the U.S. and European stock exchanges,” Vadim Kravchuk, analyst at investment company Solid, said.

Alor Broker analyst Alexei Antonov said that the domestic market is likely to open around 0.3% higher, but its further dynamics are unpredictable in light of a low trade volume and a lack of significant external drivers.

Asian benchmarks are seen in the positive territory, and the Brent oil price is consolidating at around U.S. $72 per barrel.

Local investors will track the decision on dividends for 2018 by the board of directors of oil company Gazprom Neft.

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