Russian stocks may open flat on mixed foreign market trends

MOSCOW, Dec 21 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market may open near the levels of the previous trading session closing on Wednesday because of mixed or weak dynamics at foreign markets, analysts said.

“It seems that the MICEX will demonstrate near-zero dynamics at the opening due to an ambiguous external background. Furthermore, the quotations of the corresponding futures showed neutral dynamics at the afternoon session,” Finam analyst Timur Nigmatullin said.

Asian markets are demonstrating mixed dynamics and the U.S. stock market futures are almost flat. Oil is slightly gaining with the Brent blend price amounting to U.S. $56.51.

A Bloomberg poll showed that 55% of experts expect a repeal of U.S. sanctions against Russia within a year. Olma senior analyst Anton Startsev said that this adds to the optimism of market participants.

Vitaly Manzhos, a senior analyst at Bank Obrazovanie, said that the MICEX is expected to open at 2,225–2,230. The levels of 2,220 and 2,210 are expected to be the support zone, and of 2,240 and 2,250 the resistance zone.

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