Russian stocks mixed amid growth of US floors, falling oil

MOSCOW, Jan 15 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed mixed on Wednesday amid positive dynamics of the U.S. indices and falling oil prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.09% to 3,132.63 and the RTS decreased 0.17% to 1,602.29.

“The market, in fact, did not show a significant reaction to the news about the resignation of the Russian government,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukova said.

The foreign background was mixed, she said. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were adding around 0.2–0.4% by the end of the Russian session, while moderately negative moods prevailed on European floors.

Oil prices were losing less than 0.5% ahead of the publication of the U.S. oil reserves data.

Metals and mining company Mechel and telecom operator Rostelecom were among growth leaders, gaining 6.62% and 3.63%, respectively.

Vodka producer Beluga Group’s shares jumped % after the company said its sales rose 9.3% to 14.124 million decaliters in 2019.

Safmar of Mikhail Gutseriyev and hydropower giant RusHydro were among outsiders, losing 3.27% and 3.16%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-1.06	256.31	12.662
Gazprom	+0.52	251.30	11.001
Lukoil	+0.49	6552.50	6.885
Magnit	+3.02	3440.00	5.269
RusHydro	-3.16	0.6653	4.924

(61.4140 rubles – U.S. $1)

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