Russian stocks mixed amid oil price growth, external positivity

MOSCOW, Dec 1 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market was trading in the positive territory during the day on Thursday in light of a favorable external background and rising crude prices, but ended the day mixed, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 0.59% to 2,187.29 and the RTS decreased 0.13% to 1,123.63.

“Moderately positive dynamics were seen on the Russian stock market… Global stock exchanges were growing following the U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s statement that the key rate will be increased at the December meeting,” Freedom Finance Global’s Senior Analyst Natalya Milchakova said.

Restrained optimism of the Russian market was also supported by the energy price dynamics, she added.

Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said that the Brent oil futures advanced by around 2–2.5% close to the short-term resistance line of U.S. $90 per barrel.

Precious metals producers Polymetal International and Seligdar were among the best performers thanks to rising gold, adding 4.20% and 4.16%, respectively.

Far-Eastern Shipping Company, or FESCO, increased by 1.05% on the news the Russia–China trade continues to expand.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.23	136.47	3.891
Polyus	+1.86	7475	3.741
Gazprom	-0.42	167	1.834
Norilsk Nickel	+1.24	14562	1.490
Lukoil	-0.33	4599.5	1.303

(60.8803 rubles – U.S. $1)

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