Russian stocks mixed amid sanctions pressure, favorable background

MOSCOW, Mar 29 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed mixed on Friday being under the influence of sanctions news amid a positive foreign background, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.19% to 2,497.10 and the RTS decreased 0.76% to 1,198.11.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS retreated from the highs of the day by the end of Friday’s trading on the news regarding the preparation of new sanctions by the U.S., as reported by the media,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were adding 0.5–0.7% by the end of Russia’s session. Optimistic moods were seen on European floors.

Oil quotations slowed growth by the evening, but were adding around 1–1.5%.

Oil company RussNeft and power producer Mosenergo were among growth leaders, adding 1.09% and 1.25%, respectively. Rail car producer United Wagon Company (UWC) and metals and mining group Mechel were among outsiders, losing 4.57% and 2.17%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-0.3	214.42	18.554
Lukoil	+0.24	5894.00	4.160
Gazprom	-0.25	149.61	3.970
Norilsk Nickel	+2.11	13720.00	2.971
Rosneft	+1.1	412.00	1.907

(64.8012 rubles – U.S. $1)

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