Russian stocks mixed on growing oil prices, forum in China

MOSCOW, Oct 17 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed mixed on Tuesday on the back of a rise of oil prices and the start of a visit by President Vladimir Putin to China during which his participation in the One Belt One Road forum and a summit with President Xi Jinping are scheduled, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew by 0.38% to 3,247.15, and the RTS index decreased by 0.02% to 1,046.79.

"The quotations on the Russian stock market were supported by quite a pricey oil and the optimistic mood on the global markets," Sofya Kirsanova, portfolio manager at managing company Pervaya, said.

The nearest Brent and WTI futures added about 0.5% in the middle of the Russian session to U.S. $91 and $87.50 per barrel respectively.

"Besides, the international forum One Belt One Road, in which the Russian president will participate, is starting in China. Investors are optimistic about the visit of the head of state to the People's Republic of China hoping for new trade agreements between the countries," Kirsanova said.

According to the analyst, investors focused on strong operating results by X5 Group for July–September and a meeting of the board of directors of Whoosh in order to discuss dividends. The Whoosh's shares decreased 0.03% and the X5 Group's ones 0.90%.

According to Finam analyst Ksenia Lapshina, retailer Lenta grew 1.87% on the news about the purchase of Russia’s largest convenience store chain Monetka for an undisclosed amount.

The transportation sector, earlier among the outsiders of the market, led the growth. The metals and mining and petrochemical sectors were the session's losers, Kirsanova said.

Kozhukhova said that the Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP) and Sovcomflot increased 5.82% and 2.88% respectively most probably supported by the news about a rise of the price of Russian oil transportation on all key trade routes over last week. TMK was also supported by large-scale sales of Russian fuel.

Transneft grew after member of the board of directors Kirill Dmitriyev said that the company was discussing alternatives to a share split.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.86	270.46	12.988
Lukoil	+0.49	7371	10.806
Positive	-4.25	2330	10.315
Gazprom	-0.32	172	3.873
Transneft	+1.63	146450	3.416

(97.2865 rubles – U.S. $1)

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