Russian stocks mixed on no strong stimuli, futures expiration

MOSCOW, Mar 21 (PRIME) -- The MOEX Russia Index closed with marginal changes on Thursday as oil demonstrated no strong trends and the foreign markets showed mixed dynamics, analysts said.

The RTS index was supported by quarterly expiration of futures.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.14% to 2,507.81, and the RTS index grew 0.93% to 1,237.68.

“The Russian market calmed down after the MOEX Russia Index broke through 2,500. Growth is limited by a strengthening ruble, and there are no more significant reasons to rise,” Andrei Kochetkov, analyst at Otkritie Broker, said.

Vasily Oleinik, expert at investment company Finam, said that the European markets demonstrated mixed dynamics, Brent remained a bit higher than U.S. $68 per barrel, and there was no strong trend on the Russian market either. The RTS was supported by quarterly expiration of futures for the Russian indices and shares, and a 1,200 notch of the RTS is a level many hope will remain.

Kochetkov said that the U.S dollar pressure on the ruble decreased and the Russian central bank might reduce the interest rates earlier than planned but investors will know the estimates and assessment of the current situation by the ruler only on Friday.

Kochetkov said that MTS firmed significantly, rising 3.88% on approval of a new dividend policy.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.39	210.61	14.163
Lukoil	-0.19	5759	6.417
Gazprom	-0.49	155.33	4.370
Norilsk Nickel	-0.18	14290	3.152
Rosneft	+0.24	409.5	2.148

(64.2803 rubles – U.S. $1)

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