Russian stocks neutral on calm oil price dynamics

MOSCOW, Apr 4 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market closed with marginal changes on Thursday, slightly pressurized after the U.S. announced new possible sanctions against Moscow but stable amid weak oil price dynamics, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 0.13% to 2,535.50, and the RTS index decreased 0.36% to 1,219.94.

“The Russian market, as well as the European markets, was reluctant to show positive dynamics in spite of quite positive foreign background,” Sofya Kirsanova, analyst at managing company Raiffeisen Capital, said. “Falling oil and the reemerging threat of anti-Russian sanctions have fully erased external optimism for the Russian markets.”

Anastasia Sosnova, analyst at investment company Freedom Finance, said that Brent oil continued to trade in a U.S. $69–70 per barrel range.

The U.S. Congress submitted a bill on sanctions against Russia for possible meddling with future elections, which strengthened fears that restrictive measures against Russia, most of all, the banking sector, will toughen.

According to Kirsanova, the news that U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet with the deputy prime minister of China’s State Council, who participated in all previous meetings, is positive for the foreign markets as the final stage of negotiations is approaching.

Sosnova said that Cherkizovo lost 5.44% after publication of its IPO price range of 1,875–2,125 rubles per share, which is too pricey, she said.

Alexandra Ovchinnikova, junior analyst at investment company Freedom Finance, said that Polyus fell for the second trading session in a row after announcement of sale of a 3.84% stake by structures owned by Said Kerimov at a lower than the market price.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.26	221.8	11.417
Polyus	-4.14	5100	4.058
Lukoil	-1.03	5865	3.674
Gazprom	+1.21	158.89	3.623
Norilsk Nickel	+0.72	14288	1.849

(65.1639 rubles – U.S. $1)

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