Russian stocks raise on strong ruble, Russian–Chinese coop news

MOSCOW, Dec 30 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market increased on Friday on the back of strengthening ruble and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s cooperation talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index firmed by 0.33% to 2,154.12 and the RTS increased 3.61% to 970.60.

“By the end of the main session on Friday, the Russian stock market was little changed in the ruble segment and rose steadily in the dollar segment thanks to the ruble,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The online talks between Chinese and Russian presidents gave a positive boost to the Russian stock market, Freedom Finance Global’s senior analyst Natalya Milchakova said.

The dialogue suggested that Russia is becoming one of the leading suppliers of energy to China, and this was “a bullish factor” for the stocks of the largest exporters of Russian raw materials, the analyst added.

Mechel preferred shares were the gain leaders on the news that China has become the leading buyer of Russian coal, Milchakova said. In anticipation of increased cargo transshipment to China, Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP) shares grew, while MMK shares were supported by expectations of stronger demand for steel in China and Russia, she added.

The list of outsiders was headed by Qiwi depositary receipts, which corrected after recent growth.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.18	141.21	3.321
Gazprom	-0.12	162.72	1.698
Lukoil	+1.26	4072.5	1.598
Oil Resource Group	+20.74	9.08	0.978
Magnit	-1.04	4361.5	0.973

(71.9778 rubles – U.S. $1)

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