Russian stocks rise amid foreign optimism, oil price growth

MOSCOW, Dec 4 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed higher on Friday amid a moderate optimism on global floors and rising oil prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.70% to 3,184.72 and the RTS increased 1.34% to 1,357.39.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS remained in plus by the end of the trading session, but retreated from the highs of the day due to the lack of new strong growth drivers,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was moderately positive. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were adding around 0.4% by the end of the Russian session. Moderately positive moods were seen on European floors.

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil remained in plus by the evening, but retreated from the day’s highs and were adding within 1%. OPEC+ states have agreed to moderately raise oil production from January, which was positive for the market, Kozhukhova said.

Grocery retailer Lenta was among growth drivers, with its depositary receipts rising by 2.75%. Steelmaker Severstal added 3.4% before the record date for dividends.

Oil and gas pipe maker TMK lost 7.16% after the record date for dividends, precious metals producer Polymetal fell 2.17%, and oil and gas producer Surgutneftegas’ preferred shares lost 2.27%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+2.31	269.21	24.240
Gazprom	+2.1	189.00	8.924
Lukoil	+1.62	5135.00	7.284
Norilsk Nickel	+0.08	23154.00	6.670
Tatneft	+2.82	510.00	4.440

(75.1996 rubles – U.S. $1)

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