Russian stocks rise amid uncertain oil price, ruble dynamics

MOSCOW, Feb 16 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks moderately grew on Thursday amid uncertain dynamics of oil prices and the ruble rate, analysts said.

The MICEX increased 0.53% to 2,148.48 and the RTS rose 0.30% to 1,176.11.

“The indices are trading with insignificant changes, trying to determine their direction while not receiving clear signals from the commodities segment,” InstaForex analyst Igor Kovalyov said.

Oil prices were growing during almost entire trading day, trying to consolidate above U.S. $56 per barrel, but switched to a decline trend before the trading’s close.

“Investors are not showing major activity on the Russian market, consolidating in expectation of fresh drivers. A return of Brent quotations to over $56 (per barrel) is necessary to improve the indices’ mood,” Kovalyov said.

Internet giant Yandex was among growth leaders, having risen 6.46% on expectations of revenue growth of 16–19% in 2017, Forex Club analyst Irina Rogova said.

Below are the MICEX’ five most active stocks on Thursday:

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.83	166.49	7.301
Gazprom	-0.40	139.16	4.610
Rosneft	+0.56	362.00	1.752
Norilsk Nickel	+0.17	9957.00	1.678
Magnit	-0.70	9930.00	1.548

(56.7719 rubles – U.S. $1)

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