Russian stocks rise as investors receive Gazprom's dividends

MOSCOW, Oct 25 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market increased on Tuesday after Gazprom's dividends arrived on the brokerage accounts to be reinvested, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 3.23% to 2,130.65, and the RTS index increased 2.66% to 1,090.96.

"The Russian stock market gained strongly in the middle of the session, which can be explained by the receipt of record Gazprom dividends on the brokerage accounts and by expectations of their market reinvestment," Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

According to the analyst, the external background was moderately negative, as the Euro Stoxx 50 index lost 0.2% by the middle of the Russian session, the nearest Brent and WTI futures dropped by 1.5% and consolidated below U.S. $90 and $85 respectively on the back of a restrained global risk appetite and stabilization of the U.S. dollar. In the U.S., the S&P 500 index fell by 0.2%, correcting after growth.

Kozhukhova said that Ozon's securities (+6.93%) were supported by restructuring of a $750 million bond maturing in 2026, which received support of 75% of the holders.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+4.96	124.69	13.002
Gazprom	+5.03	173.79	6.817
Lukoil	+2.69	4559	2.701
Rosneft	+5.04	329.4	2.362
Polyus	+2.53	6370	1.570

(61.1629 rubles – U.S. $1)

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