Russian stocks rise backed by growth on foreign floors

MOSCOW, Sep 21 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Friday backed by positive dynamics on foreign floors and growing oil prices, while ignoring the new U.S. sanctions list, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 1.08% to 2,426.80, and the RTS increased 0.78% to 1,149.53.

“The Russian stock market is finishing the week on an optimistic note not paying much attention to the new U.S. sanctions list,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said. “On Monday (September 24), a possible drop in oil prices in case of signals about a future increase in OPEC+ production will be one of the main risks for the ‘bulls’. As for the rest, investors are not afraid either of sanctions or trade confrontations,” she said.

The ruble remained in small minus against the dollar and euro by the evening, she said.

Trading in the U.S. started with growth of main indices, and optimistic moods were seen on European floors. Oil quotations accelerated growth by the end of trading in Russia and were adding 0.6–1.2%, Kozhukhova said.  

Multi-industry holding Sistema and gas giant Gazprom were among growth leaders, adding 3.62% and 2.78%, respectively. Metals and mining company Mechel and fertilizer maker Uralkali were among outsiders, losing 5.17% and 5.94%, respectively.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+1.19	193.44	20.987
Gazprom	+2.78	158.64	7.609
Lukoil	+0.78	4737.50	6.680
Norilsk Nickel	+3.14	12073.00	3.972
Tatneft	+1.58	795.50	3.335

(66.4725 rubles – U.S. $1)

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