Russian stocks rise backed by positive corporate news

MOSCOW, Oct 20 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks closed higher on Tuesday supported mainly by positive corporate news, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.31% to 2,803.06 and the RTS increased 0.49% to 1,140.69.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS remained in a small plus by the end of trading thanks to corporate news and foreign optimism,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The foreign background was mixed. Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were adding around 0.3–0.5% by the end of the Russian session. Neutral moods prevailed on European floors. 

The nearest futures for Brent and WTI oil switched to a decline by the end of the day and were losing around 0.5%.

Real estate developer LSR Group was among growth leaders, adding 6.1% after reporting solid operating results for July–September.

VTB Bank’s shares jumped 6.4% on the bank’s plans to pay 50% of net profit calculated under International Financial Reporting Standards in dividends for 2020.

Hydropower giant RusHydro rose 4.22% after the company said it plans to adhere to the current dividend policy.

Global depositary receipts (GDRs) of TCS Group lost 5.2%, GDRs of X5 Retail Group fell 3.66%, and Internet giant Yandex decreased by 1.88%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+3.11	209.08	15.883
Gazprom	+1.71	166.39	7.862
Norilsk Nickel	+1.5	20156.00	6.179
Yandex	-1.88	4373.00	5.050
Lukoil	+1.57	4260.00	3.749

(77.9241 rubles – U.S. $1)

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