Russian stocks rise in line with foreign floors, oil prices

MOSCOW, Jan 16 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Thursday backed by positive dynamics of foreign floors and rising oil prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.79% to 3,157.23 and the RTS increased 0.65% to 1,612.72.

“The MOEX Russia Index and RTS remained in plus by the end of trading pushed upward by favorable internal and external news,” Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

Trading in the U.S. started with growth of three main indices, which were gaining around 0.5–0.8% by the end of the Russian session. The U.S. and China signed the first stage of the trade agreement and pledged to start discussing the second one soon. In Europe, neutral dynamics prevailed on stock floors.

Brent and WTI oil quotations were adding around 1% by the evening following the improvement of global risk appetite.

Power producer Wholesale Generating Company-2 (WGC-2) and metals and mining company Mechel were among growth leaders, rising by 6.34% and 4.38%, respectively. Internet giant Yandex’ shares added 1.11% after new Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin promised support for the company.

Diamond giant ALROSA and the Moscow Exchange were among outsiders, losing 1.56% and 1.19%, respectively.  

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.47	257.51	10.368
Gazprom	+1.18	254.26	9.751
Lukoil	+0.57	6590.00	6.721
Magnit	+5.38	3625.00	5.819
RusHydro	-3.8	0.64	4.959

(61.4328 rubles – U.S. $1)

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