Russian stocks rise on hopes for peace in Ukraine

MOSCOW, Mar 30 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market increased on Wednesday as the latest round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv sparked hopes of an imminent peace, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose by 4.34% to 2,513.03 and the RTS increased by 7.67% to 949.23.

“On Wednesday, the world’s stock markets showed mixed dynamics in reaction to the signs of softening geopolitical tensions. After the Russian–Ukrainian negotiations in Turkey, representatives of the Defense Ministry said that the Russian troops were slashing activity in the directions of Kyiv and Chernihiv,” Alexei Kalachyov, analyst at investment company Finam, said.

Veles Capital analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said that the external background supported the Russian market the Tuesday negotiations of Russia and Ukraine created hopes for peace.

The European bourses grew on Tuesday in reaction to a possible peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine. Even the Brent oil price supported the national market by gaining around 2%. On the one hand, peace between Russia and Ukraine would reduce geopolitical risks, but on the other hand, sanction pressure on Russia will remain meaning oil supply may stay limited, Kozhukhova said.

“Our market closed on Tuesday before the news from Turkey came. Stabilization of the geopolitical issue will be a positive factor for the companies focused on the internal market,” Vladislav Silayev, senior trader ad managing company Alfa-Capital, said.

Kalachyov also said that the national market remains volatile -- depositary receipts of agricultural holding Rusagro jumped by 29.51% to 1,120 rubles.

The board of directors of power holding Inter RAO recommended paying about 0.24 rubles per share in dividends for 2021, distributing 100% of the net profit for the year and the company gained 25.54% to 2.497 rubles, he said.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Gazprom	+3.85	216.00	8.338
Sberbank	+4.53	134.60	4.754
Yandex	+6.63	2154.00	3.813
VK	+9.69	559.40	3.526
PhosAgro	-10.75	7950.00	2.138

(86.2843 rubles – U.S. $1)

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