Russian stocks rise on oil price, foreign markets' growth

MOSCOW, Dec 28 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market increased on Tuesday following rising prices on the energy and foreign stock markets, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew by 0.99% to 3,777.56, and the RTS index increased by 0.55% to 1,611.75.

"Local investors continued purchases today following positive external background and the rising raw materials prices,” Vladislav Silayev, senior trader at Alfa-Capital, said.

“The factor of a short workweek has scared no one so far. The oil and gas securities are the favorites, and they propel the rest of the market higher."

Yelena Kozhukhova, a Veles Capital analyst, said that the background for the Russian trading session was positive as the nearest Brent and WTI futures gained about 1.5% in the middle of the session on remaining risk appetite. The market expects OPEC plus members to stick to their earlier plan to raise the monthly oil output quota by 400,000 barrels per day at the next meeting in January.

The European markets rose moderately after France and the U.K. decided against introduction of severer restrictions against the pandemic for the holidays. Investors also expect a milder monetary policy in Europe than in the U.S. in 2022. The U.S. stock market futures edged up in a New Year rally, the analyst said.

Russia's Petropavlovsk decreased 2.61% as investors did not see an expected gold price rise in 2021 and novelties in the dividend policy of the company.

Sistema led the market, rising 4.74% on continuation of a buyback program and expectations of its expansion. 

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Gazprom	+0.44	345.48	10.144
Sberbank	+0.12	296.04	10.058
Lukoil	+1.25	6477.5	6.120
Norilsk Nickel	+0.54	22650	4.910
Rosneft	+2.23	595	2.848

(73.2329 – U.S. $1)  

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