Russian stocks rise on oil price growth, foreign background

MOSCOW, Aug 20 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks increased on Monday supported by growing oil prices and a positive foreign background, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.77% to 2,272.49 and the RTS increased 1.20% to 1,065.34.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS index remained on the positive territory by the end of trading on Monday,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

“The beginning of the week on the Russian stock market as a whole passed on an optimistic note, but the bulls should not enjoy too much yet. Purchases will be no more than local at least until Wednesday, as investors are afraid of new restrictive measures by the U.S.,” she said.

Trading in the U.S. opened with growth of main indices, and positive moods were on European floors.

Oil quotations growth accelerated by the evening to 0.3–0.7%.

Retailer Magnit was among the growth leaders, with its shares rising 1.86% being backed by the company’s plan to consider an up to U.S. $200 million buyback program. Gold producer Polyus added 3.77%.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+0.87	191.20	9.500
Magnit	+1.86	4108.00	2.159
Norilsk Nickel	+1.19	10950.00	1.685
ALROSA	+1.45	95.25	1.525
Lukoil	+0.25	4386.00	1.182

(66.8757 rubles – U.S. $1)

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