Russian stocks rise on positive background, growing oil

MOSCOW, Jul 26 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks moderately grew on Thursday amid a positive foreign background, rising oil prices, and a stable ruble, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index rose 0.45% to 2,293.07 and the RTS increased 0.62% to 1,148.79.

“The Russian stock market is growing at a medium speed on Thursday in the absence of negative news. It seems that market participants have adapted to the threat of new sanctions, but are making purchases cautiously, without losing their vigilance. Apparently, the growth potential of the Russian stock market will remain limited in the near future,” Freedom Finance analyst Anastasia Sosnova said.

European indices are adding 0.8% amid de-escalation of tensions in the E.U.–U.S. relations, she said.

Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said that oil quotations are adding nearly 1% on the back of news about reduced oil exports from Saudi Arabia.

Retailer Magnit was the growth leader, jumping 5.68% after reporting stronger than expected financial results for April–June, with revenue rising 6.5% to 306.701 billion rubles, as calculated under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Internet company Yandex added 1.61% on reports that its revenue increased 34% on the year to 29.672 billion rubles in April–June, as calculated under the U.S. GAAP standards.

Coal producer Raspadskaya rose 2.23% after reporting that it boosted coal concentrate sales by 5% on the year to 3.529 million tonnes in January–June.

Precious metals producer Polymetal International added 0.42% on reports that its gold production increased 15% on the year to 446,000 ounces in January–June.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-1.73	210.00	12.670
Magnit	+5.68	4280.00	4.172
Lukoil	+0.8	4420.00	3.321
Norilsk Nickel	-0.17	10827.00	1.585
Gazprom	-0.02	138.18	1.494

(63.0836 rubles – U.S. $1)

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