Russian stocks rise thanks to global markets’ optimism

MOSCOW, May 18 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market grew on Monday following strengthening Western bourses and crude prices, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 3.87% to 2,694.25 and the RTS rose 5.45% to 1,167.88.

“The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS index demonstrated a confident growth on Monday to close within the 2,600–2,700 and the 1,100–1,170 ranges, respectively (as)… the global stock markets’ sentiment improved sharply,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The Brent crude price, the European and the U.S. stock exchanges were seen in the positive territory during the day, she added.

Investors hope for recovery of the economic activity and additional government stimulation if the markets need it, Kozhukhova also said.

Russian energy stocks were among the top gainer following the dynamics of crude prices with the Brent oil blend growing above U.S. $35 per barrel for the first time since early April.

Freedom Finance analyst Valery Yemelyanov said that major Russian metals producers added 3–6% thanks to hopes for a rise in global demand for raw materials.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	+2.76	188.93	14.535
Lukoil	+6.07	5170.5	12.799
Gazprom	+4.7	192.5	11.371
Norilsk Nickel	+6.28	21474	7.482
Rosneft	+7.14	375.05	7.280

(73.2056 rubles – U.S. $1)

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