Russian stocks seen down on negative background, falling oil

MOSCOW, Mar 1 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks may decrease at the opening on Thursday amid a moderately negative foreign background and falling oil prices, analysts said.

“We expect the Russian stock market to open with a decrease to 2,290–2,295 points at the MOEX Russia Index, assuming that amid unfavorable foreign background this stock indicator will remain under pressure of sales,” Oleg Shagov, head of investment company Solid’s research department, said.  

Vitaly Manzhos, senior risk manager at investment company Nord Capital, projects the MOEX Russia Index to fall around 0.3–0.5% to 2,285–2,290 points at the opening.

Brent oil futures are fluctuating around U.S. $64.7 per barrel being pressurized by publication of statistics data that pointed to a resumed growth of the U.S. oil reserves and production.

The leading U.S. stock index futures are suffering losses, while main Asian stock indicators are mostly demonstrating downward dynamics.

Investors will follow President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly, as well as publication of financial results by Aeroflot, TMK, and Mail.ru.

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