Russian stocks seen flat ahead of US non-farm payroll data release

MOSCOW, Jul 5 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market will likely open with marginal changes on Friday as optimism on foreign markets is offset by falling oil prices, and investors will avoid risks ahead of a release of the U.S. non-farm payrolls, analysts said.

“A certain standstill is possible today at the start of trade ahead of the release of U.S. non-farm payroll data, which can provide ground for a certain increase of volatility on the stock markets,” Anton Startsev, senior analyst at investment company Olma, said.

Mikhail Poddubsky, senior analyst at Promsvyazbank, said that global markets are retaining moderate optimism as the idea that the leading world central banks will reduce the rates is very popular.

Investment company Solid said in a research note that the U.S. will return to trade after the Independence Day and investors will more probably focus on positive news, such as reduction of the key rate and restart of the U.S.–China negotiations.

Brent oil has failed to break through U.S. $64 per barrel and resumed a decrease limited at $62.

Georgy Vashchenko, head of investment company Freedom Finance’s department for trade operations on the Russian stock market, said that the MOEX Russia Index guidance for the start of the trading session stands at 2,830–2,850.

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