Russian stocks seen flat on neutral background, stable oil

MOSCOW, Oct 19 (PRIME) -- Russian stocks will likely open at the level of Wednesday’s close on Thursday amid a neutral foreign background and stable oil prices, analysts said.

“We expect the Russian stock market to open around the level of yesterday’s close at MICEX (2,094.4 points), assuming to see its further attempts to grow above the psychological notch of 2,100 points in case of improvement of the foreign background,” Oleg Shagov, head of the investment company Solid’s research department, said.

The ultimate influence of key external factors that have a significant impact on the Russian financial market is close to neutral today, Shagov said. Brent oil futures are fluctuating around U.S. $58.1 per barrel, correcting after growth spurred by a reduction of the U.S. oil output and reserves.

The leading U.S. stock index futures are not changing much, and main Asian stock indicators are not showing single dynamics.

Investors will follow publication of operating results by retailer Lenta and gold producer Polyus, as well as financial results of X5 Retail Group later on Thursday.

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