Russian stocks trade mixed, close higher on controversial drivers

MOSCOW, Oct 8 (PRIME) -- The Russian stock market demonstrated mixed dynamics during the day with the RTS index supported by a strengthening ruble, but both stock indices managed to close higher on Thursday, analysts said.

The MOEX Russia Index grew 0.13% to 2,846.39 and the RTS increased 1.30% to 1,158.82.

“The MOEX Russia and the RTS indices demonstrated no single dynamics (during the day) due to corporate and currency reasons… The dollar-denominated RTS index was pushed up by the strengthening ruble,” Veles Broker analyst Yelena Kozhukhova said.

The Moscow Exchange’s metals and mining index demonstrated the best performance rising by 1.23% by the end of the trading session, she added.

Diamond producer ALROSA increased 2.12% ahead of the operating data release planned for Friday.

Kozhukhova also said that consumer market stocks were demanded as a safety asset due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic situation.

Otkritie Broker analyst Andrei Kochetkov said that the transport sector was among the worst performers with national air carrier Aeroflot opening gap down and falling 5.83% following a placement of new shares.

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

Company	Change, %	Last price, rbl	Trading volume, bln rbl
Sberbank	-1.23	208	9.936
Gazprom	-0.73	167	5.714
Lukoil	+0.38	4491	4.092
Norilsk Nickel	+1.83	18996	3.592
Yandex	-0.72	4745	3.510

(78.0921 rubles – U.S. $1)

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