Stocks seen mixed as US lifts sanctions from RUSAL, lower oil

MOSCOW, Jan 28 (PRIME) -- The Russian RTS index will likely increase on Monday morning in the wake of the U.S. sanctions lifting from the companies of businessman Oleg Deripaska and a restart of the U.S. government, but the MOEX Russia Index can decrease on a falling oil price, analysts said.

“The RTS can rise today to test 1,200 at the start of trade. The favorable news flow includes the removal of U.S. sanctions against RUSAL, En+ and EuroSibEnergo, and president’s approval of the measures allowing the government to restart full work temporarily,” Olma senior analyst Anton Startsev said.

Vitaly Manzhos, senior risk manager at investment company Algo Capital, said that the MOEX Russia Index will likely open with a 0.3–0.5% downward gap at 2,485–2,490. The levels of 2,480 and 2,470 will act as support and of 2,500–2,510 as resistance.

Brent fell by 1%, the U.S. stock market futures eased, the gold futures added 0.3%, and the Asian markets are mixed, creating a negative background for the start of the trading session, Manzhos said.

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