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U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
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Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
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U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
Dow Hits Record High as Healthcare and Consumer Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally 
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Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Russian stocks closed mostly flat on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index ending the day unchanged at 0.00%. Investor sentiment was mixed as gains in select energy stocks were offset by declines in others.
Surgutneftegas PJSC (MCX:SNGS) led the session with a 1.00% gain to 23.18, followed by TATNEFT n.a. V.D. Shashin Pref (MCX:TATN_p), which rose 0.93% to 661.60. NOVATEK PJSC (MCX:NVTK) also advanced, gaining 0.84% to close at 1,169.80.
On the downside, ROSSETI PJSC (MCX:FEES) remained flat at 0.07, while Polyus PJSC (MCX:PLZL) dipped 0.19% to 1,745.40. Rostelekom PJSC (MCX:RTKM) slipped 0.19%, closing at 57.15.
Market breadth was positive, with 59 stocks rising, 38 declining, and 3 remaining unchanged on the Moscow Exchange. The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which measures implied volatility on MOEX options, was unchanged at 38.08, marking a one-month low.
Commodities markets showed strong momentum. Gold futures for June delivery climbed 1.15% or $38.00 to $3,344.00 per troy ounce. Crude oil prices also surged, with the June contract rising 1.85% to $61.02 per barrel and July Brent gaining 1.70% to $63.91.
In forex, the Russian ruble weakened slightly. USD/RUB rose 0.11% to 82.50, while EUR/RUB increased 0.29% to 92.80. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures slipped 0.32% to 100.17, reflecting global currency shifts amid commodity gains.
Traders continue to monitor geopolitical and energy sector developments, which remain key drivers for Russia’s equity and currency markets.
