Russia Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity and Currency Moves

Russian stocks finished the latest trading session mixed after the close on Saturday, as gains in select blue-chip shares were offset by declines in energy and technology names. By the end of trading in Moscow, the MOEX Russia Index closed unchanged at 0.00%, reflecting a cautious and balanced sentiment among investors in the Russian stock market.

Among the top performers on the MOEX Russia Index, Federal Hydro Generating Company RusHydro PJSC showed notable strength, rising 1.27% to close at 0.43. Moskovskiy Kreditnyi Bank PAO also advanced, adding 0.61% to finish at 6.41, while AFK Sistema PJSC gained 0.46%, ending the session at 13.19. These gains helped support the broader index despite weakness in other sectors.

On the downside, ROSSETI PJSC was among the weakest performers, slipping 0.64% to trade at 0.08 by the close. NOVATEK PJSC declined 0.33%, losing 4.00 points to end at 1,192.00, while VK Company Ltd edged lower by 0.17% to 296.80. Overall market breadth remained positive, with advancing stocks outnumbering decliners by 150 to 67, while 24 stocks finished unchanged on the Moscow Stock Exchange.

Market volatility remained subdued, as the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) closed flat at 22.65, marking a new 52-week low and signaling reduced investor uncertainty. In the commodities market, gold futures for February delivery fell 0.61% to $4,595.40 per troy ounce. Oil prices moved higher, with February crude oil rising 0.42% to $59.44 per barrel, while March Brent crude gained 0.58% to trade at $64.13.

In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened against major currencies. The USD/RUB pair declined 0.32% to 78.00, and EUR/RUB fell 0.40% to 90.47. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures edged up 0.08% to 99.20, reflecting modest dollar strength globally.