Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Remain Unresolved as Strait of Hormuz Risks Keep Markets on Edge 
U.S. Launches New Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Peace Deal Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Rally Slows Amid Iran Peace Uncertainty 
Dollar Gains Slightly as U.S.-Iran Tensions Keep Forex Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Hold Near Record Levels as Inflation Concerns Offset Middle East Ceasefire Hopes 
Wall Street Reaches New Record Highs as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Markets 
Oil Prices Fall as Markets Await U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Decision 
European EV Sales Surge in April 2026 as Tesla and Chinese Automakers Gain Ground 
Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Asian Currencies Steady as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes Weigh on Dollar 
Gold Prices Slip as Stronger Dollar and Iran Peace Talk Uncertainty Weigh on Market 
Asian Markets Slide as New U.S. Strikes on Iran Spark Investor Caution 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Russian stocks finished Saturday’s trading session slightly lower overall, with the MOEX Russia Index closing flat at 0.00% in Moscow. Market performance was mixed, as gains in select heavyweight stocks were offset by losses in telecommunications and energy shares, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid movements in global commodities and currencies.
Among the top gainers on the MOEX Russia Index was Polyus PJSC, which climbed 1.85% to close at 2,417.40, supported by higher gold prices. OZON also posted a strong performance, rising 1.36% to 4,541.00 and reaching a new 52-week high, highlighting continued investor confidence in the e-commerce sector. OK Rusal MKPAO added 1.11% to end the session at 34.51, benefiting from interest in metal-related stocks.
On the downside, Rostelekom PJSC slipped 0.56% to 63.64, while TATNEFT n.a. V.D. Shashin declined 0.41% to 581.90. VK Company Ltd also closed lower, easing 0.36% to 304.40. Despite these losses, market breadth remained positive, with advancing stocks outnumbering declining ones by 143 to 81, while 24 securities ended unchanged.
Volatility remained stable, as the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) held steady at 27.46, suggesting no major shift in near-term market expectations. In commodities, gold futures for February delivery rose 1.11%, boosting sentiment in precious metal stocks. In contrast, oil prices moved sharply lower, with February crude oil falling 2.76% to $56.74 per barrel and Brent crude dropping 2.57% to $60.64, pressuring energy-related equities.
In the currency market, the Russian ruble strengthened against major currencies. The USD/RUB pair fell 0.58% to 77.56, while EUR/RUB declined 0.63% to 91.31. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index futures edged up slightly, reflecting modest dollar strength globally.
Overall, Russian stock market performance reflected a balance between commodity-driven gains and sector-specific weakness, leaving the MOEX Index unchanged by the close.
