MOEX Russia Index Hits 3-Month High as Energy Stocks Lead Gains

Russian stocks closed mixed on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index finishing flat but reaching a new three-month high. Despite ending the session unchanged at 0.00%, investor sentiment remained supported by strong performances in major energy shares on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX).

Among the top gainers on the MOEX Russia Index were TATNEFT n.a. V.D. Shashin (MCX:TATN), which climbed 3.04% to 559.50 rubles. LUKOIL PJSC (MCX:LKOH) followed closely, advancing 2.99% to close at 5,376.50 rubles. Preferred shares of TATNEFT (MCX:TATN_p) also performed well, rising 2.98% to 535.00 rubles. Strength in oil-related stocks helped offset broader market weakness and supported the benchmark index’s move to a multi-month high.

However, market breadth indicated underlying pressure, as declining stocks significantly outnumbered advancers by 185 to 51, while 11 shares ended unchanged. Federal Hydro Generating Company RusHydro PJSC (MCX:HYDR) led the losers, falling 1.80% to 0.44 rubles. Retail giant Magnit PJSC (MCX:MGNT) dropped 1.65% to 3,304.00 rubles, and Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MCX:MAGN) slipped 1.30% to 31.10 rubles.

Volatility remained subdued, with the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) holding steady at 23.92, marking a one-month low and signaling relatively stable investor expectations.

In commodities trading, gold futures for April delivery surged 1.03% to $5,267.20 per troy ounce. Crude oil prices also strengthened, with April contracts rising 2.78% to $67.02 per barrel, while May Brent crude gained 2.87% to $72.87 per barrel.

Currency markets saw the Russian ruble weaken slightly, as USD/RUB increased 0.55% to 77.30 and EUR/RUB rose 0.69% to 91.32. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index futures edged down 0.17% to 97.57, reflecting modest pressure on the greenback.

Overall, gains in energy stocks and firm commodity prices helped Russia’s benchmark index maintain its upward momentum, even as broader market participation remained uneven.