Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Index Holds Steady; Gold Gains, Oil Declines

Russia’s stock market ended flat on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index closing unchanged at 0.00%. Trading activity remained muted as key stocks showed no movement during the session.

AFK Sistema PJSC (MCX:AFKS) ended the day steady at 15.45, while Aeroflot PJSC (MCX:AFLT) remained at 56.98 and ROSSETI PJSC (MCX:FEES) closed at 0.07. Interestingly, the same companies led both the day’s best and worst performance list, reflecting the lack of price action. Market breadth also stayed neutral, with no advancing or declining stocks reported on the Moscow Stock Exchange.

The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks implied volatility of MOEX options, held firm at 31.90, suggesting cautious sentiment among investors.

In commodities, gold futures for December delivery rose 1.52% to $3,413.80 per troy ounce, supported by safe-haven demand. Meanwhile, energy markets faced selling pressure, with September crude oil contracts falling 2.79% to $67.33 per barrel and October Brent contracts dropping 3.94% to $69.67 per barrel.

Currency markets showed mixed movements. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Russian ruble, with USD/RUB down 1.36% at 80.00, while EUR/RUB edged higher by 0.11% to 92.68. The U.S. Dollar Index Futures also slipped 0.81% to 98.93, reflecting broader dollar softness.

Investors are watching global commodity trends and currency fluctuations closely, as these factors continue to influence Russian market sentiment. The flat close of the MOEX Index highlights cautious positioning amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties impacting Russia’s financial markets.