Russia Stocks Slide as MOEX Hits 1-Month Low

Russian stocks fell sharply on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index dropping 1.89% to a one-month low, driven by declines in the Telecoms, Oil & Gas, and Power sectors. Market sentiment turned bearish as most major stocks ended in negative territory.

Among the least-affected stocks, Transneft PJSC Pref (MCX:TRNF_p) edged down 0.43% to close at 1,196.00. TATNEFT (MCX:TATN) lost 1.57% to finish at 676.80, while Polyus PJSC (MCX:PLZL) slipped 0.51% to 1,870.40.

However, significant losses were recorded by Gazprom PJSC (MCX:GAZP), down 0.99% to 143.99, and e-commerce giant ADS Ozon Holdings (MCX:OZONDR), which plunged 5.94% to 3,538.50. Aeroflot PJSC (MCX:AFLT) also declined 1.13%, ending the session at 66.45.

Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative, with 72 stocks declining versus just 7 advancing on the Moscow Exchange. The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), a gauge of market uncertainty, surged 9.17% to 45.59, signaling rising investor anxiety.

In commodities, Gold Futures for June rose 1.16% to $3,126.80 per troy ounce, reflecting increased demand for safe-haven assets. Crude oil for May delivery fell 0.80% to $69.36 per barrel, while June Brent dropped 0.79% to $72.76.

On the currency front, the Russian ruble weakened against major currencies. USD/RUB climbed 0.53% to 84.95, and EUR/RUB increased 0.77% to 91.97. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures slipped 0.27% to 103.71.

Investors remain cautious amid market volatility and currency pressure, as global and domestic factors continue to weigh on Russian equities.