Russia Stocks Slip as Oil and Telecom Sectors Drag MOEX Lower

Russian stocks closed lower on Saturday, with the MOEX Russia Index dropping 2.71%, marking a one-month low. The decline was led by sharp losses in the oil, gas, telecom, and mining sectors, reflecting broader market weakness amid falling commodity prices.

Despite the bearish trend, a few stocks managed to post gains. PhosAgro PJSC (MCX:PHOR) rose 1.80% to 5,932.00, supported by investor interest in the fertilizer producer. PIK SHb PJSC (MCX:PIKK) added 1.46%, ending at 501.00, while Magnit PJSC (MCX:MGNT) climbed 1.23% to close at 4,470.00.

However, losses outweighed gains on the Moscow Stock Exchange, with 48 stocks declining compared to 29 gainers. The session’s biggest loser was ADS Ozon Holdings PLC (MCX:OZONDR), plunging 6.30% to 3,486.50. TATNEFT (MCX:TATN) dropped 1.63% to 608.10, and national airline Aeroflot (MCX:AFLT) slipped 1.35% to 65.56.

Volatility eased slightly, with the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) down 0.58% to 49.43, signaling reduced market uncertainty despite the sharp index drop.

Commodity markets also faced heavy selling. Gold futures for June delivery declined 2.76% to $3,035.40 per troy ounce. Crude oil for May delivery plunged 7.41% to $61.99 per barrel, while Brent crude for June shed 6.50% to $65.58.

In currency markets, the US dollar gained ground against the ruble, with USD/RUB rising 0.47% to 84.50. EUR/RUB edged lower by 0.39% to 92.57. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index rose 0.95% to 102.77, reflecting overall greenback strength.