Russian Stocks Close Flat as Gold and Oil Prices Decline

Russian equities ended Saturday’s session largely unchanged, with the MOEX Russia Index holding steady at 0.00%. Market activity reflected mixed performances across key sectors on the Moscow Stock Exchange.

Polyus PJSC (MCX:PLZL) led gainers, adding 0.63% to close at 1,926.60, followed by Moskovskiy Kreditnyi Bank (MCX:CBOM), which climbed 0.63% to 7.22. Unipro PJSC (MCX:UPRO) also advanced 0.61% to 1.48. In contrast, AFK Sistema PJSC (MCX:AFKS) fell 0.70% to 15.76, while PIK SHb PJSC (MCX:PIKK) dropped 0.63% to 614.40 and VK Company Ltd (MCX:VKCO) slipped 0.34% to 324.30.

Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners 101 to 42, with six issues remaining unchanged. The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), tracking implied volatility for MOEX options, stayed flat at 34.30.

Commodity markets saw broader weakness. Gold futures for August delivery dropped 1.12% to $3,335.60 per troy ounce. Crude oil for September delivery fell 1.32% to $65.16 a barrel, while Brent oil for September slid 1.07% to $68.44.

Currency movements were modest. The U.S. dollar gained 0.20% against the ruble to 79.41, while the euro rose 0.15% to 93.24. The U.S. Dollar Index futures climbed 0.29% to 97.40, signaling continued dollar strength amid global commodity pressures.

The flat close of Russia’s main stock benchmark highlights ongoing investor caution as commodity volatility and currency fluctuations weigh on market sentiment. Traders remain attentive to global economic signals, with energy and gold price trends likely to influence Russian market direction in the coming sessions.