Russian Stocks End Lower as Energy and Mining Shares Weigh on MOEX Index

Russian stocks closed lower on Thursday, as declines in the oil & gas, telecoms, and mining sectors pressured the broader market. The MOEX Russia Index finished the session down 0.26%, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors amid mixed commodity price movements and heightened market volatility.

By the end of trading in Moscow, losses were widespread, with declining stocks outnumbering advancers by 151 to 91, while seven stocks ended unchanged. The downturn highlighted continued sensitivity of the Russian stock market to energy prices and sector-specific developments, particularly in resource-driven industries.

Despite the overall weakness, several stocks managed to post solid gains. OZON emerged as the top performer on the MOEX Russia Index, rising 3.11% to close at 4,337.00, supported by renewed investor interest in the e-commerce sector. PhosAgro PJSC followed with a 2.53% gain, ending the session at 6,318.00, while MMC Norilsk Nickel added 0.91% to trade at 147.00 in late dealings, benefiting from stability in metals demand.

On the downside, Moskovskiy Kreditnyi Bank PAO recorded the sharpest decline, falling 2.48% to close at 6.34. Real estate developer PIK SHb PJSC slipped 1.91% to 482.00, while Aeroflot PJSC lost 1.68%, ending the day at 56.90, as transport and financial stocks underperformed.

Market uncertainty was also reflected in volatility indicators. The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks implied volatility of MOEX Russia Index options, jumped 11.29% to 30.06, signaling increased risk perception among traders.

In commodities, gold futures for February delivery were flat at $4,505.40 per troy ounce. Oil prices edged lower, with February crude oil down 0.09% to $58.35 a barrel and Brent crude falling 0.14% to $62.29. In currency markets, the Russian ruble strengthened, with USD/RUB down 1.25% to 78.01 and EUR/RUB declining 1.19% to 91.93, providing some support to domestic assets.