Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength

Russian stocks finished the latest trading session on a mixed note, with the MOEX Russia Index closing flat as gains in select blue-chip shares were offset by losses in others. At the close of trading in Moscow, the benchmark MOEX Russia Index remained unchanged at 0.00%, reflecting a cautious mood among investors amid movements in global commodities and currency markets.

Several stocks stood out as top performers during the session. ROSSETI PJSC showed notable strength, rising by 2.24% to close at 0.08. Bank VTB PJSC also posted gains, advancing 1.61% to finish at 84.54, while Magnitogorskiy Metallurgicheskiy Kombinat PAO climbed 1.50% to end the day at 32.23. These advances helped support the broader Russian stock market despite pressure from weaker performers.

On the downside, Polyus PJSC led losses among major stocks, slipping 0.21% to close at 2,626.20. OZON shares edged lower by 0.18% to 4,517.00, while Aeroflot PJSC dipped marginally by 0.02% to 56.60. Overall market breadth remained positive, as advancing stocks outnumbered declining ones by 168 to 56, with 19 stocks ending the session unchanged.

Market volatility showed little change, with the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) holding steady at 27.10, signaling stable expectations among traders. In commodities, gold prices surged, with April gold futures jumping 1.85% to $4,979.80 per troy ounce, boosting interest in safe-haven assets. Oil prices also moved higher, as March crude oil futures rose 0.41% to $63.55 per barrel, while April Brent crude gained 0.74% to trade at $68.05.

In the currency market, the Russian ruble weakened against major currencies. The U.S. dollar climbed 0.33% against the ruble to 77.00, while the euro rose 0.67% to 90.99. Meanwhile, U.S. Dollar Index futures slipped 0.19% to 97.51, reflecting broader dollar softness globally.