Russian Stocks End Lower as Energy and Mining Shares Weigh on MOEX Index 
U.S. Stocks Rally to Record Highs as AI Rebound Fuels Holiday-Shortened Session 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Lebanon Cabinet Approves Financial Gap Law to Tackle Ongoing Economic Crisis 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
China to Tighten Crude Steel Output Controls and Export Regulation Through 2030 
U.S. Stocks Hold Steady After Christmas as Trading Volumes Stay Light 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Holiday-Thinned Trading Persists 
Tokyo Core Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target, Strengthening Case for Further Rate Hikes 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Argentina Congress Approves 2026 Budget Under Milei, Marking First Legislative Passage Since 2023 
China Industrial Profits Slump Signals Need for More Economic Stimulus 
Japan to Audit Brazil’s Beef System, Paving Way for Market Access 
Oil Prices Hold Steady in Asia as Geopolitical Tensions Support Market 
Russian stocks finished Saturday’s trading session slightly lower overall, with the MOEX Russia Index closing flat at 0.00% in Moscow. Market performance was mixed, as gains in select heavyweight stocks were offset by losses in telecommunications and energy shares, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid movements in global commodities and currencies.
Among the top gainers on the MOEX Russia Index was Polyus PJSC, which climbed 1.85% to close at 2,417.40, supported by higher gold prices. OZON also posted a strong performance, rising 1.36% to 4,541.00 and reaching a new 52-week high, highlighting continued investor confidence in the e-commerce sector. OK Rusal MKPAO added 1.11% to end the session at 34.51, benefiting from interest in metal-related stocks.
On the downside, Rostelekom PJSC slipped 0.56% to 63.64, while TATNEFT n.a. V.D. Shashin declined 0.41% to 581.90. VK Company Ltd also closed lower, easing 0.36% to 304.40. Despite these losses, market breadth remained positive, with advancing stocks outnumbering declining ones by 143 to 81, while 24 securities ended unchanged.
Volatility remained stable, as the Russian Volatility Index (RVI) held steady at 27.46, suggesting no major shift in near-term market expectations. In commodities, gold futures for February delivery rose 1.11%, boosting sentiment in precious metal stocks. In contrast, oil prices moved sharply lower, with February crude oil falling 2.76% to $56.74 per barrel and Brent crude dropping 2.57% to $60.64, pressuring energy-related equities.
In the currency market, the Russian ruble strengthened against major currencies. The USD/RUB pair fell 0.58% to 77.56, while EUR/RUB declined 0.63% to 91.31. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index futures edged up slightly, reflecting modest dollar strength globally.
Overall, Russian stock market performance reflected a balance between commodity-driven gains and sector-specific weakness, leaving the MOEX Index unchanged by the close.
