The Moscow stock exchange saw a positive session on Friday, with the MOEX Russia Index closing up by 0.32%, reaching a new three-month high. The rise was primarily influenced by strong performances in the Mining, Power, and Oil & Gas sectors, which lifted overall market sentiment.
Among the leading gainers was MMC NORILSK NICKEL PJSC, which climbed 2.15% to close at 165.40, marking a 52-week high. Rostelekom PJSC also posted gains, increasing by 1.71% to 64.70, while Gazprom PJSC advanced 1.48%, ending the day at 127.60.
Conversely, certain stocks experienced declines. ROSSETI PJSC remained unchanged at 0.07, while Federal Hydro Generating Company RusHydro PJSC decreased by 1.24% to close at 0.42. Additionally, AK ALROSA PJSC saw a slight drop of 0.59%, settling at 41.91.
Market breadth on the Moscow Stock Exchange favored rising stocks, with 153 advancing against 87 that declined. Thirteen stocks finished the session without change.
The Russian Volatility Index (RVI), which tracks the implied volatility of MOEX Russia Index options, inched up by 0.83% to 25.36, suggesting a modest increase in market uncertainty.
Commodity markets also reflected bullish trends. February gold futures rose 1.35% to $4,979.89 per troy ounce. Oil prices surged, with March WTI crude gaining 3.22% to $61.27 per barrel and March Brent crude up 3.29%, trading at $66.17 per barrel.
Currency movements showed the US dollar weakening against the Russian ruble, with USD/RUB falling 0.65% to 75.50, and EUR/RUB slightly decreasing by 0.02% to 89.31. The US Dollar Index Futures declined by 0.91%, settling at 97.29.