Russian stock market ends week with main indices up

Russian stock market ends week with main indices up The yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 1 kopeck to 12.33 rublesMOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. Russia’s stock market closed in the green on Friday as the ruble-denominated MOEX Index added 0.63% to 2,134.97 points, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index gained 1.16% to 811.09 points. The yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 1 kopeck to 12.33 rubles. "The MOEX Index fluctuated within the 2,100-2,150-point range with mixed results. On one hand, buying activity may have been dampened by geopolitical uncertainty, the ruble’s tendency to strengthen, renewed fuel supply issues in certain regions, and the approaching weekend. On the other hand, oil prices neared $94, and prices for non-ferrous and precious metals rose briskly," said Andrey Smirnov, stock market analyst at BCS World of Investment. BCS World of Investment believes next week the MOEX Index will continue its struggle to consolidate above the 2,100-point mark and, should favorable drivers emerge, could quickly rise above 2,200 points. Analysts estimate that over the coming week, the dollar could fall to the 81.5-82.5-ruble range, while the yuan could drop to 12.1 rubles. According to Freedom Global, the MOEX Index will move within the 2,120-2,220-point range on Monday. Forecasts for the dollar, euro, and yuan exchange rates stand at 82-84 rubles, 95-97 rubles, and 12.4-12.8 rubles, respectively. Favorable trends in commodity markets could support a recovery of the MOEX Index toward the 2,150-point level provided there are no negative surprises, Tsifra Broker noted. In the currency market, the ruble may continue to strengthen toward the lower ends of the 12.2-12.6 rubles per yuan, 82-85 rubles per dollar, and 95-98 rubles per euro ranges. 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