Russian stock indices decline as ruble strengthens against major currencies

MOSCOW, September 21. /TASS/. The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell by 0.88% to 2,257.91 points by the close of main trading on Monday, while the dollar-denominated RTS Index dropped by 0.76% to 845.81 points. The Chinese yuan eased by 8 kopecks to end at 12.49 rubles.

"During Monday's session, the MOEX Index fluctuated primarily within the 2,250-2,280 point range. Market and geopolitical factors, combined with the domestic news backdrop, largely weighed on investor sentiment," Andrey Smirnov, a stock market expert at BCS World of Investments, said.

"Lenta shares led the gains on the Russian stock market today, rising 3.2%, likely as a correction following last week's late drop," Natalia Milchakova, Lead Analyst at Freedom Global, noted.

At the same time, Samolet Group was the biggest decliner, plummeting 6.5% due to negative domestic updates and cooling investor appetite for major real estate developers, she added.

BCS World of Investments expects the MOEX Index to trade between 2,220 and 2,320 points on Tuesday. In the short term, the US dollar could slide to 83 rubles, the euro could drop below 96 rubles, and the yuan could ease below 12.4 rubles.

According to Freedom Global, the MOEX Index will likely fluctuate within the 2,250-2,350 point range on Tuesday. The firm projects the dollar, euro, and yuan to trade at 82-84 rubles, 94.0-96.5 rubles, and 12.4-12.8 rubles, respectively.

Meanwhile, Tsifra Broker notes that the balance of risks favors further ruble strengthening toward the lower boundaries of these ranges: 12.4-12.8 rubles per Chinese yuan, 83-86 rubles per US dollar, and 96-100 rubles per euro.