Russian equities closed higher on Friday, boosted by strong performances in the oil and gas, metals and mining, and electric utilities sectors.
The MOEX Russia Index climbed 1.50% by the end of trading in Moscow.
VK Company led the gainers, rising 5.56% to close at 305.60. OK Rusal added 3.97% to end at 34.15, and NOVATEK rose 3.87% to 1,198.40.
On the downside, very few stocks fell. Moskovskiy Kreditnyi Bank was essentially unchanged at 6.34. GDR ROS AGRO remained flat at 1,083.80, and Surgutneftegas Pref rose slightly by 0.49% to 40.80.
Broad market participation favored rising stocks, with 193 advancing, 49 declining, and 9 unchanged. AGRODR stayed at its 52-week low.
Volatility was low. The Russian Volatility Index, RVI, fell 4.44% to 26.24, marking a 52-week low.
In commodities, gold futures for February delivery rose 1.27% to $4,559.95 per ounce. Oil prices fell, with US crude down 2.42% to $56.94 per barrel and Brent crude dropping 2.19% to $60.88.
In currency markets, the ruble strengthened against major currencies. USD/RUB fell 0.56% to 77.56, while EUR/RUB declined 0.60% to 91.31. The US Dollar Index futures edged up 0.01% to 97.70.
Overall, it was a strong session for Russian stocks, with energy and metals sectors driving gains despite lower oil prices.
