19 Mar 2010 19:11

Russia stock market slips following oil prices, MICEX Stock Exchange goes down to 1,420 points

MOSCOW. March 19 (Interfax) - The Russian stock market on Friday posted losses as the MICEX Stock Exchanged declined to 1,420 points following oil prices and the U.S. dollar's gains.

Benchmark stocks on the MICEX went down by 0.86% to 1,421.09 points while the RTS Index decreased by 0.9% to 1,544.71 points.

Futures on the RTS dropped against the base asset by 14.5 points, indicating a generally negative mood among market players.

For the week, the RTS Index has increased by 0.65% and the MICEX went up 0.38%.

Common shares in Surgutneftegas soared on the MICEX by 7.6% and 8.7% on the RTS. Also posting gains was Gazprom Neft - up 3.1% on the MICEX and 3.8% on the RTS Index.

Decliners for the day were Gazprom , down 2.1%, VTB - 2.1%, Rosneft - 1.7%, Sberbank - 1.9%, Tatneft - 1.3% and Polyus Gold - 2%.