23 Nov 2009 11:38

Russia stocks open higher; MICEX index rises 1.6% to 1,355 pts

MOSCOW. Nov 23 (Interfax) - Russia stocks followed Asian markets and U.S. futures higher on Monday.

The MICEX index was up 1.61% to 1,355.69 points as of 10:31 a.m. and the RTS index rose 1.97% to 1,464.78 points.

Polyus Gold led the market, gaining 2.7% in the first minute. Other advancers included Gazprom - up 1.5%, VTB - up 1.9%, Lukoil - up 2%, MMC Norilsk Nickel - up 2%, Rostelecom - up 0.3%, Rosneft - up 1.9%, Gazprom Neft - up 1.2%, Surgutneftegas - up 1.8%, Tatneft - up 2.5% and Sberbank Russia - up 1.9%.

RTS$#&: GAZP, GMKN, LKOH, PLZL, ROSN, RTKM, SBER, SIBN, SNGS, TATN, VTBR