27 Jul 2009 11:01

Russian blue chips gain up to 3.7% at open on Mon; MICEX index up 2.3%

MOSCOW. July 27 (Interfax) - Russian stocks opened higher on Monday, with the most liquid shares gaining up to 3.7% on favorable domestic and external factors.

The MICEX index was up 2.3% to 1,050.62 points as of 10:32 a.m.

Advancers included Tatneft - up 3.7%, Lukoil - up 3.3%, Sberbank Russia - 3%, MMC Norilsk Nickel - 3%, Gazprom - up 2.8%, Rostelecom - up 2.4%, Surgutneftegas - up 2.2%, VTB - up 2.1%, Rosneft - up 2.1%, Polyus Gold - up 1.7%, Gazprom Neft - up 1.7%, and Mosenergo - up 0.7%.

Analysts said the jump at the open on Monday was the result of advances on global exchanges on Friday, positive trends in U.S. futures, gains on Asian markets on Monday and the continuing rise in oil prices, which saw Brent crude top $71 per barrel, as well as rising ruble liquidity in the banking sector.

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