Russian equities diverge as MOEX slips while RTS gains on ruble weakness

Russian equity markets closed with mixed signals on Friday, as currency dynamics drove a divergence between the country's two main benchmarks.

The ruble-denominated MOEX Index fell 0.59% to finish at 2,242.84 points, weighed down by a weaker domestic currency.

32% to close at 914.9 points, benefiting from the ruble's slide against the greenback.

In contrast, the dollar-denominated RTS Index rose 0.32% to close at 914.9 points, benefiting from the ruble's slide against the greenback.

The split performance highlights the ongoing sensitivity of Russian equities to exchange rate fluctuations.

While the RTS index gained ground, the move represents a pullback from the sharp rally seen earlier in the week.

On Monday, the MOEX Index had surged 2.84% to 2,350.43 points, and the RTS Index climbed 1.92% to 952.28 points, driven by broad-based buying interest.