MOEX Russia closes 6 points higher as sanctions delay lifts stocks
Published on 10/19/2026 at 22:59 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSRates and geopolitical cues
- MOEX Russia closed at 2,432 points, up 6 points or 0.2 percent on October 19, 2026.
- Brent traded at USD 109 per barrel as delayed sanctions supported Russian shares.
- Positive Group led gainers with a 3.6 percent rise.
- Bank of Russia rate decision is due October 23 at 1:30 p.m. MSK, with 14 percent expected.
MOEX Russia closed at 2,432 points on October 19, 2026, up 6 points or 0.2 percent, as delayed US sanctions supported Russian shares. Finversia reported that the index had reached 2,465 points during the session before giving back most of its advance.
Positive Group rose 3.6 percent to lead the most liquid stocks, while VK fell 2.7 percent. Finversia attributed the broader move to expectations for softer sanctions and possible Russian diesel exports.
Why did MOEX Russia give back its early gain?
Trading opened strongly after reports that the United States had delayed new sanctions on Russia. Expectations of expanded Russian gas purchases by Europe also supported oil and gas shares. The market later surrendered much of its advance as Brent declined and the ruble strengthened, Finam reported.
Brent traded near USD 109 per barrel, while the yuan traded near 12.4 rubles. The index therefore ended only modestly higher despite its intraday peak.
MOEX Russia winners and losers
Movers at the October 19 close came from the same session as the index, with values compiled by Finversia:
- Positive Group up 3.6 percent
- Rusal up 2.7 percent
- PhosAgro up 2.5 percent
- VK down 2.7 percent
- Tatneft down 1.3 percent
- Yandex down 1.1 percent
Oil and sanctions shape the market backdrop
Russian stocks also tracked the energy market. Morningstar reported that oil prices fell as traders assessed a US waiver affecting new Russia sanctions against continuing Middle East supply risks.
What comes next for MOEX Russia
- October 23, 2026, 1:30 p.m. MSK: Bank of Russia rate decision; analysts expect the key rate to remain at 14 percent, RBC reported.
MOEX Russia price data for October 19, 2026
MOEX Russia closed at 2,432 points on October 19, 2026, up 6 points or 0.2 percent from the previous close, TASS via Fomag reported. The previous close was 2,426 points. The index reached 2,465 points during the session.
MOEX Russia by the numbers on October 19, 2026
- Index: MOEX Russia
- Home exchange: Moscow Exchange, Russia
- Close on October 19, 2026: 2,432 points
- Change versus previous close of October 16, 2026: up 6 points (up 0.2 percent)
- Previous close: 2,426 points
- Day high: 2,465 points
- Top gainer: Positive Group up 3.6 percent
- Top loser: VK down 2.7 percent
- Next scheduled event: October 23, 2026, 1:30 p.m. MSK: Bank of Russia rate decision
