Russia’s MOEX Russia index closed Friday at 2,154, plunging 44% on the year. The ruble-based index reflected the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and consequent sanctions by Western countries. Russia’s action triggered investor’s exodus from oil and gas companies to McDonalds. The Moscow Exchange and the Central Bank of Russia both attempted to halt the selling, including closing the stock market for one month at the end of February, banning foreign investors from “unfriendly” countries, and prohibiting short … Continue reading “Russian Stocks Plunge 44% in 2022”
Russian Stocks & Rouble Freefall as Putin Recognizes Donbas Independence
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continued to soar after Russia’s parliament appealed to Putin to formally recognize the Russian-backed separatist quasi-states Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics independence, in the Donbas region in Ukraine. Such a move Germany’s Scholz says would be a one-sided breach of Minsk format. This would torpedo the peace process and sent the MOEX Russia Index dumped as much as 14% with Rosneft (-18.3%), VTB (-17.3%) and Sberbank (-16.9%) hit. The Rouble shed over 2% on Monday. … Continue reading “Russian Stocks & Rouble Freefall as Putin Recognizes Donbas Independence”