Russia’s stock market jumped in its first, limited trading session since the West unveiled punishing sanctions nearly a month ago, but the rally was overshadowed by government moves to prevent foreign investors from selling shares.
The benchmark MOEX index rose around 4%. Only 33 shares out of 50 on the index were allowed to trade in the shortened session. Russian energy giant Gazprom PJSC rose 13%, while its peer Lukoil PJSC rose 12%. Energy prices have surged since the last time they traded. Russian bank stocks were mixed despite being the target of sanctions. VTB Bank PJSC fell 5.5%. Sberbank Russia PJSC rose 3.9%.