The RTS dollar index slipped below 1,100 points, marking its first drop below that level since February 28, 2024, a trend confirmed by the latest trade data.
The index dropped to 1,098 points, down 1.34 percent from Friday’s close. By 12:20 local time, the decline eased slightly, placing the level at 1,098.8 points.
The Moscow Stock Exchange Index (IMOEX) eased 0.68 percent to 3,251.22 points as of 10:00 Moscow time. This level had not been seen since March 1. By 12:15 Moscow time, IMOEX traded at 3,242.41 points, down 0.95 percent for the session.
Analysts note that the real weakness appeared during the late Friday session. If the Moscow Exchange finished the main session down 0.4 percent, IMOEX fell about 1.3 percent. The current gap between the benchmark and its constituent securities highlights this divergence. In practical terms, even as IMOEX trends lower, it remains above the roughly 3,243 point mark that closed Friday’s trading week.
Alongside the main indices, market watchers warn of a potential adjustment in the ruble within the coming week.
Observations indicate the ruble has shed only modest value against the dollar since the morning session, reflecting not only panic but also a clear bear sentiment. There is speculation that the ruble may weaken further during the week as tax period peaks, though a sharp, rapid decline is not expected.
Earlier notes indicated continued plans for construction activity within Russia, underscoring a broader context for investment sentiment and infrastructure development in the region.