Tue Feb 25 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Moscow Exchange Index Starts Week Flat Amidst Sanctions and Commodity Price Dip

**Moscow, Russia** – The Moscow Exchange Index (MOEX) opened the week with little movement, hovering around the 3300-point mark, according to Alexander Shepelev, a stock market expert at BCS World of Investments. While sanctions-related news and a slight dip in commodity prices exerted downward pressure, the lack of significant geopolitical developments and anticipation of further negotiations kept the market relatively stable. The ruble, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate strength.

Global markets also showed minimal activity. Eurozone inflation, as predicted, reached 2.5% year-on-year in January, its highest since July 2024. Tomorrow’s economic calendar includes the release of Germany’s Q4 2024 GDP estimate and the US February Consumer Confidence Index.

In Russia, Henderson will hold an investor day on Tuesday, unveiling its January operational figures. The Central Bank will also publish banking sector data. Technically, the MOEX remains overbought, a condition analysts believe should be corrected for further growth, though the upward trend persists. The forecast for February 25th is a range of 3210-3360 points.

The ruble’s intraday volatility remains high. The yuan traded between 11.97 and 12.18 rubles today, while the official dollar rate was slightly raised to 88.20 rubles for tomorrow. Factors supporting the ruble include the tax period, geopolitical hopes, tight monetary policy, and currency sales under the budget rule. However, increasing import demand after a seasonal slowdown could exert downward pressure. The ruble is expected to remain relatively strong this week due to upcoming peak tax payments. Tuesday’s forecasts predict the yuan will trade between 11.9 and 12.3 rubles, and the dollar between 87 and 90 rubles.

*Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual investment advice.*

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