Share prices continue to decline in Russia

A decline in prices of most highly liquid shares has continued on the Russian stock market today. In general, the trade has been calm. Prices of the 'blue chips' decreased by about 1% during the first minutes of the trade, but later prices of many shares surpassed the previous closing levels.

The general sentiment on the market has so far been rather negative. The uncertainty of the situation with the hostages is having a serious effect on investors' sentiment. However, one cannot rule out that possibility that speculators will be buying shares that have become cheaper today. To all appearances, the market will not be too active today, prices will be changing without a clear trend unless the situation with the hostage taking changes radically.