Russian stock market opens higher - 17 December, 2002

The Russian stock market started with a growth in the majority of shares. Share prices of Russian oil companies have increased by 1-1.3 percent amid a sharp advance in world oil prices.

Information about an advance in US and European stock indices has also influenced positively the Russian stock market.

Experts do not rule out the possibility that the RTS index may try again to go above the 340-point level.