Russian shares open morning trading with modest gains

Russian shares rose at the start of morning trading on October 21. The MOEX Russia Index and the RTS Index were each up 0.2% at 07:01 Moscow time, according to Interfax.

The MOEX Russia Index reached 2,474.75 points, while the RTS Index stood at 940.57 points. Most Russian blue chips traded higher, with price moves within 1.5%, the agency reported.

Oil prices also advanced. Interfax put December Brent futures at $110.53 a barrel at 07:01 Moscow time, up 1.6%. December WTI contracts gained 1.57% to $99.36 a barrel.