Non-residents increase share sales to 12 bln rubles in June, but transactions do not significantly affect market - Central Bank of Russia

MOSCOW. July 9 (Interfax) - Non-residents from friendly countries sold Russian shares for 12.1 billion rubles in June, according to the Central Bank of Russia's review of financial market risks.

The Central Bank said that share sales increased compared to the previous month, without providing the exact figure for May. "The sales by non-residents were carried out outside the exchange order book and did not have a significant impact on the market," the CBR said.

The largest net sellers of Russian shares in June were non-bank financial institutions in the framework of trust management, at 22.8 billion rubles.

Retail investors remained the largest net buyers in June. They increased purchases to 27.8 billion rubles from 19.9 billion rubles in May.

The average share of individuals in trading on weekdays reached the lowest level since February 2022 - 64.5%. On weekend trading days, it decreased to 82.7%.

The Central Bank recalled that most shares on the Russian market corrected in June, with the benchmark MOEX Russia index falling 8.5% over the month to 2348 points, reaching the level of March 2023. "This occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions, declining oil quotes, a difficult situation in the fuel market, as well as the market's reassessment of the further trajectory of the key rate. The correction in the market was accompanied by increased volatility," it said.

The average daily trading on weekdays in June rose to 103 billion rubles from 66 billion rubles in May. The average over the last 12 months is 95.8 billion rubles. On some days, it increased to 150-200 billion rubles.

"With an improvement in the situation, the Russian market has significant growth potential," the CBR said.