Russian Equities: Gazprom Neft, Sistema, Veropharm Are Active

The 30-stock Micex Index (INDEXCF) advanced 0.5 percent to 1,504.92 by the 6:45 p.m. close in Moscow, erasing an earlier loss of as much as 1 percent. The dollar- denominated RTS Index fell 0.1 percent to 1,570.38.

The following were among the most active stocks in the Russian market today. Stock symbols are in parenthesis.

OAO Gazprom Neft (SIBN RX), the oil-producing unit of Russia’s gas export monopoly, fell for the second day, losing 0.5 percent to 125.77 rubles. Crude for October delivery declined $2 to $88.21 a barrel in New York on concern the European debt crisis will temper fuel demand.

AFK Sistema (AFKC RX) rose to its highest level in four weeks, adding 2.5 percent to 26.55 rubles after more than doubling second-quarter profit from a year earlier on increased earnings at its oil unit.

OAO Veropharm (VFRM RX) climbed for the second day, increasing 1.7 percent to 961.9 rubles after the Russian pharmaceuticals company said profit for the first half of this year jumped 21 percent to 881 million rubles ($29 million).

To contact the reporter on this story: Jason Corcoran at Jcorcoran13@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Gavin Serkin at gserkin@bloomberg.net