Micex Drops Led by Gazprom as Ukraine Peace-Deal Optimism Wavers

The Micex Index fell for a second day, led by OAO Gazprom, as the threat of U.S. sanctions on Russian industries including energy and technology increased as violence marred a cease-fire in Ukraine.

The equity gauge lost 0.6 percent to 1,473.18 by the close in Moscow after falling 2.4 percent yesterday. Gazprom, Russia’s biggest gas exporter, retreated 1.2 percent, trimming this month’s increase to 4.1 percent. OAO Lukoil fell 0.4 percent as Russian energy shares lost 0.7 percent on average.