Today’s trading in the Russian stock market began with a strong decline in prices of most blue chips on the background of negative signals from the world capital markets, as well as fears of further escalation of geopolitical tension around Ukraine. By 07:01 Moscow time, the MosBirch index fell by 4.3% to 3394.26 points; prices of most blue chips showed negative dynamics within 9%.

As of 10:00 Moscow time, the MosBirch index fell by 3.37% to 3426.95 points.

The RTS index at the same time collapsed by 4.53% to 1403.61 points.

European stock indices declined at the end of trading on Friday, following the dynamics of U.S. stock indices, falling for the second session in a row.

U.S. stock indicators declined due to the general withdrawal of investors from risks after the emergence of reports that the U.S. authorities are waiting for Russia’s imminent invasion of Ukraine.

Today, Asian stock markets are trading in the negative, except for the Australian.

Quotes of futures on U.S. indices in the morning are changing without a single dynamics.

Oil prices, which on Friday updated the highs since September 2014, continue to rise.