Market comment

Обзоры рынка 01.08.2013 Once again, Ukrainian equities offered investors some big gains and losses in trading on Wednesday, July 31. The WIG Ukraine Index of Warsaw-traded stocks dropped 1.1% despite the positive second-quarter U.S. GDP report that boosted European stocks. However on a monthly basis, the WIG Ukraine Index outperformed the strong July performance of the Stoxx Europe 600 Index – which enjoyed its largest monthly gain since October 2011 – by surging 10.7%. Sugar producer Astarta (AST PW -0.7%) delivered the Index’s top monthly results by bringing a 22.0% return for July, hitting its 22-month high on July 30. Farmer Agroton capped off July on the upswing (AGT PW +8.1%), but still lost 10.5% for the month. Grain trader Kernel (KER PW -3.1%) finished the month with a 4.4% increase. The Index’s biggest monthly decliner was Coal Energy (CLE PW +3.1%), which plummeted 19.5% in July. In London, iron ore miner Ferrexpo (FXPO LN -0.8%) thrived in July, with its stock price surging 27.0%. Another big advancer was JKX Oil & Gas (JKX LN +1.6%), which improved 11.9% for the month. Serinus Energy (SEN PW) jumped 11.7% on July 31 after reporting that it found oil deposits while drilling. The Ukrainian Exchange (UX) Index of Kyiv-traded stocks was unchanged, finishing the month at a 2.7% improvement. Its biggest mover was Unicredit’s Ukrsotsbank (USCB UK -3.0%), which has lost 5.9% in four straight declining sessions. On the other hand, power generator Donbasenergo (DOEN UK +1.8%) has advanced 9.8% in seven straight winning sessions. The stock surged 15.8% during the month, tying its 13-month high yesterday that was reached on July 12.