Friday’s trading session saw a weaker local opening supported by European and US markets later in the day, and the UX Index closed flat at 1659.5. The blue chip board was split nearly evenly between gainers and losers: Ukrtelecom (UTLM UK) and Raiffeisen Aval (BAVL UK) advanced 1.5% each, while Alchevsk Steel (ALMK UK) and Ukrnafta (UNAF UK) retreated 1.5% each.

Ukraine’s benchmark index closed out the week 0.7% lower, tracking global sentiment. Domestically, asset prices were mostly steady ahead of Sunday’s presidential run-off election – the hryvnia maintained its position at around UAH 8.06/US$ – and this week’s stock markets are set to open timidly as the focus remains on the smooth transfer of presidential power in Ukraine.