MOSCOW, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Russia's stock market benchmark rose by 8.34 percent in early trading Thursday following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, local media reported.
As of 7:10 a.m. local time (0410 GMT), the MOEX Russia Index (IMOEX2) has risen to 3,277.85 points, according to RIA Novosti. The index, which tracks Russia's leading stocks, surpassed the 3,200-point threshold on Wednesday evening and continued to climb in early Thursday trading.
The Kremlin said on Wednesday that the two leaders discussed Ukraine and a peaceful settlement to the conflict. Putin and Trump agreed to maintain direct contact, including the possibility of a personal meeting, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. ■
