Russia ETF Falls As Kremlin Reportedly Prepares For 'Mysterious' Announcement

Market Vector Russia ETF Trust RSX was down more than 1.5 percent Friday after news came out about the Kremlin preparing a major announcement. A source in the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press service, heads of the most relevant media were asked to be ready for a possible press conference in the next few days, Vlasti.net reported.

Alexei Mukhin, Director General of the Centre for Political Information confirmed the rumor, anticipating that “something important” will happen. When prompted about Putin’s health condition, Mukhin neither confirmed confirmed or denied that Putin is currently “incapacitated.”

The Kremlin assured that Putin is in good condition. According to EuroNews, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the President said that "there is absolutely no reason for any doubts about the state of his (Putin's) health." He added, "His health is really perfect and everything is OK with him, and he's working in accordance with his traditionally overloaded working schedule."

Mukhin also tweeted two messages in relation with the issue. First: “Guys, you now need the president, come together.” A few minutes later he added: “Be brave guys - Putin moved to the next level in your game…”

A few hours earlier, Mukhin had told Pravda.Ru that Putin has no rivals inside of Russia, adding that his popularity would only grow “against the backdrop of increasing external pressure.”

Mukhin then said, “I would not go against Vladimir Putin, who said that he would make the decision later, under the influence of life circumstances. At this stage, undoubtedly, there is no alternative to Vladimir Putin.”