Russia’s straddling of the investment grade and high-yield ratings is an illustration of the contradictions within the country. Ben Aris reports that its macroeconomic success story is not yet fully supported by the political foundations it requires.

Russia’s bond market got off to a magnificent start in January with Gazprom’s record-breaking issue and it looks set to continue in a similar vein. Ben Aris asks if anything can hold it back.

The rise of the rouble against the dollar and falling bond yields have encouraged some banks to issue Eurobonds for the first time. Ben Aris reports.

Is Russia’s aim of doubling its economy by 2010 through special economic zones realistic? Ben Aris reports.

Ben Aris spoke to the Russian bank’s CEO about the rationale behind the deal and the outlook for Russia.

Having ignored his banking interests in favour of oil and metals, one
of Russia’s oligarchs has now discovered the cash cow that is retail
banking. Ben Aris writes.
Vladimir Potanin ignored his bank until a few months ago. One of
Russia’s classic seven oligarchs that came to the fore in the 1990s and
the owner of Interros industrial group, he was concentrating on
developing his core metallurgical companies such as Norilsk Nickel.

Funds are rushing to get a slice of Russia’s property pie before the limited supply of top quality buildings dries up. Ben Aris reports.
The leading Russian Trading System index sailed through its all time
high of 571 on October 9 to 637.77. With Russia’s blue chips already
trading at fair value, investors are looking for news ways to get some
exposure to Russia’s ballistic growth. They are turning to real
estate’s high returns and low risk and last month saw the first ever
institutional investment into real estate by a dedicated real estate
fund.

Mortgage deals are pushing demand for mid-priced residential property through the roof. By Ben Aris.

Ben Aris considers the Russian government’s latest move to end the country’s dependence on oil revenue.