Latest articles from Russia

Central reservations

June 6, 2005

During the Russian Economic Forum, in April, deputy head of the Central Bank of Russia, Alexei Ulyukayev, who is in charge of Russia’s monetary policy, spoke to The Banker about the bank’s strategy.
Q Will the CBR target inflation as well as the exchange rate this year?
A The CBR has never publicly said it would target the exchange rates.

High-yield temptation

May 2, 2005

Russia’s ratings upgrade has caused a surge of interest in corporate Eurobonds from investors hungry for yield. Ben Aris reports on activity in the country’s bond markets.
In the offices of Moscow City State Debt Committee, the body that organises all of the Russian capital’s debt issues, outsized cheques for hundreds of millions of dollars and euros hang on the wall – money that chairman Sergei Pakhomov has raised for the city.

Russians take the plunge

May 2, 2005

There has been an explosive rise in company flotations in Russia and plans are afoot to reform the market infrastructure to make IPOs easier. Ben Aris reports.

Competition drives M&A

May 2, 2005

Competition is the main reason for Russian companies to buy others and realising value is the main reason to sell.Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Intesa to buy 75% stake in Russian SME lender

May 2, 2005

Banca Intesa, Italy’s largest bank, has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Russia’s Small Business Credit Bank (KMB), a leading provider of lending and leasing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Hansabank seals Russian deal

April 4, 2005

Hansabank Group has announced the successful completion of the acquisition of the Moscow-based Kvest bank.

Russia’s good news hidden by hysteria

April 4, 2005

Alarmist predictions, while unfounded, present opportunities for investors, says William Browder.

A better footing for the markets

March 7, 2005

Russia’s investment rating upgrade is good news for the bond market as Vladimir Putin faces the first real opposition to his government since his election to the presidency five years ago. Ben Aris reports.

All in the timing

March 7, 2005

A plentiful source of finance for Russian corporates with access to Western capital, syndicated loans are emerging as a domestic funding option.

Bonds prove irresistible

March 7, 2005

Russia’s bond market has been quiet after last year’s banking scare. But it looks set to take off again with a bang, as Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

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