Russia's economy recovers but remains volatile

On paper, Russia is the most promising of the four 'Bric' emerging giants. But for all its positives, it remains volatile and vulnerable.

"Is Russia really a 'Bric'?" That's the question many investors are asking in light of the country's performance during the global crisis. It hasn't shown much of the resilience that these big emerging economies are supposed to offer. Growth fell further and stayed down longer than in the other three Brics, and in non-Bric heavyweights such as Indonesia.

This debate is "tired" and overdone, says Troika Dialog. There's no doubt that Russia is a Bric. Indeed, it may be the "best of them". As the "world's main storehouse of raw materials", it is the cornerstone of the emerging-market story such a resource-intensive transformation can't happen without it. It has the best education levels, the lowest debt/GDP ratio, the highest GDP per capita and the largest middle-class proportion of the total population of all four emerging giants. Its geography and climate make it the least vulnerable to global warming, while it scores far better on per-capita reserves of fresh water and cropland. All this is priced on a p/e ratio of just 7.5 times, a substantial discount to most of the emerging markets.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.