Russia rattles investors
Investors are getting nervous about Russia. Stocks slid by almost 30% to a two-year low this quarter. And the crisis in Georgia has prompted investors to pull their money out, with foreign exchange reserves sliding by $16.4bn.
Russian stocks have slid by almost 30% to a two-year low this quarter. This week, investors have been rattled further by the news that Russia has opted to recognise the independence of Georgia's two breakaway regions, signalling a further deterioration in Russia's relations with the West.
With the newly-confrontational relationship between Russia and the West set to endure, the perception of risk in Russia will stay high, forming a "negative backdrop for asset valuations", says Chris Weafer of Uralsib. Meanwhile, the Georgia crisis prompted investors to pull their money out of Russia at the fastest rate since the 1998 rouble crisis, with foreign exchange reserves sliding by $16.4bn in the week beginning 8 August.
Russia has ample foreign reserves, but with the rouble now no longer a one-way upward bet, due to the Georgia crisis, Russia may find it more difficult to control inflation through currency appreciation, says Peter Burnham in the FT. Yields on domestic rouble bonds have risen by 1.5% in a few weeks, so companies are finding it harder to raise money.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748-320-80.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
Then there's the hounding of BP and Putin's attack on Mechel, which has revived fears over property rights. Russia may be cheap, but don't count on a quick turnaround.
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
Will Labour scrap the British ISA?
While it was the brainchild of the Conservatives, the British ISA received little love and now it seems Rachel Reeves may scrap the idea altogether. What does this mean for the ISA landscape?
By Kalpana Fitzpatrick Published
-
Direct Line returns to profit but loses almost 500,000 customers - here is what it means
Direct Line posted a pre-tax profit of £61.6m for the six months to June 30, compared to losses of more than £75m a year ago - what does it mean for the insurance sector?
By Chris Newlands Published