The lack of investment reciprocity between Europe and Russia, especially in energy assets, is beginning to raise some concerns among officials – especially considering that the president-to-be recently called upon the business sector to go on aggressive spending sprees abroad. Now all eyes are on Russia’s modest brand new sovereign wealth fund, fueled by $32 [...]

It might be a good idea to copy the Chinese example of buying up everything that’s not stapled down abroad, says Russian presidential hopeful president elect Dmitri Medvedev.  The FT is reporting that Medvedev is pushing for this foreign acquisition spending spree because “This will allow us to re-tool Russian enterprises with technology, boost their [...]

Analysts praising Russia’s strong performance “ignore the fact that Russia’s inflation demons are rearing their ugly heads and showing every sign of getting worse.” Oligarchs Vladimir Potanin and Mikhail Prokhorov, previously joint owners of Norilsk Nickel, are parting ways in a saga being dubbed as “the divorce of the century”. The Russian entrepreneur Alexander Mamut [...]

Chancellor Angela Merkel is one of the more remarkable leaders in Europe today for her demonstrated willingness to stand by principles in foreign policy. Surrounded by cowardice in the SPD, who lambaste her for having invited the Dalai Lama to Germany, led by Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is one call away from carrying out the orders [...]