Gemmy Charoite from Russia

A large polished specimen of Purple Charoite

IMF warns Russia of reform or recession

IMF warns Russia of reform or recession
( FT ) — Russia has dashed hopes that the 2008-2009 economic crisis would spur needed economic reforms aimed at modernising the economy, a mission from the International Monetary Fund has concluded.
Read more on CNN

Russia Companies Lift Debt, Stock Financing to 71%

Russia Companies Lift Debt, Stock Financing to 71%
Russian companies from Nomos Bank to OAO Mobile TeleSystems are depending more on debt and equity markets for financing than at any time since 1999 as overseas banks pare back loans to all but the safest borrowers.
Read more on BusinessWeek