Since declining by nearly 75% in 2008, Russia has shown a quick turnaround in 2009. Lingering problems, however, still impede the recovery of the country’s economy and related exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Russia’s GDP is expected contract 7.5% this year, and the government is forecasting 2% growth in 2010 while many independent economists are estimating growth of as much as 5% next year, reports Jason Bush for Forbes. (Stumbling blocks for Russia’s growth).
Russia’s economy grew 0.6% in the third quarter from the previous three months, but GDP was 9.4% lower than last year’s levels, writes Nataliya Vasilyeva for BusinessWeek. The Economic Development Ministry stated that the improvements were attributed to less capital outflow and to companies replenishing stocks.
Manufacturing and agriculture have been the main industry drivers, with agricultural activity increasing by 10% and industrial production increasing by 5.1%. Retail sales diminished 9.9% on the year in September. (Four things going for Russia).