Today in Russian Business – Dec 6, 2011

Reuters considers how, in order to re-gain public support following UR’s disappointing election results, Vladimir Putin may increase public spending, though in the long-term this could pose a risk to macroeconomic stability.  Ivan Mazalov, director at Prosperity Capital Management, discusses the outlook for investing in Russia on Bloomberg and sees a ‘pragmatic approach’ return next year.  Despite the dent to its majority, UR will still be able to push through economic reforms, says one analyst quoted by the Moscow Times, and given the manifestation of public dissatisfaction, there is a much greater inventive to do so.  It looks like despite the downturn, Russian purchase power remains almost intact, promising high spending over Christmas and the New Year.  Bloomberg reports that Russia may offer tax breaks for long- term venture investors who buy into shares of so-called innovation companies.  Russia’s economy could grow 4.5% this year, says acting Finance Minister Anton Siluano.