Today in Russian Business – Aug 5, 2010

According to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, foreign direct investment into the Russian economy has already hit $21 billion for 2010.  Wheat prices have hit their highest levels in almost two years thanks to the current drought, with Russia the worst hit but stockpiles also suffering in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the EU.  This article from yesterday’s Moscow Times notes that the Kremlin’s plan to privatize companies by maintaining a controlling stake of at least 51% in the companies poised for share sales ‘isn’t really a privatization at all‘.  Fast food operator Wendy’s is poised to enter the Russian market next year.