Today in Russian Business – March 31, 2010

Watch a video of Hermitage Capital chief executive William Browder discussing investment conditions in Russia. Evraz Group reported a net loss of $1.26 billion last year on the back of falling steel output prices.  Perhaps the news that global steel prices will jump by up to a third following changes to the price system will provide some relief in the sector.  VTB’s management is recommending that it channel a quarter of its $782 million net profit into shareholder dividends, despite its recorded $2 billion loss for 2009, although the bank anticipates a return to profit early this year.  Renaissance Capital, which already has African operations, could buy brokerages in five or six African countries, predicting that it will be the fastest-growing continent over the next two decades.