Sberbank’s profits, at $594 million, are down 85% from last year.  The central bank have cut interest rates to a record low of 9% in an attempt to stave off the destabilizing effects of speculation and slow the appreciation of the ruble.  Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Renault this week in a bid to lobby for its assistance in rescuing AvtoVAZ.  Nestle is fighting tax officials who want Rossia, its confectionary plant, to be liquidated due to its serious financial problems.