Features
FINTECH: Businesses move beyond early learning stage of blockchain
Businesses in the US appear to be moving beyond merely learning about blockchain and are now increasingly interested in piloting projects using the technology.
Romanian pessimism holds back local capital market
Investor interest in the Romanian growth story is self-explanatory, says Bucharest Stock Exchange president Lucian Anghel. The question is: why don't Romanians like it more?
Spotlight trained on Russia for 2018 World Cup dress rehearsal
Thugs, bombs, slave labour claims, high ticket prices and wary sponsors are some of the clouds looming over Russia's big sporting year.
Russian equity wrap for May sees investors switch to consumer stocks
May saw Russia’s investors pile into abundant Eurobond issues, which doubled m/m, expanding their portfolios by 7% over the monthly average. Equity was more mixed, but retail was the big winner.
Whither the ruble in 2017?
The ruble has been very strong this year, increasing in value by about 10% by mid-May, making it one of the world's best performing currencies. But the outlook is poor and many economists expect it to weaken in the summer.
To have and have not again
Families who once owned Czech castles are still struggling to win restitution of their properties more than a quarter of a century after the collapse of communism.
Private Ukrainian gas importer ready to take the Odesa Port Plant challenge
The Black Sea fertiliser plant is billed as the jewel in the crown of Ukraine's privatisation drive but is seen as a potential giant money pit by many investors.
$5bn Moscow housing project controversy sows dissent before 2018 election
Muscovites are seething again, not about corruption or vote rigging, but over machinations much closer to home.
Romania leads the Balkan IPO race
Series of IPO announcements in Romania, Croatia and Slovenia arouse speculation about the start of a larger return of the IPO markets in the region.
Borissov's balancing act
Bulgarian prime minister plays "good cop" as he balances demands of his far-right coalition partners with EU values.
International investors cautiously optimistic on new Macedonian government
Centre-left Social Democrats preparing to form their first new government after more than a decade in opposition.