Investors' average confidence in Russia has more than halved since last year, according a poll released Tuesday by Detail Communications, a Moscow-based financial communications firm.
Detail Communications saw investor confidence falling from 56 percent last year to 25 percent in January.
The top concern over investing in Russia was "political risk", with 38 percent of investors highlighting it as a concern. Factors such as "geopolitical tension" (35 percent) and "rule of law" (27 percent) were also major concerns for investors.
The low level of investor confidence follows numerous gloomy data regarding Russia's economy. The ruble has lost almost half its value against the U.S. dollar since July, while many analysts expect Russia's economy to contract by 4-5 percent in 2015.
The poll also found that less than a third of investors believe Russia's economy will grow anytime before 2017, with 19 percent believing Russia's economic stagnation will continue until at least 2019.
Despite the oil price plunging in 2014, 38 percent of respondents cited oil and gas as the most attractive industry for investors. The poll noted that, as these companies have mostly ruble expenses but make their profit in dollars, they are "least likely to default and offer good dividends."
Poll respondents said the best way to make Russia more attractive to investors was through "economic reforms/diversification" (46 percent) and "establishing the rule of law" (38 percent), with "peace in Ukraine" and "tackling corruption" in equal third at 27 percent. "Sanctions lift" was sixth, with 15 percent.
Detail Communications reached it conclusions by surveying 26 managers and analysts from prominent investment banks, hedge funds and asset management firms with past or present experience investing in Russia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
