N e w s

Russian gold currency reserves, being at the centre of attention not only of the players of the domestic currency market, but of the foreign investors, failed to reach $45 billion. On the contrary, since the change of management in Central Bank, reserves fell by $300 million, summing up to $44,4 billion on August 23, 2003. However, Sergey Ignatiev, the Head of Central Bank, mention the suggested slow down in growth of reserves by the end of financial year. But if the situation does not change, the end of the year may start in August.