RUSSIAN SECURITY MARKET SURVIVED AND BEGINS TO BOOST.

The Russian securities market has not only survived economic crisis, it_s begun to develop - fast, reports The Wall Street Journal. "After the most dreadful forecasts in respect to the future of Russia, affected by the August 98 financial collapse, had proved to be false, the markets of this country began to show signs of life," the Journal says. "The total sales volume at Moscow stock exchanges already reaches $50 million. And though the Russian securities market remains insignificant in comparison with Europe_s, statistically it is still among the most profitable world markets." The main source of optimism, according to the Journal, is the fact "Russia has survived." "The government did not return to a totalitarian economy; there is no sign of nationalization; and the IMF seems to be ready to provide the first tranche of the promised $4.5 billion credit," the newspaper says.