FITCH IBCA

, the leading European rating agency, to leave Russia’s credit rating unchanged at BB-. The Moody’s rating also runs counter to the opinion of many analysts, who have spoken recently with cautious optimism of Russia’s economy. Moody’s based its decision on what it said was Russia’s continuing vulnerability to fallout from the Asian crisis. The agency also foresees political turmoil ahead for Russia as the country prepares for parliamentary elections next year and a presidential vote in 2000.