Rubles to Dollars: Making Money on Russia's Exploding Financial Frontier

by Alexander Elder

Combining an insider's knowledge with his unique Wall Street perspective, Elder provides a road map to Russia's exciting new investment frontier. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735200629
• ISBN13: 9780735200623
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Prentice Hall Press
• Length: 273 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The Real Deal on Russian Life

Dr. Elder's book, "Rubles to Dollars", was presented to me before my first trip to Russia four years ago. I was skeptical about reading it because it was supposed to be about the economy and financial markets. Not being a "finance person" I figured the book would be a bit on the dull side; consequently, I let it sit on the shelf for four years. During my summer break from the university, where I presently teach in Petrozavodsk, Russia, I decided to pick up the book again. I read it critically cover to cover and was actually quite impressed. About the first three fourths of the book are all his insights into what doing business in Russia is like today and how Russia's history has shaped this misunderstood topic. The historical analysis and his observations on Russian psychology are dead on. The chapters that deal with the transition from the Soviet Era and present day Russian attitudes to the government and crime are particularly accurate and enriching. The only problem with the book is its last few chapters on financial advice. The problem arises because the book went to print right before the 1998 currency collapse, which changed the whole country. However, in the last four years, by all appearances, Russia is back to where Dr. Elder was writing about before the collapse. In the book he acknowledges this timeliness of the financial information and how his advise could be obsolete by the time the reader gets the book, but, all in all, I agree with his insight and predictions for Russia's future. Even if the specific financial advice is dated the overall theme is still acurate and his insights, though mostly about Moscow, would give you an idea about what it means to live in Russia on a daily basis. I haven't read a book that better explains what modern Russian life is like and I would look forward to a new addition to see to Dr. Elder has to say about Russia's financial situation today.

Unique View of an Emerging Giant

Dr. Elder has done it again. Just as he did in Trading for a Living he has taken a complex subject and made it amazingly clear. This however, is not a book for beginning traders. Because of his unique background as both Russian and American Dr. Elder is able to dig out information about the Russian economy and political situation that few others could. He paints, with a fine brush, an incredible picture of a sleeping giant in the process of awakening. The picture isn't always rosey and he let's us know the inherent dangers associated with the political instability and the role the crimminal element plays in the financial markets and business world. The opportunities are not sugar coated and yet are presented with such clarity that a shrewd investor has enough detailed information to allow him get right in and start making money. Long term investors with deep pockets have a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only line their own pockets but, to help a hard working and well educated people. If you want to really get to know the Russian people this is your book. Our politicians would do well to read this book and take notes. Once I began reading this book I couldn't put it down.

Opportunity in Russia

Alexander Elder,a New York-based, Russian immigrant provides a fascinating view of one of the most extraordinary developments of the late 20th century. The emergence of capitalism and democracy in Russian will be one of history's great chapters, full of stories about fortunes won and lost by intelligent investors. Elders' book captures all the hope and potential as well as the difficulties of the Russian people as they struggle with new ways of doing things and new ways of living. Written in clear, easy style, the book takes you through Russia's new economic structure; markets, stock offerings, investment options, etc. Additionally, since Elder is a pyschiatrist as well as investor, the book is full of insight into the Russian personality and the emerging struggle for economic stability.This book is fascinating for those with a global perspective, for those interested in developing countries, or for those interested in finding the next remarkable investment opportunity.

An unequivocal and intriguing view of Russia.

Dr. Elder provides a different view of Russia from what you see in the newspapers. He helped me recognize that a nation with tremendous natural and human wealth has awoken from centuries of authoritarianism and is moving towards a freedom-fueled boom. Elder is persuasive in showing that Russia's current troubles are no different from growing pains experienced by other nations changing their course, such as the US after the Revolution or Singapore after WWII. My understanding of Russia has grown and my view of it has changed after reading this book.