As many frequent readers of the Russian media would attest, retrieving accurate data pertaining to any sensitive topic can prove difficult.  It is thus reassuring to see that Russia has agreed to hold its census next year, at a cost of 10.5 billion rubles, after initial hesitation due to apparent lack of funds.  Indeed, this commentator suggests that whilst the census may go ahead, it will be 'less comprehensive and less accurate' than many would wish.  Murray Feshbach at RFE/RL argues that a census would allow the country to seriously tackle the issues of demographic decline, its manifest HIV and TB problems, and form policies on how to accommodate its ethnic and religious minorities.  Feshbach suggests census-phobia is ...

This post provides links to some thought-provoking articles I have read over the past few days that you may also find of interest.

• Anne Kates Smith (Kiplinger): Why three bears turned bullish, June 2009. Veteran analysts tell why they think stocks are heading up.

• John Hussman (Hussman Funds): The destructive implications of the bailout - understanding equilibrium, May 18, 2009. In order to understand the impact of these interventions, you have to think in terms of equilibrium - recognizing that all securities that are issued must also be held by someone - and then follow the money.

• Robert Shiller (Project Syndicate): Story time for the economy, May 16, 2009. Starting an economic recovery is like launching a new movie: nobody knows how people will react to it until people actually get to see it and

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