Russian anxieties spark capital flight

Investors in Russia are pulling billions of dollars out of the country. In the last few months, an estimated $30bn has left the country.

Russia is one of the few places in the world where foreign investors can buy into the country’s massive oil, gas and natural-resources wealth. But the outflow of money is happening even despite oil prices remaining high.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, the country went through a series of social, economic and political upheavals that today are largely under control.

But Russians fear that a sudden shift of power could upset the balance. Investors are concerned about who will lead the country next year.

The race is expected to be between the country’s two most powerful men.

President Dmitry Medvedev wants to see his plans for a modern economy through to the end. Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, is seen by many as offering stability.

Al Jazeera’s Neave Barker, in this report from Moscow, asks who investors would prefer and whether there is really much difference at all.