OREANDA-NEWS. November 27, 2007. Natalya Orlova, Chief economist at Alfa-Bank recognized best banking analyst based on the results of the fourth ranking of stock market analysts conducted by the magazine RBK daily, the bank's press service reported. Alfa-Bank's analysts have been ranked among the top-10 in terms of the current situation in the market (A. Henkel), strategy (E. DePoi), power industry (A. Kornilov) and consumer market (B. Martin). As a whole, Alfa Bank's Research Team has been recognized one of the best in the Russian market.

The main criterion to single out potential claimants for participation in ranking was the presence of an investment company or bank on the list of top-10."Russia's major brokers by the results of the first half of the year 2007." This rating is based on MICEX and RTS trade volumes (without taking into account REPO transactions). Such an approach made it possible to assess the analysts' quality of work by direct consumers of their estimations and conclusions from the position of professional market participants.

The best analysts were singled out in 11 categories by industries. Some 30 companies were involved in ranking, with the total amount of analysts exceeding 100 people. The experts included the representatives of investment companies, i.e. those who take their own decisions, including on the basis of analytical reports and surveys. The analysts were assessed by a 3-grade scale (3 is the highest point), with the gained points being summed up and the best analyst chosen. Such an approach allows getting the external audit of the analyst?s work results, and not merely summarizing the comments of colleagues and competitors.