OREANDA-NEWS. August 20, 2008. Russia's finance ministry plans to invest up to 40% of the National Welfare Fund (NWF) in corporate securities, Alexey Kudrin said.

The percentage of each issuer in the aggregate portfolio is expected to be limited to 5%, which will make the portfolio more protected. At the initial phase, NWF funds will be invested in the instruments of foreign issuers and in several years in those of domestic companies.

The minister noted that the Russian stock index is highly dependent on crude prices and, as shown in recent weeks, political risks. A special state agency will manage NWF investments in corporate instruments.

The finance ministry is going to prepare relevant proposals for the state agency's establishment and the required statutory documents by October 1, 2008.