Neptune's Geffen: If you believe in China, you have to believe in Russia

Moscow's relation with Beijing in focus

Robin Geffen, founder and chief executive at Neptune Investment Management, has said the outlook for Russia and China are inextricably linked, claiming Russia is one of the most misunderstood emerging markets due to investors judging the country on its politics rather than the fundamentals.

Speaking at Investment Week's Global Emerging Markets Conference, Geffen said too much focus had been placed on US sanctions imposed on Russia earlier this year, while many had ignored Moscow's relationship with Beijing. Last year, China became Russia's number one importer, buying $39bn of goods versus $11bn from the US, according to Geffen. Where next for investors in Russia after geopolitical tensions reach breaking point? "China is looking to improve its environmental status and to do that it needs a steady source of oil, metals and key commodities and Russia is where that comes...