The FINANCIAL -- According to RIA Novosti, Russia steelmaker Severstal reported on November 19 a net profit under International Financial Reporting Standards of $66 million in July-September 2009, compared with a $290 million loss in the second quarter.

The FINANCIAL -- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, on November 18 said it is working closely with global partners to expand the service of the SME Toolkit for small and medium enterprises.

The FINANCIAL -- Grant Thornton LLP wants to remind America that it's the perfect time to consider some holiday season tax planning strategies as 2009 winds down.

The FINANCIAL -- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has launched the Sustainable Forestry Program in Indonesia to support the creation of viable forest plantations on degraded lands, helping reduce the impact of climate change and create jobs in rural areas.

The FINANCIAL -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Nocemver 18 released public opinion polls in seven key states – Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Virginia – all of which showed voters in those states oppose current health care reform legislation, with substantial majorities saying it will increase the federal deficit and raise the cost of their health care.