The Bank of Russia unexpectedly maintained its key interest rate at a record-high 21% , defying analysts’ expectations of another significant hike as inflation remains stubbornly elevated. The decision marks a shift toward a more measured approach in balancing economic growth and price stability. Key Details Inflation Concerns: Annual inflation climbed to 8.9% in November, well above the central bank’s 4% target , with inflation expectations reaching 13.9% in December. Policy Rationale: The central bank cited the significant tightening of monetary conditions after October’s 200-basis point hike as sufficient to resume disinflationary processes. Governor Elvira Nabiullina emphasized avoiding both economic overheating and severe slowdowns. Economic Overheating: Elevated government spending on the war in Ukraine and social programs, coupled with labor shortages and rising wages, have fueled strong domestic demand, exacerbating price pressures...
The Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has tabled the 2010 Budget last Friday evening with the theme "1Malaysia, Together We Prosper" totalling about RM191.5B. The summary of the 2010 1Malaysia Budget is here . So, what does it really have in store for most us? From the summary of the 2010 Malaysia Budget , it looks like there are few points for us, me at least. To ensure that fuel subsidies only benefit targeted groups, Govt will implement a fuel subsidy management system in early 2010, which will utilise the MyKad. I'm not sure how the government going to implement this, but if government is to implement this, why not give the allocated budget for fuel subsidy to everyone fair and square. If they plan to allocate RM1B for the fuel subsidy, might as well, divide the RM1B to the number of citizens in Malaysia so that everyone is getting the same amount fair and square. By implementing the fuel subsidy using MyKad, the poor will be badly affected. With thi...